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Charlie Munger

Charlie Munger was an American businessman, investor, lawyer, and philanthropist best known as the longtime vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett’s close business partner.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Charlie Munger was an American businessman, investor, lawyer, and philanthropist best known as the longtime vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett’s close business partner. He helped shape Berkshire’s investment philosophy and also held leadership roles at Wesco Financial and Daily Journal Corporation. He died in 2023 at the age of 99.

Early life and education

Charlie Munger was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1924. He studied at the University of Michigan and the California Institute of Technology before earning a law degree from Harvard Law School.

Business career

Munger built a career in law, investing, and corporate leadership. He helped found Munger, Tolles & Olson and later became a prominent investor and board leader in several companies.

Berkshire Hathaway partnership

Munger met Warren Buffett in 1959 and became his longtime business partner. As vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, he influenced the company’s approach to investing and capital allocation.

Investment philosophy

Munger was associated with disciplined value investing and a multidisciplinary approach to decision-making. He was widely known for emphasizing rational thinking, patience, and avoiding poor investments.

Key facts

  • Served as vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway from 1978 until his death in 2023.
  • Warren Buffett described Munger as his closest partner and credited him with shaping Berkshire Hathaway’s business philosophy.
  • He was a founding partner of the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson.
  • Also served as chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation and Daily Journal Corporation.
  • Died at age 99 in Santa Barbara, California.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Charlie Munger?
Charlie Munger was an American investor, lawyer, and businessman best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett’s longtime partner.
When was Charlie Munger born?
He was born on January 1, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska.
When did Charlie Munger die?
He died on November 28, 2023, in Santa Barbara, California, at age 99.
What was Charlie Munger’s role at Berkshire Hathaway?
He was vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway from 1978 until his death in 2023.
What other companies was Charlie Munger associated with?
He was chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation and Daily Journal Corporation, and he served as a director of Costco Wholesale Corporation.
What was Charlie Munger known for besides investing?
He was also known as a lawyer, a philanthropist, and a co-founder of the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Munger
    Supports: Birth and death dates; Berkshire Hathaway role; business positions; career overview
  2. Los Angeles Times — https://www.latimes.com/obituaries/story/2023-11-28/charles-munger-warren-buffett-dead
    Supports: Death notice; Berkshire Hathaway role; age at death
  3. University of Michigan Law Quadrangle — https://quadrangle.michigan.law.umich.edu/in-memoriam/charles-t-munger
    Supports: Death notice; relationship with Warren Buffett; Berkshire Hathaway significance
  4. Munger Archive — https://mungerarchive.com/life/
    Supports: Early life timeline; education; meeting with Warren Buffett; founding of Munger, Tolles & Olson
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2014/06/11/us/charlie-munger-fast-facts
    Supports: Biographical basics; education; Berkshire Hathaway and Wesco roles; meeting with Warren Buffett