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, known as MrBeast, is a prominent American YouTuber, media figure, and entrepreneur. He's renowned for his high-production-value YouTube videos featuring extravagant challenges and acts of philanthropy. Holding the title of the most-subscribed individual on YouTube, boasting over 404 million subscribers, he has a significant presence on other social media platforms, and is also a leading creator on TikTok, where he has over 115 million followers.

Sections (6)

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

May 7, 1998: James 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, Donaldson's parents divorced.

2016: Graduated High School

In 2016, Donaldson graduated from Greenville Christian Academy.

2016: Dropped Out of College

In late 2016, Donaldson dropped out of college to pursue a full-time career as a YouTuber, leading his mother to disapprove and ask him to leave home.

2021: Donaldson's spokesperson addresses past homophobic slurs

In 2021, a spokesperson for Donaldson stated that he had "grown up and matured into someone that doesn't speak like that", referring to his past use of homophobic slurs.

April 2022: Donaldson identifies as an agnostic theist

In April 2022, Donaldson revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone that he had left evangelical Christianity and now identifies as an agnostic theist. He also disavowed anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, which he previously held due to his upbringing.

September 2022: Donaldson Comments on Running for President

On a podcast in September 2022, Donaldson commented 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.

April 2023: Donaldson defends Chris Tyson against backlash

In April 2023, after Chris Tyson acknowledged receiving feminizing hormone replacement therapy, Donaldson defended her against the backlash she received, expressing his anger at the transphobia.

June 2023: Donaldson Declined Invitation to OceanGate Expedition

In June 2023, following the OceanGate submersible Titan implosion, Donaldson stated he had declined an invitation to the expedition.

July 6, 2024: Donaldson Tweets About Running for President

On July 6, 2024, during the 2024 presidential election, Donaldson wrote on Twitter, "If we lower the age to run for president I'll jump in the race," clarifying he was reiterating his apolitical stance.