Childhood and Education Journey of Mark Zuckerberg in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mark Zuckerberg. From birth to education, explore key events.

Mark Zuckerberg is an American businessman best known as the co-founder, chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). He launched Facebook, a social media platform that grew into a global phenomenon. Zuckerberg's leadership has been marked by both success and controversy, facing lawsuits related to the website's creation, ownership, and user privacy concerns. He remains a prominent figure in the technology industry.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

May 14, 1984: Mark Zuckerberg Born

On May 14, 1984, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg was born. He is an American businessman and co-founder of Facebook and Meta Platforms.

Others born on this day/year

2002: Zuckerberg at Harvard

In 2002, Mark Zuckerberg began classes at Harvard, already known as a "programming prodigy." He wrote CourseMatch and Facemash programs.

2002: Registered to Vote in Westchester County, New York

In 2002, Zuckerberg registered to vote in Westchester County, New York.

2002: Graduation from Phillips Exeter Academy

Mark Zuckerberg graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 2002, where the school's "The Photo Address Book" directory, also known as "The Facebook", served as inspiration.

2003: Met Priscilla Chan

In 2003, Zuckerberg met Priscilla Chan at a frat party during his sophomore year at Harvard, and they began dating.

January 2004: Zuckerberg begins writing code for Facebook

In January 2004, Mark Zuckerberg began writing code for a new website that would eventually become Facebook.

February 4, 2004: Thefacebook Launch

On February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg launched "Thefacebook", originally located at thefacebook.com, in partnership with his roommates.

February 2004: Launch of i2hub

A month after Facebook launched in February 2004, i2hub, a campus-only service focusing on peer-to-peer file sharing, was launched by Wayne Chang.

February 2004: Facebook Launched

In February 2004, Mark Zuckerberg, along with roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, launched Facebook while at Harvard College.

2004: Move to Palo Alto

In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard to focus on Facebook, moved to Palo Alto with co-founders, met Peter Thiel, and secured their first office.

November 2008: Cast Ballot for the first time

In November 2008, Zuckerberg cast his first ballot in Westchester County, New York.

September 2010: Chan Moved into Zuckerberg's House

In September 2010, Priscilla Chan, then a medical student, moved into Zuckerberg's rented house in Palo Alto, California.

October 1, 2010: Release of The Social Network

On October 1, 2010, The Social Network, a movie based on Zuckerberg and the founding years of Facebook, was released, starring Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg wished that nobody made a movie of him while he was still alive.

Loading Video...

October 3, 2010: Voice Acting on The Simpsons

On October 3, 2010, Mark Zuckerberg voiced himself on an episode of The Simpsons titled "Loan-a Lisa".

Loading Video...

October 9, 2010: Lampooned on Saturday Night Live

On October 9, 2010, Saturday Night Live lampooned Zuckerberg and Facebook. Andy Samberg portrayed Zuckerberg.

October 30, 2010: "Medal of Fear" Awarded by Stephen Colbert

On October 30, 2010, Stephen Colbert awarded a "Medal of Fear" to Mark Zuckerberg at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, "because he values his privacy much more than he values yours".

January 2011: Surprise Guest Appearance on SNL

In January 2011, Mark Zuckerberg made a surprise guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by Jesse Eisenberg. Zuckerberg replied, "It was interesting," when Eisenberg asked him what he thought of the movie 'The Social Network'.

January 16, 2011: Golden Globe Award for The Social Network

On January 16, 2011, upon winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture, producer Scott Rudin thanked Facebook and Zuckerberg "for his willingness to allow us to use his life and work as a metaphor through which to tell a story about communication and the way we relate to each other".

2011: Kirkpatrick's Assessment of The Social Network

In 2011, David Kirkpatrick, author of 'The Facebook Effect', assessed the film 'The Social Network', stating that "the film is only 40% true".

Loading Video...

2011: Facebook First Participated in LGBT Pride Celebration

In 2011, Facebook first participated in the annual San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration with 70 employees.

May 19, 2012: Married Priscilla Chan

On May 19, 2012, Zuckerberg married Priscilla Chan in his mansion's grounds, coinciding with her medical school graduation.

2012: Voted in General Elections

In 2012, Zuckerberg voted in the general elections.

February 2013: Hosted Fundraising Event for Chris Christie

In February 2013, Zuckerberg hosted his first fundraising event for then New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to support education reform.

June 2013: Joined Facebook Employees at Pride Celebration

In June 2013, Zuckerberg joined Facebook employees in a company float as part of the annual San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration. The number of employees participating had increased from 70 in 2011 to 700 in 2013.

June 20, 2013: Engaged with Facebook Users on FWD.us Video

On June 20, 2013, Zuckerberg responded to claims about FWD.us on his Facebook profile, emphasizing the need for fair treatment of undocumented immigrants.

2013: Appearance in Terms and Conditions May Apply

In 2013, Mark Zuckerberg appeared in the climax of the documentary film Terms and Conditions May Apply.

Loading Video...

2014: Land Purchase in Kauaʻi

In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg purchased 700 acres of land on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi.

July 2015: Announced Pregnancy and Past Miscarriages

In July 2015, Zuckerberg announced that he and Chan were expecting a baby girl and revealed their past struggles with miscarriages.

November 2015: Paris Attacks

In November 2015, the Paris attacks took place. In response to the aftermath of the attacks, Zuckerberg expressed support for Muslims in the community and around the world.

December 9, 2015: Expressed Support for Muslims on Facebook

On December 9, 2015, Zuckerberg posted a statement on his Facebook wall expressing support for Muslims following the November 2015 Paris attacks and the 2015 San Bernardino attack, emphasizing Facebook's inclusivity.

December 2015: Birth of First Daughter

In December 2015, Zuckerberg and Chan's first daughter was born.

2015: Shooting took place in Mother Emanuel

In 2015, a shooting took place in Mother Emanuel. In 2017, Zuckerberg and his wife began a nationwide tour and spoke at Mother Emanuel.

2016: Stated Religion is Very Important

In 2016, Zuckerberg, who was raised in a Reform Jewish household and later identified himself as an atheist, said that he now believes religion is very important.

May 25, 2017: Honorary Degree from Harvard

On May 25, 2017, at Harvard's 366th commencement day, Mark Zuckerberg received an honorary degree from Harvard after giving a commencement speech.

August 2017: Birth of Second Daughter

In August 2017, Zuckerberg and Chan welcomed their second daughter.

2017: Began Nationwide Tour

In 2017, Zuckerberg and his wife began a nationwide tour "to visit every state in the union and learn more about a sliver of the nearly two billion people who regularly use the social network". He met with farmers and business owners, and spoke at Mother Emanuel, where a shooting took place in 2015.

2022: Zuckerberg starts MMA and BJJ training

In 2022, Mark Zuckerberg began training in both mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), publicly expressing his enthusiasm for these sports.

March 2023: Welcomed Their Third Daughter

In March 2023, Zuckerberg and his wife welcomed their third daughter, announcing the news across his social media pages.

May 6, 2023: Zuckerberg wins medals in BJJ tournament

On May 6, 2023, Mark Zuckerberg participated in a BJJ tournament and secured both a silver and a gold medal while competing at the white belt level in both gi and no gi categories.

July 2023: Zuckerberg promoted to blue belt in BJJ

In July 2023, Dave Camarillo promoted Mark Zuckerberg to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

January 2024: Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

In January 2024, Mark Zuckerberg testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on child safety and social media platforms, Zuckerberg apologized to the families of children who were victims of online abuse and harm.