Trivia

Was featured in the Friends (1994) episode, The One with Ross's Wedding (1998), when "Friends" went to London. In the episode, he sold British souvenirs to Joey and Chandler. It had been reported he was very nervous about forgetting his lines but all went well. It was noticeable in all the scenes in the episode, which featured airports or airplanes, show the logo of "Virgin Atlantic", the airline of Richard Branson.

When he started his record label, the first artist he signed was his school friend, Mike Oldfield. His album-length composition, "Tubular Bells", became a multi-million seller after it was used as the theme to the horror film The Exorcist (1973).

Dropped out of school when he was 15.

His first business, a used record store, was called "Virgin Records" because it was his first business venture ever.

Co-founded, with Nelson Mandela and Peter Gabriel, the world human rights advocacy group The Elders. (July 2007)

Recently registered the business name "Virgin Interplanetary", in case space travel becomes commercially viable.

Has expressed interest in opening a casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Keeps a hammock in his office in which he likes to brainstorm.

Has opened a chain of bridal shops in England named Virgin Bride.

Branson's Caribbean retreat is called Necker Island which is part of the British Virgin Islands (naturally enough). Purchased in the late 1970s for a reported $200K when it was desolate and uninhabited, the paradise island is part home to his family, his $30m catamaran yacht "Necker Belle" and his battery-powered, three-seater mini-submarine "Necker Nymph".

Is a huge fan of the Star Trek franchise and named the first spacecraft of his Virgin Galactic venture VSS Enterprise and the second one VSS Voyager.

Ranked #40 on the 1,000 richest people in the United Kingdom with earnings of £3.625bn, as documented by The Sunday Times "Rich List" (2020) annual supplement. His wealth is generated primarily from transport, finance and fitness clubs.

He was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 2000 Queen's Millennium New Years Honours List for his services to entrepreneurship.

Owner of The Virgin Group, which has more than 200 entertainment, media and travel companies around the world. Virgin's interests include an airline, airships, retailing (music, videos and computer games), beverages, cosmetics, clothing, financial services, nightclubs, health clubs, internet services, mobile phone services, passenger trains, publishing, record labels (V2 Records), tour operation, film and television production, and condoms.

Father, with Joan Templeman, of son Sam Branson (born 1985) and the daughters Sarah Clare (*/+ 1979, died when she was just four days old after being born three months premature) and Holly Branson (born 1982).

For the episode of Only Fools and Horses (1981) where the Trotters travel to Miami, because they were booked on Virgin Atlantic, Branson wanted a cameo in the episode. David Jason said he was a great publicist, and a charming man, but not among the best actors in the world. Jason assumed he would get free rides and regular upgrades after that, but nothing came of it.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6764 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on October 16, 2018.

Started Virgin Atlantic Airways after a flight he was scheduled for was cancelled. Upon hearing of the cancellation, he quickly had a charter jet liner secured, and invited the passengers of the cancelled flight to fly for free. He jokingly posted a hand-lettered sign above the entryway, reading, "Virgin Atlantic Airways - Flight 1". Several of the passengers of that flight became investors of the airline. Ironically, just before Virgin Records was purchased in 1992 by the EMI Group, the label was distributed as a stand-alone venture by Atlantic Records in the United States from 1986 to 1992.

Daughter Holly is studying at London's University College in hopes of becoming a pediatrician

First car he ever owned was a 1968 British Morris Mini-Minor.

Founded Caroline Records (1973).

Is a huge fan of the television series, Thunderbirds (1965), and has named a fleet of rescue locomotives for Virgin Trains after the Thunderbirds craft. During one of Sylvia Anderson's many transatlantic trips, she was traveling in a Virgin plane named after Lady Penelope. Unfortunately, the plane broke down and there was a long delay in Los Angeles. However, Branson did give Sylvia complementary mileage for the delay.

Uncle-in-law of Academy Award winner Kate Winslet.

Brother of Lindi and Vanessa.

His first autobiography is titled "Losing My Virginity". His second autobiography is titled "Finding My Virginity".

Has 3 children. His daughter Clare Sarah in 1979 was born premature & died when she was four days old. He has a daughter Holly and son Sam.

Attended Scaitcliffe Preparatory School in Sussex followed by Cliff View House and then Stowe School.

During his honeymoon in 1972 with his first wife Kristen on boat off Mexico the boat sank. He and his bridge swam to shore, the rest of the the boat's passengers died.