Kerry Packer

Childhood

Kerry Francis Bullmore Packer was born on 17 December 1937 into a wealthy Australian family. His father, Sir Frank Packer, owned a controlling stake in Australian Consolidated Press and the Nine Network, while his mother, Gretel Bullmore, was the daughter of a renowned Scottish rugby player.

Despite his privileged upbringing, Packer’s childhood was far from easy. At five, he was sent to boarding school, and at eight, he contracted polio, requiring prolonged medical treatment. His father, a strict and distant figure, reportedly doubted Kerry’s intellectual capabilities, which strained their relationship.

Career

After finishing school at 19, Packer joined his father’s newspaper business, starting at the bottom and working his way up. Initially, his older brother, Clyde, was expected to inherit the family empire, but after a falling out with their father, Clyde left Australia, leaving Kerry as the sole heir.

When Frank Packer died in 1974, Kerry took control of the family’s 100 million media empire. His business decisions were often bold and unconventional.

Packer was also instrumental in revolutionizing cricket, founding the World Series Cricket, which attracted top players and massive TV audiences. By 2005, his net worth was between 7 and 11 billion, making him Australia’s richest man.

Personal life

Packer married Roslyn Weedon, with whom he had two children, Gretel and James. Despite his wealth, he remained a private individual, often clashing with journalists who probed into his personal affairs.

He had a short temper and was known for his blunt, no-nonsense attitude. His love for polo was well-documented—he owned prized horses, sponsored teams, and even suffered a heart attack during a match.

Revenue

Beyond media and gambling, Packer’s investments spanned:

• Publishing (Australian Consolidated Press)
• Television (Nine Network)
• Casino operations in Macau
• Sports (World Series Cricket, polo sponsorships)

His empire generated billions, with his peak net worth rivaling some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Interesting facts

Chain-smoked throughout his life.

Despised journalists for invading his privacy.

Faced rumors of involvement in illegal gambling and drug trafficking.

Suffered clinical death during a polo match before being revived.

Once said: "Life is not a dress rehearsal."

Legacy

Packer passed away on 26 December 2005 at 68, following multiple health struggles, including kidney failure, heart attacks, and suspected cancer. His son, James Packer, established the Kerry Packer Foundation to support injured cricketers.

Despite his controversies, Packer remains an iconic figure—a billionaire, a gambler, and a man who lived life on his own terms