Charlie Kirk † Influencer, Politician, Author

Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and media personality best known as the founder of Turning Point USA, a student-focused political organization he launched in 2012 when he was just 18 years old.

On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University while on what was called the “American Comeback Tour”.

Body

Charlie Kirk had a tall and broad build, standing around 6'5" (196 cm) tall and weighing around 198 lbs (90 kg). He had a naturally athletic frame but not one that suggested heavy bodybuilding — more of a lean, sturdy look throughout his life.

With short brown hair, light skin tone, and a youthful face, he maintained a polished, professional appearance that matched his role as a speaker and media figure. Charlie was often seen dressed casually in T-shirts and jeans, though he also frequently appeared in professional attire such as suits, depending on the occasion.

Diet

Kirk often spoke about health in the context of productivity and stamina. While not as extreme as Silicon Valley biohackers, he leaned toward a balanced diet. Occasional indulgence in American comfort food when on the road, especially at student events.

In Arizona, his favorite restaurants were Veneto Trattoria and Tutti Santi in Scottsdale, where his go-to order was Chicken Piccata, though he also enjoyed a well-prepared Burrata dish. He also had a fondness for In-N-Out burgers, his order was: "Two 4x4 (animal protein style) extra secret sauce, extra pickles, and extra peppers". He was outspoken about Pro Meat, over veganism.

He was consuming plenty of coffee, which he openly admitted was part of his daily routine during podcast recordings and events, however his real go-to drink was tea — specifically Starbucks’ Mint Majesty with two honeys — because he always said: "I lose my voice very easily".

Exercise

Kirk maintained a consistent workout routine, though not one focused on bodybuilding aesthetics.

Cardio was big part of his routine especially treadmill and cycling to improve endurance, especially since TPUSA conferences often required hours of standing and speaking.

Bio

Charles James “Charlie” Kirk was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois on October 14, 1993 to parents James and Julie Kirk. He grew up in nearby Prospect Heights, in a suburban Chicago environment. During high school he became involved in political activity — campaigning locally, engaging in student government issues.

Kirk briefly attended Harper College, but left after one semester to dedicate himself full-time to political activism. His turning point came when he met Bill Montgomery, a Tea Party‐aligned figure, who encouraged him to found a student conservative organization.

At only 18 years old, Charlie co-founded Turning Point USA, in 2012. Under his leadership, TPUSA grew rapidly. He leveraged visibility from campus debates (including his “Prove Me Wrong” style events), media appearances, and social media engagement to expand TPUSA’s influence. The organization established thousands of chapters in high schools and universities, hosted national conferences, and became a major force in youth conservative politics.

Kirk’s influence reached far beyond college campuses. Through The Charlie Kirk Show / podcast, he reached millions with commentary on politics, culture, and religion. His direct style and unapologetic positions made him both a prominent voice for young conservatives and a frequent target of critics.

Kirk’s influence extended into political campaigns and elections. He was an ally of Donald Trump, particularly in the 2020 and 2024 election cycles, and sought to shift youth voting patterns toward conservative candidates.

Charlie Kirk was married to Erika Kirk, who later became CEO and Chair of Turning Point USA following his passing. They share two beautiful children together, a daughter and son.