watch
Richard Branson
Fri 2nd Jan - 6:00AM


Richard Branson biography
Richard Branson history
Richard Branson facts
Richard Branson video clips
Richard Branson photos
Richard Branson story
Richard Branson discography
Richard Branson photographs
Richard Branson bio
Richard Branson info
Richard Branson curious
Richard Branson images
Richard Branson quotes
Richard Branson films
Richard Branson filmography

[h3]This flamboyant British entrepreneur with a seemingly insatiable appetite for starting new businesses is the son of a lawyer and an airline stewardess.[/h3]

He was educated at the exclusive Stowe School but did not excel, possibly due to his nearsightedness and dyslexia. In his teens he developed a national magazine, Student at the Age of Sixteen. At seventeen he began a student advisory service.

After leaving school, Branson entered the music industry. Considering that he could sell records cheaper than the exisitng average, he started a mail-order catalogue with friends. It was a success, and they opened a record discount shop. They named the business Virgin, because it was their first venture.

Virgin records was formed in 1972. The first recording studio was built in Oxfordshire, England. Mike Oldfield recorded the very first album, and it sold over five million copies. When punk came along, Virgin signed the outrageous [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/1363:0/CLASSIC_ALBUMS_Sex_Pistols_-_Never_Mind_The_Bollocks_.htm]Sex Pistols [/urlnew]when other record companies refused to touch them. The move turned out to be a marketing coup.

Virgin Airlines is one of Richard Branson's main businesses. Formed in 1984, it is part owned by Singapore Airlines, and it is the second largest British long haul international airline, and has won many awards.

To keep his airline afloat, Branson sold the Virgin music label to EMI in 1992, a more conservative company which previously had rescinded a contract with the Sex Pistols. Branson apparently wept when the sale was completed since the record business had been the genesis of his Virgin Empire.

In 1994, Sir Richard made a bid to run the National Lottery, promising to give all the profits to charity, and lost. He failed with a second bid five years later.

In 1997, Branson took over some of Britain’s aging railway network, under the title Virgin Rail. Despite the introduction of new trains, the network is still dogged by delays and service interruptions. More recently Branson has founded a mobile phone network, an internet company, and a Cola, unsurprisingly titled Virgin Cola.

In 2006, Branson sold his Virgin Mobile company to telecoms company NTL:Telewest for £1 billion. As part of the sale, the company pays a minimum of £8.5 million per year to use the Virgin name and Branson became the company's largest shareholder. The new company was launched with much fanfare in February 2007, under the name Virgin Media.

Branson is also well known for his personal adventures. In 1987 Branson crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the "Virgin Atlantic Flyer", which was the first and largest hot air balloon to cross the ocean. Branson now plans to circle the world in his hot air balloon, and has made several unsuccessful attempts.

Richard Branson received a knighthood in 1999. He is married to Joan and has two children, Holly and Sam.
Richard Branson biography




Richard Branson biography




Richard Branson biography




Still Sexy..?
We've all succumbed to the allure of someone about a decade wiser than ourselves at some point, but usually the fascination wears off with the years. This weekend though BIO celebrates distinguished men who despite silvering hair and deeper wrinkles still manage to pull off that undeniable attraction...
Mind the Gap
It's an undeniable fact that Harrison Ford has been an object of affection for teen girls the world over - but if you don't mind the gap, how to nab the older man? Elli Lewis takes Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones as a case study where age is no barrier to love.
Celebrity Fight Club
From Dumbledore vs Gandalf to Bruce Lee flattening Jackie Chan teamed with Jet Li, BIO draws up a list of the ultimate on-screen clashes that we all secretly wish had happened.
'Changeling': Fact behind the Fiction
‘Changeling’, Clint Eastwood’s latest effort starring Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich, is based on the sad tale of Christine Collins, a woman whose son was murdered and replaced by another child in a horrific case of LAPD corruption. In this special feature, we will investigate how closely Eastwood stayed to the true story.
Leonardo DiCaprio: Beauty and the Bored
Upon seeing Sienna Miller or Liz Hurley pouting seductively on endless magazine covers, airbrushed within an inch of still being classified as human, one can’t help but wonder whether Darwin could see this one coming. It seems that the evolution of mankind has led to world where beauty can get you on a first class trip to the top whereas brains are the ticket to a desk job.
'Choke' Film Review
Adapted from another story by Chuck Palahniuk, writer of the sublime 'Fight Club', 'Choke' sadly fails to measure up, stripping away the darker themes which characterise Palahniuk's work.
'Changeling' Film Review
The latest offering from the Eastwood/Jolie dream team could have benefited from more focus, but it is a heart-rending and emotional tale with stunning performances from the whole cast.
The Brit Pack
On the search for what makes a very British movie, Mike Edwards looks at the actors, directors and genres which have defined British cinematic identity, and in turn, shaped the identity of the British people.
The Biography Channel HD
The Biography Channel is excited to announce the launch of High Definition viewing.
From Callahan to Bourne: The men who took on James Bond
With the release of 'Quantum of Solace' exciting the Bond fan in us all, Michael Edwards looks at those brave souls - from Harry Callahan to Jason Bourne - who sought to topple Bond through subversion, espionage or just full on head-to-head combat on the big screen.
10 films we love to talk about
2008 has been a year of majorly hyped film releases, but how many of them will you remember in 2009? BIO has pulled together a list of outstanding films which we still love to talk about years after their big screen debut.
Sir Roger Moore in Conversation
The man with the raised eyebrow, beloved star of the James Bond films, TV series 'The Saint' and countless other escapades of the big and small screen, discusses his childhood, career, UNICEF and the mixed blessings of grandchildren.
Jude’s Law: Love The One You’re With
In the immortal words of Sir Mick Jagger, ‘you can’t always get what you want’. So why is that we insist on peaking over our neighbours fences only to decide that their grass is a much better shade of green than ours? Perhaps a look at Jude Law’s infamous relationship with Sienna Miller can provide us with the answer.
'W.' Film Review
‘W.’ is a safe, feel-good look at the most powerful man in the world, but does however provide a compelling look at the private side of Bush, especially his relationships with his wife, mother, brother and especially his father.
‘Pushing the boundaries’ or ‘malicious and offensive’?
Brand, Ross and the answer phone message: a 'gross lapse of taste' or a taste of British comedy warped by the media?
The Secret Life of Women in Film
'The Secret Life of Bees' boasts a stellar cast of women leads - with a side serving of Paul Bettany. Writer/director Gina Prince-Blythewood and arguably the most powerful US female producer, Lauren Shuler Donner, talk about their new movie, the difficulties facing films led by women - on and off the screen - and Hugh Jackman in 'Wolverine'.
Bad Boy Bond
We're all loving Daniel Craig's dark anti-hero of James Bond - but for how long? Can this 007 evolve into the quintessential charmer his predecessors so lovingly created?
Troopergate: A Question of Ethics
The ‘troopergate’ incident poses a massive threat to Sarah Palin's reputation and her presidential campaign. Elli Lewis asks whether it is representative of her past - and future - actions.
The Magic of Sir David Jason
As Terry Pratchett's 'The Colour of Magic' comes to DVD, we celebrate the life and work of national treasure Sir David Jason.
'The Baader Meinhof Complex' Film Review
The latest weighty historical film from Germany, 'The Baader Meinhof Complex' is a riveting drama which asks challenging questions about democracy, terrorism and conflict in the Middle East.
'Burn After Reading' Film Review
If there's a left of left-field, that's where you'll find this latest madcap comedy romp from the Coen Brothers. It doesn't quite manage to bring George Clooney and Brad Pitt face to face but Pitt and JK Simmons are the scene stealers from an outstanding cast.
Peaches and Cream
Think you have a bad case of sibling rivalry on your hands? Try competiting for the attention of mummy, daddy and the adoring public and press like the Geldolf sisters...
‘Frost/Nixon’ Film Review
An American president makes the mistake of his career, and in a fierce duel of wit and words, a British chat show host is the one to make him admit it. And Matthew MacFadyen strips naked and runs into the sea. What more can one want?
'Anvil: The Story of Anvil' Film Review
When you've poured 30 years of your life into something that hasn't paid off, do you keep going?
Breaking Up: The Jennifer Aniston Way
We've all suffered through a rubbish break-up (or three) but imagine doing it in the sharp eye of the public! Elli Lewis looks at lessons for us mortal folk as learned from our favourite celebs.
The Father of Fear – John Carpenter
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic film directors, John Carpenter belongs to a very particular class of filmmakers. His legendary status comes from having written, directed, edited and scored the music for horror and sci-fi classics such as 'Escape from New York', 'The Thing', 'They Live' and, of course, 'Halloween'.
Behind the Scenes of ‘Spooks’
Read what goes on behind the scenes in BBC's 'Spooks', with an intimate and engaging Q&A with crew and cast members, past and present...
Liam Neeson Interview
We caught up with actor Liam Neeson ('Michael Collins', 'Star Wars', 'Les Miserables') at the premiere of his latest film, 'Taken'. Read more inside...
The Film Trailer Park
It's a bumper year in the cinema and we have the trailers for all the hottest flicks coming your way, from Daniel Craig's second Bond outing in 'Quantum of Solace' to Frank Miller's extraordinary film 'The Spirit', starring Samuel L Jackson, Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes.
'The Duchess' Press Conference with Keira Knightly
Promoting their new film, stars Keira Knightly, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper and director Saul Dibb discuss life, sex and the woes of London real estate.
'Get Smart' Film Review
It's very Mel Brooks, which means 'Get Smart' hits the mark with a fine blend of updated concept and loving tribute to the original TV series.
Shooting For The Stars
With the return of Planet Rock Profiles showcasing some of greatest music acts in the world, we look into the dark side of rock 'n' roll.
'The Dark Knight' Film Review
The Dark Knight is a hell of a ride, not for the faint hearted.
Celebrity Weddings - When Too Much Is Never Enough
Has the walk up the wedding aisle finally become too expensive? We sneak a peek at the celebrities who would beg to differ.
Little Britain in Hollywood...
Sarah Barnard takes a look at the growing band of British exports to Tinseltown.
Second Wind Wonders
Take That started it, now Led Zeppelin have raised the bar - take a look at the bands who couldn't say goodbye.
Audrey Hepburn – A Film Bluffers Guide
Audrey Hepburn is infamous for her outstanding beauty, charm and elegance. However, when it comes down to it, can you actually name more than two or three of her films?

   

c
The Biography Channel is a registered trademark of A&E Television Networks | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact Us | Advertise with Us

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |