Early Life and Education of MrBeast: A Complete Timeline

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

James Stephen "Jimmy" Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is a prominent American YouTuber, media personality, and businessman recognized for his engaging and high-production-value content. He is famous for hosting elaborate challenges, often incorporating philanthropic endeavors. MrBeast holds the distinction of having the most subscribed channel on YouTube, boasting over 419 million subscribers. Furthermore, as of August 2, 2025, he was the third-most-followed creator on TikTok, with a substantial following of over 119 million.

Sections (6)

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

May 7, 1998: James Stephen Donaldson Born

On May 7, 1998, James Stephen Donaldson, known as MrBeast, was born. He is an American YouTuber, media personality, and businessman.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Parents' Divorce

In 2007, the parents of James Donaldson, Susan Parisher and Charles Donaldson, divorced.

February 2012: First YouTube Upload

In February 2012, at the age of 13, James Donaldson uploaded his first YouTube video under the channel name "MrBeast6000".

2016: Dropping out of college to become a full time YouTuber

In 2016, Donaldson dropped out of college in late 2016 to pursue a full-time career as a YouTuber. His mother disapproved of his decision and forced him to leave the family home.

2016: Graduation from Greenville Christian Academy

In 2016, James Donaldson graduated from Greenville Christian Academy, a private evangelical Christian high school.

2019: Dating Maddy Spidell

In 2019, Donaldson began dating YouTuber Maddy Spidell.

April 2022: MrBeast Disavows Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric and Identifies as Agnostic Theist

In April 2022, MrBeast announced that he had left evangelical Christianity and identified as an agnostic theist. He disavowed anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, rejecting his earlier views influenced by his upbringing.

September 2022: Potential Presidential Run in the Future

In September 2022, Donaldson commented on a podcast that he would consider running for president of the United States "in like 20 years", adding that the U.S. is "due for younger presidents".

November 2022: Partnership with East Carolina University

In November 2022, Donaldson partnered with East Carolina University to create a course centered around YouTube content creation.

2022: Begins Dating Thea Booysen and ends relationship with Maddy Spidell

In 2022, Donaldson ended his relationship with YouTuber Maddy Spidell and began dating gaming streamer Thea Booysen.

April 2023: MrBeast Defends Chris Tyson Against Transphobic Backlash

In April 2023, after Chris Tyson acknowledged she was receiving feminizing hormone replacement therapy, MrBeast defended her against transphobic backlash, affirming his support and friendship.

June 2023: MrBeast Reveals He Declined Invitation to OceanGate Submersible Expedition

In June 2023, after the OceanGate submersible Titan imploded, MrBeast revealed that he had been invited on the expedition to the wreck of the Titanic but declined the offer.

July 6, 2024: MrBeast Jokes About Running for President

On July 6, 2024, during the 2024 presidential election, Donaldson joked on Twitter that he would run for president if the age requirement was lowered, clarifying his apolitical stance.