Don Cherry Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

The Making of a Hockey Icon: Don Cherry — Background, Birthdate and Beginnings

Donald Stewart Cherry was born on February 5, 1934, in Kingston, Ontario.  From a young age, Cherry showed a fierce determination to carve out a place for himself in the world of hockey — even if it meant leaving school and embracing uncertainty. 

He began his hockey journey in junior leagues, playing with teams such as the Barrie Flyers and the Windsor Spitfires. As part of Barrie, he helped clinch the Memorial Cup in 1953.

Though his dream of a long NHL career never quite materialized — his only NHL appearance came during a playoff game for the Boston Bruins in 1955 — Cherry didn’t give up. Over many seasons in the minor leagues, he built a reputation for grit, tenacity and a style of play that fit that era’s tough, physical game. 

These formative years, filled with moves, uncertainties and sacrifices, laid the groundwork for a man whose hockey career — though not always glamorous — taught resilience, loyalty, and a deep-rooted love for the sport.

From Player-Coach to National Figure: The Rise of the Broadcaster

After ending his playing career in the late 1960s — though briefly returning for a short stint — Cherry turned to coaching. He took up the bench for the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League (AHL), and later returned to the Boston Bruins as head coach. Under his guidance, the Bruins became one of the NHL’s toughest, most physical teams.

Eventually, Cherry shifted from the ice to the airwaves. In 1980, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) hired him as a colour commentator for the Stanley Cup playoffs.  What followed was the birth of the legendary segment Coach's Corner on Hockey Night in Canada — a Saturday-night institution. Partnered with hosts such as Ron MacLean (from 1986 onward), Cherry became a fixture in living rooms across Canada.

His larger-than-life personality — flamboyant jackets, bold opinions, unapologetic passion for hockey — turned him into a cultural touchstone. Few have left such an indelible mark on Canadian hockey media. As one profile puts it: “Few personalities in Canadian broadcasting ever generated such a large national awareness of their existence as Don ‘Grapes’ Cherry.”

Beyond the Rink: Life, Family, and Personal Trials

Cherry’s personal life reflects the harsh realities of a professional athlete navigating the precarious world of minor-league hockey. In Hershey, Pennsylvania, he met a 17-year-old Rosemarie Madelyn Martini. Their life together was marked by uncertainty: between games, team relocations and shifting seasons, the family moved 53 times. 

Rosemarie remained a pillar of strength throughout those years. She bore two children — a daughter, Cindy, and a son, Tim. In time, Tim required a kidney transplant, and in a dramatic act of love and sacrifice, Cindy donated one of hers.

When Rosemarie died of liver cancer on June 1, 1997, Cherry honored her memory by founding a charity — originally named after her — dedicated to children in need.Those who have followed his journey applaud the gesture as a tribute to a woman who sacrificed much to support a hockey dream.

In 1999, Cherry married a second time, to a woman named Luba.

His family’s story — filled with hardship, survival, love and loyalty — adds a deeply human layer to Cherry’s public persona. It reveals the sacrifices behind the flamboyant jackets and outspoken commentary.

Navigating Wealth: What Is Don Cherry’s Net Worth?

Much of Cherry’s public legacy is tied to media — not only as a commentator but also as a charismatic, polarizing figure whose opinions drew attention. According to a widely cited estimate, his net worth stands at approximately US $14 million.

This wealth reflects decades spent as a player, coach, broadcaster, and media personality. While his NHL playing career yielded modest returns — minor-league earnings and a single NHL game — his later success stemmed from long-term presence in broadcasting and related ventures.

That said, net worth figures always carry a degree of uncertainty. They are estimates, derived from publicly available data and earnings histories; Cherry’s actual wealth may vary.

The Dual Legacy: Controversy, Influence, and Cultural Impact

No account of Cherry’s life would be complete without acknowledging his polarizing presence. His outspoken opinions — often blunt and controversial — have sparked both admiration and backlash. From critiques of management decisions in hockey, to broader societal and cultural commentary, Cherry rarely held back.

On the other hand, his authentic, no-frills commentary and unapologetic love for the game have earned him adoration from many fans. For decades, Cherry’s voice, mannerisms and bold personality helped define hockey culture in Canada. His influence stretches beyond sport — touching identity, tradition, and generational fandom.

In 2004, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation invited Canadians to vote for the greatest Canadian of all time — and Cherry placed among the top through public votes, reflecting the depth of his imprint on national consciousness.

Even as newer voices emerge, Cherry’s role remains pivotal: he embodies the rough-and-tumble roots of mid-20th-century hockey, the rise of televised sport analysis, and the complexities of blending celebrity with personal convictions.

Why Don Cherry Still Matters

• A journey of perseverance: From a high-school dropout chasing a dream, to a coach, commentator and national icon — Cherry’s path shows how resilience and adaptability can redefine success.

• A human story behind the fame: The decades of sacrifice by his first wife, the family’s instability, and the struggles of minor-league life provide a raw backdrop to his later glory.

• A cultural lightning rod: His willingness to speak his mind — even when divisive — helped shape discourse around hockey, identity and Canadian pride.

• A testament to evolution: Cherry witnessed hockey’s transformation from barn-storming minor-league games to million-dollar global broadcasts — and he adapted along the way, becoming one of the sport’s most recognizable voices.

In Summary

Don Cherry’s journey — born February 5, 1934 — threads through bruising minor-league games, high-pressured coaching benches, and booming television studios. His estimated net worth of US $14 million reflects decades of involvement in hockey and media. His personal life, repeatedly tested by sacrifice and loss, casts a humanizing light on a man known to many as “Grapes.”

More than anything, Cherry remains a figure of contrasts: outspoken yet nostalgic, controversial yet beloved — a symbol of hockey’s past and an enduring voice in Canada’s cultural memory.