Simon Cowell began his career sorting mail in the offices of a record company, rising through the entertainment ranks to become known worldwide as TV's Mr Nasty.
He's become known for his brutal honesty as a judge on America's Got Talent, The X Factor and American Idol. The record label boss is now a multi-millionaire who can break or make careers - but he hasn't had it all his own way.
He pulled the plug on The X Factor when ratings and public attention began to wane, fearing the format had become "stale" in the UK.
He's back on screen with the 17th series of Britain's Got Talent alongside Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli. And he reckons the reality competition will be here for a “long, long time,” saying that “people now come from all over the world to compete” .READ MORE: Kym Marsh gets cheeky 'personality' response to new villain role from former Coronation Street co-star amid 'sad' part of new gig Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link Simon Cowell was born on October 7.