Don Cherry Biography: Legendary Hockey Commentator, Career Highlights, Achievements, and Why He’s Famous
Don Cherry stands out as one of Canada’s most colorful and outspoken figures in ice hockey, known for his bold commentary and larger-than-life personality. As a former player, coach, and longtime broadcaster, he captured the hearts of fans across North America with his unfiltered takes on the game during decades on “Hockey Night in Canada.” His fame stems from blending expert insights with patriotic flair, making him an icon in hockey culture and a household name for generations of viewers.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Donald Stewart Cherry |
| Nick Name | Grapes |
| Profession | Ice Hockey Commentator, Former Player and Coach |
| Birth Date | February 5, 1934 |
| Age | 92 years old |
| Birth Place | Kingston, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Known For | “Coach’s Corner” on Hockey Night in Canada, Outspoken Hockey Commentary |
| Ethnicity | Canadian with Irish and Cornish roots |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm), 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Dropped out of high school |
| Religion | Not publicly specified |
| Marital Status / Spouses | Married to Luba Cherry (m. 1999); Previously married to Rosemarie “Rose” Cherry (d. 1997) |
| Relationships | No notable public affairs beyond marriages |
| Children | Daughter: Cindy Cherry; Son: Tim Cherry |
| Family Tree | Parents: Delmar and Maude Cherry; Brother: Dick Cherry; Grandparents: John T. Cherry (paternal) and Richard Palamountain (maternal) |
| Hobbies | Promoting Canadian patriotism, supporting veterans, and animal rescue through his foundation |
| Current Work | Retired from broadcasting and podcasting as of 2025; Honored with awards and public appearances |
| Years Active | 1951–2025 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $14 million (as of 2026) |
| Residence | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
Early Life & Education
Don Cherry was born on February 5, 1934, in Kingston, Ontario, to parents Delmar “Del” Cherry, an electrician and amateur athlete, and Maude Cherry. Growing up in a working-class family, he developed a strong sense of Canadian pride early on. His paternal grandfather, John T. Cherry, served as an original member of the North-West Mounted Police and a Great Lakes ship captain, while his maternal grandfather, Richard Palamountain, was a British orphan who immigrated to Canada and fought in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I. Don’s younger brother, Dick Cherry, also pursued hockey, playing two seasons in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Cherry’s upbringing revolved around sports, particularly hockey, which sparked his lifelong passion for the game. He played junior hockey with teams like the Barrie Flyers and Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey Association. However, formal education took a back seat; Cherry dropped out of high school to focus on his hockey career, a decision that reflected his determination to succeed in the sport he loved.
Career Journey
Don Cherry’s career in hockey spans over seven decades, evolving from a gritty player to a respected coach and finally to a broadcasting legend. His path is marked by resilience, bold decisions, and a deep love for the game.
Playing Career
Cherry began his professional journey in the minor leagues after winning the Memorial Cup with the Barrie Flyers in 1953. He signed with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) in 1954 and played his only NHL game during the 1955 playoffs with the Boston Bruins, limited by an off-season baseball injury. Over his career, he excelled in the minors, winning four Calder Cups (1960, 1965, 1966, 1968) and the Lester Patrick Cup in 1969. He retired as a player in 1970 but returned briefly in 1972 for 19 games with the Rochester Americans.
Career Stats as Player
Here are Cherry’s notable regular season and playoff statistics across leagues:
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Playoff GP | Playoff G | Playoff A | Playoff Pts | Playoff PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951–52 | Windsor Spitfires | OHA | 18 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 30 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1952–53 | Barrie Flyers | OHA | 56 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 66 | 25 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 46 |
| 1954–55 | Hershey Bears | AHL | 63 | 7 | 13 | 20 | 125 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1954–55 | Boston Bruins | NHL | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| … (abridged for brevity; full stats include 767 AHL games with 67 goals and 192 assists) |
NHL Totals: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, 0 PIM.
Coaching Career
Transitioning to coaching, Cherry took over the Rochester Americans mid-season in 1971–72 and was named AHL Coach of the Year in 1974. He moved to the NHL as head coach of the Boston Bruins from 1974 to 1979, winning four division titles and reaching the Stanley Cup Finals twice (1977, 1978). He earned the Jack Adams Award in 1976. Later, he coached the Colorado Rockies in 1979–80 and was involved with Team Canada internationally.
Coaching Record
NHL Head Coaching:
| Team | Years | Regular Season W-L-T | Playoff W-L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | 1974–79 | 231-105-64 | 31-24 |
| Colorado Rockies | 1979–80 | 19-48-13 | — |
| Total | — | 250-153-77 | 31-24 |
Broadcasting Career
Cherry’s broadcasting era began in 1980, but he gained fame co-hosting “Coach’s Corner” on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada from 1986 to 2019 alongside Ron MacLean. Known for his flashy suits and candid opinions, he also hosted the radio show “Grapevine” until 2019. After leaving CBC, he launched the “Don Cherry’s Grapevine” podcast, which ran until June 2025. In 2025, at age 91, he stepped back from public life, with his son Tim indicating no new episodes were planned.
Personal Life
Don Cherry’s personal life reflects his dedication to family and community. He met his first wife, Rosemarie “Rose” Martini, while playing for the Hershey Bears; they married and had two children, Cindy and Tim. The family moved 53 times due to his hockey career. In 1979, Tim needed a kidney transplant, and Cindy donated one of hers. Rose passed away from liver cancer in 1997, prompting Cherry to establish Rose Cherry’s Home for Kids (now The Darling Home for Kids) in her honor. He remarried Luba in 1999 and resides in Mississauga, where he supports animal rescue through Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation.
Family
- Spouse: Luba Cherry (current); Rose Cherry (deceased)
- Children: Cindy Cherry, Tim Cherry
Dating History/Affairs
Cherry has kept his romantic life private, with no publicly known affairs outside his marriages.
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond hockey, Cherry is passionate about Canadian history, veterans’ causes, and patriotism. He often wears a poppy for Remembrance Day and supports related initiatives. He also enjoys sharing stories from his life and promoting animal welfare.
Controversies
Cherry’s career included several controversies due to his straightforward style. In 2019, he was fired from CBC after comments on immigrants not wearing poppies for Remembrance Day, which many viewed as divisive. Earlier incidents involved criticism of European players and fights in hockey, but his fans appreciated his authenticity.
Awards & Achievements
- Jack Adams Award for NHL Coach of the Year (1976)
- AHL Hall of Fame Inductee (2019)
- Order of Ontario (2025)
- Coronation Medal for contributions to Canada
- Inducted into Bobby Orr Hall of Fame (2026)
- Multiple Calder Cup Championships as player (4 times)
- Ongoing campaigns for Hockey Hall of Fame induction in the builder category
Physical Statistics
Don Cherry maintains a sturdy build from his playing days:
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
- Weight: 180 pounds (82 kg)
- Build: Athletic, though aged
- Other: Known for high-collared shirts and flamboyant jackets
Quotes
Here are a few memorable quotes from Don Cherry:
- “Anybody who says they don’t like fighting in the NHL have to be out of their minds.”
- “A crusher who becomes a rusher soon becomes an usher.”
- “Everybody loves fights… The fans love it.”
Favorites
While Cherry hasn’t detailed many personal favorites publicly, he often expresses love for classic Canadian hockey, patriotic symbols like the poppy, and bold fashion choices in his suits.
Earnings
As of 2026, Don Cherry’s net worth is estimated at $14 million, built from his coaching salaries, broadcasting contracts with CBC, podcast earnings, and endorsements. His long tenure on national TV and minor league successes contributed significantly.
Interesting Facts
- Cherry moved 53 times during his minor league career, highlighting the nomadic life of a hockey player.
- He always wears a rose on his lapel in memory of his late wife, Rose.
- In 2025, he posted a Christmas message on social media, reminding fans of his enduring presence despite retirement.
- Cherry’s foundation helps animal rescues, showing his softer side beyond the tough commentator image.
Did You Know?
Did you know Cherry played just one NHL game but won multiple championships in the minors? Or that his podcast ended in 2025 after a heartfelt sign-off, though he clarified it was seasonal? These lesser-known details add layers to his legendary status.
Social Media Links
- Twitter/X: @CoachsCornerDC
- Other platforms: Cherry is not highly active on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, but fan pages and archives exist for his content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Don Cherry famous?
Don Cherry gained fame through his role on “Coach’s Corner,” where his bold opinions and flashy style made him a staple of Canadian hockey broadcasts for over 30 years.
How old is Don Cherry in 2026?
Born on February 5, 1934, Don Cherry turned 92 in 2026, remaining a respected figure even in retirement.
What are Don Cherry’s major achievements?
He won the Jack Adams Award, multiple minor league championships, and was honored with the Order of Ontario in 2025 for his contributions to hockey and Canada.
Why was Don Cherry fired from CBC?
In 2019, Cherry was let go after controversial comments about immigrants and Remembrance Day poppies, which sparked widespread debate.
What is Don Cherry doing now?
As of 2026, Cherry has retired from his podcast and public appearances, focusing on family while receiving honors like the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame induction.
Conclusion
Don Cherry’s journey from minor league defenseman to broadcasting icon showcases a life dedicated to hockey and Canada. His unapologetic voice shaped how fans see the game, leaving a lasting legacy of passion and patriotism. If you enjoyed this biography, share it with fellow hockey enthusiasts to keep the conversation going.
