Boesky, Ivan (1937–)

IVAN BOESKY IS a first generation American. His father, William, immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1912. The elder Boesky owned several nightclubs in the Detroit, Michigan, area. Stripping and topless dancing were introduced to increase their profitability. This drive for maximum profits and dedication to hard work would be a driving force for Ivan throughout his life.

Boesky, with the work ethic instilled in him by his father, sold ice cream from the back of a truck. He was repeatedly arrested for breaking the conditions of his license, which stated his curfew was 7:00 P.M. Ivan attend Cranbrook, a college preparatory school in the suburbs of Detroit. Academically, he was average. He did, however, distinguish himself as a superior wrestler, winning his school's ...