Early Life and Education of Leon Black: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Leon Black. A timeline of key moments.

Leon Black is an American private equity investor and co-founder of Apollo Global Management. He served as CEO of Apollo until resigning in 2021 amidst controversy surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct. Black also resigned from his position as chairman of the Museum of Modern Art following these revelations, marking a significant downturn in his public image and professional career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1921: Birth of Eli M. Black

In 1921, Eli M. Black, Leon Black's father, was born. He was a Jewish businessman who emigrated from Poland and became chairman of the United Brands Company.

July 31, 1951: Leon Black's Birth

On July 31, 1951, Leon David Black was born. He later became an American private equity investor and the CEO of Apollo Global Management.

1973: Graduation from Dartmouth College

In 1973, Leon Black received an AB degree in philosophy and history from Dartmouth College, marking a milestone in his education.

1975: Graduation from Harvard Business School

In 1975, Leon Black received an MBA from Harvard Business School, furthering his education.

1975: Death of Eli M. Black

In 1975, Leon Black's father, Eli M. Black, died by suicide at the age of 53. He was the chairman and majority owner of United Brands Company.

1976: Debra Ressler's Graduation from Barnard College

In 1976, Debra Ressler, who would later marry Leon Black, graduated from Barnard College.

2002: Appointment to Dartmouth College Board of Trustees

In 2002, Leon Black was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College, serving in this role until 2011.

2011: End of term on Dartmouth College Board of Trustees

In 2011, Leon Black's term on the Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College concluded, after serving since 2002.

May 2012: Purchase of The Scream

In May 2012, Leon Black purchased one of the versions of Edvard Munch's "The Scream" for $119.9 million, which was then the highest price ever paid for a work of art.

September 2012: MoMA Announces Exhibition of The Scream

In September 2012, the Museum of Modern Art announced that Edvard Munch's "The Scream", recently purchased by Leon Black, would be exhibited for six months starting in October.

June 2013: Purchase of Head of a Young Apostle

In June 2013, it was revealed that Leon Black had purchased "Head of a Young Apostle", a work by Raphael, for £29 million after a bidding war.

December 22, 2015: Purchase of Babylonian Talmud

On December 22, 2015, it was reported that Leon Black purchased a complete set of the Daniel Bomberg Babylonian Talmud at auction for $9.3 million, setting a world record for Judaica.

June 2016: Settlement of Bust of a Woman Lawsuit

In June 2016, a lawsuit regarding the Picasso sculpture "Bust of a Woman (Marie-Thérèse)" was settled, with Leon Black ultimately acquiring the sculpture.