Unless you've been living under a rock, you've noticed that Carl Icahn has taken every opportunity to shake up Wall Street in 2013.
It's no shock. He started the year armed with $10 billion in cash.
The name "Icahn" has meant something on Wall Street since the 1980s, when he gained his reputation as a ruthless activist investor. He did it by taking a controlling interest in companies like TimeWarner, TWA, and Blockbuster.
Now, Icahn's a billionaire.
And even in his 70s, Icahn shows no sign of slowing down. This year he's made major money out of Netflix, revved up his feud with fellow hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, and picked a fight with Apple.
Expect more next year.
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Like most truly successful Americans, Icahn came from humble origins.
Icahn was born in 1936. His father was a synagogue cantor (though apparently an atheist); his mother a school teacher. He attended Far Rockaway High School in Queens.
Source: Icahn report
He worked his way into Princeton, where he majored in Philosophy.
He graduated in 1957.
Source: Icahn report
After brief stints at med school and the army, Icahn joined legendary mutual fund manager Dreyfus & Co.
Dreyfus merged with Mellon in 1994.
Source: Icahn report
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