Don Cherry Net Worth: The Life and Legacy of Canada’s Most Colorful Hockey Icon
Introduction
For generations of Canadian hockey fans, Saturday night meant three things: hockey, a warm cup of coffee, and Don Cherry. With his flamboyant suits, booming voice, and unapologetic opinions, Cherry became one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in Canadian sports history. From his days as a hard-nosed coach to his legendary run on “Coach’s Corner,” Cherry built a career that spanned more than six decades and made him a household name across North America.
But beyond the loud suits and controversial takes lies a remarkable story of perseverance, reinvention, and lasting influence. This article explores Don Cherry’s journey from a high school dropout to a multimillionaire icon, examining his net worth, career milestones, business ventures, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donald Stewart Cherry |
| Born | February 5, 1934 – Kingston, Ontario, Canada |
| Age | 92 years old (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Position | Defence |
| Nickname | “Grapes” |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $12–$18 million (varies by source) |
| Spouses | Rosemarie Cherry (1957–1997, her death), Luba Cherry (1999–present) |
| Children | Tim Cherry, Cindy Cherry |
| Known For | Coach’s Corner, Hockey Night in Canada, Boston Bruins coach |
Early Life
Donald Stewart Cherry was born on February 5, 1934, in Kingston, Ontario. He grew up at 518 Albert Street and attended Rideau Elementary School, where he excelled in sports, particularly hockey and baseball. His father, Delmar Cherry, was an amateur athlete and worked as an electrician for the Canadian Steamship Lines. His mother was Maude Cherry.
Cherry’s family had deep roots in Canadian service. One of his grandfathers was an early member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, while the other was a British orphan who came to Canada. His father and both grandfathers served in various branches of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Growing up, Cherry played the tenor drum in a civilian Pipes and Drums band in Ontario. His mother was a “tiger” who taught him never to take a slight, and his father read Horatio Alger success stories to him as a boy. These early influences shaped Cherry’s combative personality and his belief in hard work and self-reliance.
Cherry dropped out of high school to pursue a career in hockey. He played junior hockey with the Barrie Flyers and the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey Association before joining the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League in 1954.
Playing Career
Cherry’s professional playing career spanned nearly two decades, from 1954 to 1972. He played primarily in the minor leagues, with stints in the American Hockey League and the Western Hockey League.
In 1955, Cherry played his one and only game in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins. He claims that a baseball injury suffered early in his career prevented him from making it in the NHL.
Over the course of his career, Cherry won the Calder Cup championship with the Springfield Indians. He went on to win the cup three more times with the Rochester Americans. He also won the Western Hockey League Championship with the Vancouver Canucks in 1969.
Cherry’s NHL career earnings totaled US $1,134,300, which would be approximately US $5,403,795 in today’s dollars. While modest by modern standards, these earnings provided the foundation for his later success.
Cherry initially retired in 1970 but returned from retirement in 1972 to play for the Rochester Americans. He finally hung up his skates for good in 1972, at the age of 38.
Coaching Career
After his playing career ended, Cherry tried his hand at car sales and construction work. But hockey called him back. He transitioned to coaching in 1971-72, taking over as head coach of the Rochester Americans in the AHL.
Cherry’s big break came in 1974 when he was hired as head coach of the Boston Bruins for the 1974-75 season. Under Cherry’s leadership, the Bruins became one of the best teams in the NHL. His Bruins finished first in their division four seasons in a row.
Cherry led the Bruins to four division titles and two appearances in the Stanley Cup Final. The Bruins reached the Cup Final in 1977 and 1978. In recognition of his coaching excellence, Cherry won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year following the 1975-76 season.
Cherry coached the Bruins for five seasons, from 1974 to 1979. He was fired by Bruins General Manager Harry Sinden in 1979. He later coached the Colorado Rockies and was reported to be in line to coach the St. Louis Blues if the club moved to Saskatoon.
Cherry’s NHL coaching record stands at 697-513-112.
Broadcasting Career: The Rise of Coach’s Corner
Cherry’s most significant career chapter began in 1980 when he was hired by the CBC as a color commentator. In 1981, he made his first appearance on “Hockey Night in Canada.”
The following year, in 1982, “Coach’s Corner” was created. The segment aired during the first intermission of “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcasts and featured Cherry’s unique brand of commentary, analysis, and opinions. The first Coach’s Corner segment was actually done in the home of Al Stewart, the “idea man” who helped create the show.
From 1986 to 2019, Cherry co-hosted Coach’s Corner with Ron MacLean. By the 2018-19 NHL season, the pair had hosted the segment for 33 seasons.
Cherry became known for his outspoken manner, his flamboyant dress, and his staunch Canadian nationalism. His loud suits, which he had custom-made, became as much a part of his brand as his opinions.
A New York Times story in 2017 estimated that Cherry was earning roughly $1 million per season for Coach’s Corner. This salary was a primary driver of his wealth accumulation.
In addition to Coach’s Corner, Cherry hosted “Grapeline,” a short-form radio segment with fellow sportscaster Brian Williams, from 1984 to 2019. He also hosted his own half-hour interview show, “Don’s Grapevine,” which began on Hamilton’s CHCH-TV in the 1980s before moving to TSN.
The Controversy and Firing
On November 9, 2019, Cherry made comments during Coach’s Corner that would end his broadcasting career. He called new immigrants “you people” while claiming they don’t wear poppies to honor Canadian veterans. The comments were widely condemned as offensive and discriminatory.
On November 11, 2019, Sportsnet fired Cherry after 38 years with the network. The incident marked the end of an era in Canadian sports broadcasting. Ron MacLean later described it as “Coach’s Corner is no more.”
Cherry has since said that Sportsnet “made it impossible” for him to clarify his remarks. Despite the controversy, many Canadians continue to view Cherry as a “national treasure” who cares deeply about Canada.
Business Ventures and Other Projects
Rock’em Sock’em Hockey
In 1989, Cherry created “Don Cherry’s Rock’em Sock’em Hockey,” a series of hockey highlight videos. The series continued until 2018 and became a beloved fixture for hockey fans. The videos featured hard hits, fights, and spectacular goals, showcasing the physical side of the game that Cherry loved.
Books
Cherry has authored several bestselling books, including:
- “Don Cherry’s Hockey Greats and More”
- “Straight Up and Personal: The World According to Grapes”
- “Don Cherry’s Hockey Stories and Stuff”
- “Grapes: A Vintage View of Hockey”
He has written five top-ten selling books. His books are written in the way he speaks, candid, opinionated, and full of hockey stories.
Film and Television Appearances
Cherry made a brief acting appearance in the 1977 film “Slap Shot.” He also appeared on shows including “Holmes on Homes,” “Goosebumps,” and “Power Play.” Two television movies were made about his life: “Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story” and its sequel, “The Wrath of Grapes: The Don Cherry Story II.”
Restaurants
Cherry owned a restaurant called the “Grapevine.” The nickname “Grapes,” which he acquired during his coaching days, became the basis for several of his business ventures.
Personal Life
Family
Cherry married his first wife, Rosemarie Madelyn Martini, in 1957. Rose was incredibly supportive of Cherry’s career, and the family moved a total of 53 times due to his hockey commitments. They had two children: Tim and Cindy Cherry.
Rose passed away from liver cancer in June 1997. In 1999, Cherry married his second wife, Luba Cherry.
Cherry’s younger brother, John “Dick” Cherry, also played professional hockey.
In September 2024, Cherry’s daughter Cindy passed away unexpectedly.
Philanthropy
Cherry is recognized for extensive philanthropy. He supports the military and police, youth sports, and animal welfare through Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation.
In 1997, Cherry founded Rose Cherry’s Home for Kids, a hospice for terminally ill children named after his late wife. He has passionately campaigned for the hospice and raised funds for its operation.
He is also a strong advocate for organ donation.
Recognition
In 2004, Cherry was voted by viewers as the seventh-greatest Canadian in CBC’s “The Greatest Canadian” program.
In February 2026, at the age of 92, Cherry was appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest civilian honor.
Don Cherry Net Worth (Estimated)
According to multiple published estimates, Don Cherry’s net worth ranges between $12 million and $18 million. However, estimates vary significantly across different sources:
| Source | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| networth.ai (2026) | $12 million |
| Net Worth Post | $12 million |
| TheRichest | $12 million |
| Celebrity Net Worth | $14 million |
| mabumbe.com (2024) | $14 million |
| Cine Net Worth (2025) | $18 million |
It is important to note that no single authoritative source has confirmed Cherry’s exact net worth. The variation in estimates reflects the difficulty of accurately calculating the wealth of private individuals who do not publicly disclose their finances.
A New York Times story in 2017 estimated that Cherry was earning roughly $1 million per season for Coach’s Corner. His NHL career earnings totaled US $1,134,300, which would be approximately US $5.4 million in today’s dollars.
Cherry’s wealth has been accumulated through multiple streams:
- Broadcasting salary – His $1 million annual salary from Coach’s Corner was a primary source of income
- Playing career – Nearly two decades as a professional player
- Coaching career – Five seasons as an NHL head coach
- Rock ’em Sock ’em videos – Nearly 30 years of video sales
- Book sales – Five top-ten bestselling books
- Business ventures – Restaurants and other enterprises
- Radio shows – Grapeline and other programs
Cherry owns a home in Kingston, Ontario, valued at over $1 million, as well as a vacation home in Florida. He also has a collection of classic cars, including a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.
Interesting Facts
- One-Game NHL Career – Cherry played only one game in the NHL, with the Boston Bruins in 1955.
- 53 Moves – Cherry and his family moved 53 times during his hockey career.
- Nickname Origin – He earned the nickname “Grapes” during his coaching days.
- Flamboyant Dress – Cherry has his suits custom-made and picks his fabric from a curtain store.
- Rose on His Lapel – Cherry always wears a rose on his lapel in honor of his late wife, Rose.
- High School Dropout – Cherry dropped out of high school to play hockey.
- Seventh-Greatest Canadian – In 2004, he was voted the seventh-greatest Canadian in CBC’s “The Greatest Canadian” poll.
- Order of Ontario – At age 92, Cherry was appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2026.
- Radio Show Longevity – He hosted “Grapeline” for 35 years, from 1984 to 2019.
- Coach’s Corner Longevity – He hosted Coach’s Corner for 33 seasons.
Legacy and Influence
Don Cherry’s legacy is complex and deeply intertwined with Canadian identity. For millions of Canadians, he was the voice of Saturday night hockey, a familiar presence who made the game more accessible and more entertaining. His passion for the sport and his love for Canadian values resonated with a broad audience.
His influence on hockey culture is undeniable. Through Coach’s Corner, he shaped how generations of fans understood the game. Through Rock’em Sock’em Hockey, he celebrated the physical, hard-hitting style of play that he believed defined Canadian hockey. His opinions on players, teams, and the direction of the sport carried weight for decades.
But Cherry’s legacy is also marked by controversy. His outspoken views on immigrants, French Canadians, and European players alienated many and ultimately cost him his broadcasting career. The 2019 incident that led to his firing revealed the limits of his brand of commentary in a changing Canada.
Despite the controversy, Cherry remains a beloved figure for many. In 2024, the city of Kingston honored him with a statue, a testament to his enduring place in Canadian culture. His appointment to the Order of Ontario in 2026 further cemented his status as a significant figure in the province’s history.
Cherry’s story is one of remarkable reinvention. A high school dropout who played just one NHL game became one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting. He built a multimillion-dollar empire from his passion for hockey and his willingness to speak his mind. Whether loved or loathed, Don Cherry is a figure who cannot be ignored, and that, perhaps, is his greatest legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Don Cherry’s net worth?
According to multiple published estimates, Don Cherry’s net worth ranges between $12 million and $18 million. Estimates vary by source, and no single authoritative figure has been confirmed.
How old is Don Cherry?
Don Cherry was born on February 5, 1934. As of 2026, he is 92 years old.
Why was Don Cherry fired from Hockey Night in Canada?
Don Cherry was fired from Hockey Night in Canada on November 11, 2019, after making comments during Coach’s Corner that were deemed offensive and discriminatory. He said to new immigrants, “You people” don’t wear poppies to honor Canadian veterans.
What is Coach’s Corner?
Coach’s Corner was a commentary and analysis segment that aired during the first intermission of Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts from 1982 to 2019. It featured Don Cherry alongside co-host Ron MacLean.
Did Don Cherry play in the NHL?
Yes, Don Cherry played one game in the NHL for the Boston Bruins in 1955.
What teams did Don Cherry coach?
Don Cherry coached the Boston Bruins from 1974 to 1979 and the Colorado Rockies. He led the Bruins to two Stanley Cup Final appearances in 1977 and 1978.
What is Don Cherry’s nickname and why?
Don Cherry’s nickname is “Grapes.” He acquired the nickname during his coaching days.
Is Don Cherry married?
Don Cherry was married to Rosemarie Cherry from 1957 until her death in 1997. He married his second wife, Luba Cherry, in 1999.
Does Don Cherry have children?
Yes, Don Cherry has two children: Tim Cherry and Cindy Cherry.
What is Rose Cherry’s Home for Kids?
Rose Cherry’s Home for Kids is a hospice for terminally ill children founded by Don Cherry in 1997, named after his late wife, Rosemarie.
Has Don Cherry received any honors?
Yes, in 2004, Cherry was voted the seventh-greatest Canadian in CBC’s “The Greatest Canadian” poll. In February 2026, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario.
What is Don Cherry’s Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Hockey?
Rock’em Sock’em Hockey is a series of hockey highlight videos created by Don Cherry that ran from 1989 to 2018. The videos featured hard hits, fights, and spectacular goals.
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