As far back in 2006, Mario Lemieux is remembered for his gallant efforts on the ice. The Canadian ice hockey player did his part in the sport, and it is no news that he has been accorded recognition. Get to know more about Mario Lemieux, his biography, nationality, age, height, weight, net worth, profession, parents, wife, children, awards, and many others.
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Who is Mario Lemieux?
Mario Lemieux is a towering figure in ice hockey. Mario is well known due to his unparalleled skill on the ice. He was welcomed into the world on October 5, 1965, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Like most great men, Lemieux’s story from a humble beginning to becoming one of the greatest players in NHL history is nothing short of remarkable. Mario stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 235 pounds. It is acknowledged that his imposing physical stature matched his extraordinary talent.
In his career that spanned 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), Lemieux dazzled fans with his exceptional combination of size, strength, athleticism, and creativity, hence being nicknamed “The Magnificent One,” “Le Magnifique,” and “Super Mario,”. True to these qualities he bore, he left his mark on the sport, earning several awards and championships along the way. He was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly after, Lemieux wasted no time in asserting his dominance on the ice.
Penguins soared to new heights, clinching consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992 under his leadership. Lemieux’s impact went over to ownership, as he assumed control of the franchise in 1999. Remarkably, he became the only individual to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup both as a player and an owner.
Lemieux’s honors speak volumes about his skills in hockey. He earned many awards and distinctions in his career, including the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Hart Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, and the Conn Smythe Trophy. Even with a myriad of health issues, including spinal disc herniation, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and chronic tendinitis, Lemieux’s resilience never wavered.
Lemieux’s contributions to the game of hockey are equally significant. His philanthropic efforts to the Pittsburgh community are enduring. Mario has been I]inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. He is indeed a figure upcoming and active players look up to for inspiration.
What is Mario Lemieux’s age, height, and weight?
Mario Lemieux was born on October 5, 1965, which makes him 58 years old as of now. He is 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall and weighs 235 pounds (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb).
What is Mario Lemieux’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
Lemieux is Canadian by nationality and his ethnicity is French-Canadian. He was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and grew up in a working-class family in the Ville-Émard district.
What is Mario Lemieux’s profession?
With a career stretching 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), Lemieux imprinted his name into the annals of hockey history with his skill and dominance. Mario as a center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, thrilled fans with his size, strength, agility, and creativity. He was given the moniker “The Magnificent One,” “Le Magnifique,” and “Super Mario,” because his impact on the game outshone mere statistics; he possessed a natural ability to elevate the play of those around him and leave spectators in awe.
He was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft where he wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the premier talents in the league. He led the Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992, despite facing numerous health challenges in his career, including spinal disc herniation, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and chronic tendinitis
He amassed an impressive array of awards and honors, including the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Hart Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, and the Conn Smythe Trophy. His statistical achievements are equally impressive, as he ranks among the NHL’s all-time leaders in goals, assists, and points per game.
| Team | Years Played |
|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 1984–1997, 2000–2006 |
| Canada National Team |
What is Mario Lemieux’s current world ranking?
Mario is second in NHL history with a career average of 1.129 assists per game and 1.883 points per game. He is only second to Wayne Gretzky.
Who are Mario Lemieux’s Parents?
Mario Lemieux’s parents are Pierrette Lemieux, his mother, who was a full-time mother, and Jean-Guy Lemieux, his father, who worked as an engineer.
Does Mario Lemieux have siblings?
Mario Lemieux has siblings. Alain Lemieux and Richard Lemieux are his two older brothers. Together, they were raised in a working-class household in Montreal, Quebec, Canada’s Ville-Émard neighborhood.
Who is Mario Lemieux married to?
Mario Lemieux is married to Nathalie Asselin. The day of their wedding was June 26, 1993. Four children total—Lauren (born April 1993), Stephanie (born 1995), Austin Nicholas (born 1996), and Alexa (born 1997)—were born to them together.
Does Mario Lemieux have children?
Yes, Mario Lemieux and his wife, Nathalie Asselin, have four children together. They are Lauren (born April 1993); Stephanie (born 1995); Austin Nicholas (born 1996) and Alexa (born 1997). Their children have grown up in the affluent Pittsburgh suburb of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, where the family resides.
What is Mario Lemieux’s Net Worth?
Mario, as accomplished as he is, has a net worth of $200 million. He houses posh houses and cars to his ownership which adds to his net worth.
How much does Mario Lemieux make annually?
Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins was reported to be paid $2 million annually. This was in addition to any unspecified deferred compensation. Lemieux has varied sources of revenue, including his investments, endorsements, and past earnings from his professional hockey career. Lemieux’s income from his ownership stake in the Pittsburgh Penguins would fluctuate based on the team’s performance, profitability, and any dividends or revenue distributions. Though he sold a controlling interest in 2021, he remains a part-owner and chairman of the board.
| Season | Earnings (US$) | In Today’s US$ | Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-82 | $1,301 | $4,360 | – | CDN $1,560 stipend with Laval Voisins |
| 1982-83 | $1,265 | $3,995 | – | CDN $1,560 stipend with Laval Voisins |
| 1983-84 | $1,265 | $3,870 | – | CDN $1,560 stipend with Laval Voisins |
| 1984-85 | $450,000 | $1,319,936 | – | Rookie contract with Pittsburgh Penguins |
| 1985-86 | $300,000 | $849,772 | – | Signed five-year contract for $2.5M plus bonuses |
| 1986-87 | $550,000 | $1,528,921 | – | – |
| 1987-88 | $867,000 | $2,325,074 | – | Includes C $175,000 for commercials |
| 1988-89 | $2,000,000 | $5,153,053 | – | One-year contract with bonuses |
| 1989-90 | $2,500,000 | $6,144,632 | 1 | Five-year contract for $12M |
| 1990-91 | $2,500,000 | $5,830,017 | 2 | Includes $500,000 team bonus for Stanley Cup win |
| 1991-92 | $2,338,000 | $5,230,844 | 3 | – |
| 1992-93 | $3,600,000 | $7,817,275 | 1 | Seven-year contract for $42M |
| 1993-94 | $5,000,000 | $10,546,172 | 1 | – |
| 1994-95 | $2,326,531 | $4,782,715 | 6 | Lockout shortened season |
| 1995-96 | $4,571,429 | $9,141,058 | 4 | – |
| 1996-97 | $11,321,000 | $21,992,405 | 1 | Scheduled to make $15M, including bonuses |
| 1997-98 | $0 | $0 | 767 | Did not play |
| 1998-99 | $0 | $0 | 812 | Did not play |
| 1999-00 | $0 | $0 | 782 | Did not play; acquired 35% of Pittsburgh Penguins |
| 2000-01 | $1,410,000 | $2,494,930 | 223 | Came out of retirement; paid league’s average salary |
| 2001-02 | $5,250,000 | $9,034,139 | 36 | – |
| 2002-03 | $5,250,000 | $8,893,012 | 41 | Excludes bonuses and deferred payments |
| 2003-04 | $5,250,000 | $8,695,776 | 45 | – |
| 2004-05 | – | – | – | NHL lockout year: Season cancelled |
| 2005-06 | $3,000,000 | $4,680,731 | 84 | Retired after the season |
Career Total: US $58,487,791 (Nominal)
In Today’s Dollars: US $116,472,687
NHL Rank: 158 (Nominal), 55 (In Today’s Dollars)
How many business does Mario Lemieux own?
Lemieux is known for his involvement with the Pittsburgh Penguins, which he purchased in 1999 to save the team from bankruptcy. He was the team’s principal owner until selling a controlling interest to Fenway Sports Group in 2021, although he remains a part-owner and chairman of the board.
Aside from his ownership stake in the Penguins, Lemieux’s known business ventures are largely tied to his philanthropic efforts and his investments through the Lemieux Group, which oversees his ownership and operational interests in the Penguins.
What brands and endorsements does Mario Lemieux have?
Lemieux has had several endorsements and brand partnerships. These brands and endorsements deals have bolstered his career earnings while they leveraged his status as one of the greatest hockey players. Some key brands and endorsements associated with him are listed below.
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | Featured in advertisements, leveraging his popularity to promote the iconic beverage brand. |
| Nike | Endorsed sports apparel and equipment, aligning with one of the world’s leading athletic brands. |
| Pepsi | Appeared in commercials, promoting another major beverage company. |
| IGA | Endorsed a large Canadian supermarket chain, boosting his visibility in the Canadian market. |
| Eagle Equipment | Used and endorsed hockey equipment, including sticks and protective gear. |
| Bauer Hockey | Had a longstanding association with this leading manufacturer of hockey equipment. |
What philanthropic causes or charities does Mario support?
Mario Lemieux is has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly through his foundation, the Mario Lemieux Foundation which was established in 1993. In 1993, the same year Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, he established the Mario Lemieux Foundation. His foundation focuses on a range of charitable causes including cancer research, patient care, and assisting families in medical need. Lemieux’s battle with cancer inspired him to make efforts towards cancer research, patient care, and other charitable initiatives.
The foundation funds research projects and medical facilities dedicated to cancer treatment and patient care. This includes supporting the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and the Leukemia Society and Lupus Foundation.
Inspired by the premature birth of his son Austin, Lemieux’s foundation also supports neonatal research and care programs. The foundation has funded the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
The Austin’s playroom project creates playrooms in medical facilities to provide a comfortable and joyful environment for children and their families during hospital stays. Over 30 playrooms have been established across the United States. As of January 31, 2014, the foundation had opened its twenty-ninth Austin’s Playroom at the new Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in California.
His foundation also supports various educational initiatives and community programs, including scholarships and youth programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and education. In 2007, Mario Lemieux was among the renowned athletes who founded Athletes for Hope. Athletes for Hope is a charitable organization aimed at encouraging professional athletes to engage in charitable causes and inspiring non-athletes to volunteer and support their communities.
How many houses and cars does Mario Lemieux have?
Mario Lemieux has a known passion for luxury cars. His collection has included high-end models from brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Bentley. Mario is described to have a castle in Quebec, which is estimated around $22 million. Some 4 years ago, he also sold his $ 20 CAD mansion on Mont-Tremblant.
How many awards has Mario won?
Mario Lemieux has enjoyed a career adorned with several awards and honors. In his NHL career, Lemieux won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times (1988, 1993, and 1996). He also secured the Art Ross Trophy six times (1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1996, and 1997) as the league’s leading scorer. His was further recognized with the Lester B. Pearson Award (now known as the Ted Lindsay Award) four times (1986, 1988, 1993, and 1996), an honor given to the league’s most outstanding player as voted by the NHL Players’ Association.
He won two Stanley Cup championships as a player with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992, and later, as an owner, he saw the team win three more cups in 2009, 2016, and 2017. In recognition of his remarkable comeback from health issues, including Hodgkin lymphoma, he received the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 1993.
His international career was equally distinguished. Lemieux was a pivotal player for Team Canada, helping to secure the 2002 Olympic gold medal in Salt Lake City. He was also instrumental in Canada’s victories in the 1987 Canada Cup and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
Lemieux’s legacy was finally cemented with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997, immediately following his first retirement—a rare honor that bypassed the standard three-year waiting period. In addition to these honors, Lemieux’s number 66 has been retired by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
| Award/Honor | Year(s) | Key Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hart Memorial Trophy | 1988, 1993, 1996 | Awarded to the NHL’s Most Valuable Player. |
| Art Ross Trophy | 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 | Awarded to the NHL player who leads the league in points at the end of the regular season. |
| Lester B. Pearson Award | 1986, 1988, 1993, 1996 | Given to the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by the NHL Players’ Association. |
| Conn Smythe Trophy | 1991, 1992 | Awarded to the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. |
| Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy | 1993 | Awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. |
| Calder Memorial Trophy | 1985 | Awarded to the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. |
| NHL All-Star Game MVP | 1985, 1988, 1990, 1993 | Most Valuable Player of the NHL All-Star Game. |
| Stanley Cup Championships | 1991, 1992 | NHL championship wins with the Pittsburgh Penguins. |
| Canada Cup Championship | 1987 | International tournament victory with Team Canada. |
| Olympic Gold Medal | 2002 | Victory with Team Canada at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. |
| World Cup of Hockey Championship | 2004 | Victory with Team Canada. |
| Hockey Hall of Fame Induction | 1997 | Inducted immediately following his first retirement, bypassing the usual three-year waiting period. |
| Number Retirement | 1997 | Pittsburgh Penguins retired his number 66. |
| Order of Canada | 2009 | Recognized for his contributions to hockey and his charitable work. |
| Lester Patrick Trophy | 2000 | Awarded for outstanding service to hockey in the United States. |
| NHL First All-Star Team | 1988, 1989, 1993, 1996, 1997 | Selected as one of the best players at his position. |
| NHL Second All-Star Team | 1985, 1986, 1987, 1992 | Selected as one of the second-best players at his position. |
How many times did Mario Lemieux retire?
Lemieux retired from professional hockey twice due to health issues but returned to play each time. His first retirement was in 1997 due to a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and he came back to play in 2000. His second and final retirement was in 2006 due to atrial fibrillation.
What town does Mario Lemieux live in?
Mario and the family lives in Pittsburg, in addition to their second home in Quebec.
Did Mario Lemiex sell his house?
Yes, he sold his $20 million CAD some years ago, an estate on Mont-Tremblant.
Does Mario Lemieux have a statue?
Yes, Mario has got a statue which was unveiled by the Pittsburg Penguins, haveing played for the team from 1984 through to 2006.
Why was Mario Lemieux so good?
He was the NHL’s top scorer six times and won three MVP awards for his skill in handling the puck. He also had a long reach and accurate shooting stroke. In the 2002 season, Lemieux led all players in points per game (1,601 in 812 games) with a record of 1.97.
Was the Hall of Induction Fame Candidacy waived for Mario Lemieux?
The Hockey Hall of Fame waived its usual three-year waiting period for induction when Lemieux retired for the first time in 1997. He became only the third player inducted into the Hall of Fame while still active, following Gordie Howe and Guy Lafleur.
Is Mario Lemieux the only player to score in Five different situations in one game?
Yes, Lemieux is the only player in NHL history to score a goal in all five possible game situations (even-strength, power play, shorthanded, penalty shot, and empty net) in a single game. He achieved this remarkable feat on December 31, 1988, against the New Jersey Devils.