Howard Ruby was an American entrepreneur, real estate pioneer, and philanthropist best known for transforming the hospitality industry through the creation of corporate housing. Often called the “Father of Corporate Housing,” he co-founded Oakwood Worldwide and built it into one of the world’s leading providers of furnished apartments for business travelers and relocating professionals. While his professional achievements earned him international recognition, many people also knew him as the devoted husband of Hollywood actress Yvette Mimieux. Together, they shared more than three decades of marriage, balancing successful careers with a private and meaningful life. Beyond business, Howard Ruby was passionate about environmental conservation, wildlife photography, and medical research. This article explores his life, career, marriage, philanthropy, and the remarkable legacy he left behind.
Quick Facts About Howard Ruby
| Full Name | Howard F. Ruby |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1935 |
| Date of Death | April 28, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 90 Years |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Real Estate Developer, Philanthropist |
| Famous For | Founder of Corporate Housing, Oakwood Worldwide |
| Education | Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy Supply Officer |
| Wife | Yvette Mimieux (Married 1986–2022) |
| Residence | Bel-Air, California |
| Known As | Father of Corporate Housing |
Early Life and Background
Howard Ruby was born on March 28, 1935, in the United States. Although he maintained a relatively private personal life, his passion for business became evident at an early age. His curiosity about real estate and entrepreneurship laid the foundation for a career that would later reshape an entire industry.
Ruby attended the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied business. His education provided him with valuable financial and management knowledge that proved essential throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
After graduation, he served as a Supply Officer in the United States Navy. Military service helped him develop discipline, leadership, and strategic planning skills that later became defining qualities in his business career.
His Age and Physical Features
Howard Ruby was born on March 28, 1935, and passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 90.
Although he was rarely in the public spotlight compared to many business leaders, Ruby was known for his polished appearance and professional demeanor. He usually dressed in classic business attire and carried himself with quiet confidence. His calm personality and approachable leadership style earned him admiration from colleagues, employees, and business partners alike.
Unlike many high-profile entrepreneurs, he preferred keeping the focus on his work rather than his personal image.
Career and Major Achievement
Howard Ruby built one of the most remarkable careers in American real estate and hospitality. His greatest accomplishment was creating an entirely new industry that changed how companies accommodate employees during business travel and relocation.
In 1960, Ruby established R&B Realty Group in California with a business partner. The company initially focused on apartment development during a period of rapid urban growth across Southern California.
One of his earliest innovations came in 1965 when he developed the South Bay Club in Marina del Rey. These apartment communities targeted young single professionals and featured modern amenities that promoted an active social lifestyle. The concept quickly became popular and influenced residential development throughout California.
As market conditions changed during the 1970s, Howard Ruby identified another opportunity that would define his legacy. Companies frequently struggled to find comfortable long-term accommodations for relocating employees and business travelers. Hotels were expensive, while traditional apartments required lengthy leases and furniture purchases.
Ruby introduced a revolutionary solution.
He began leasing fully furnished apartments that included utilities, housekeeping, kitchen supplies, and flexible rental terms. This innovative model became known as corporate housing, creating an entirely new segment within the hospitality industry.
His idea evolved into Oakwood Worldwide, which became the world’s largest corporate housing company. Under Ruby’s leadership, Oakwood expanded across all 50 U.S. states and operated in 86 countries, managing tens of thousands of furnished apartments. At its peak, the company generated more than $600 million in annual revenue.
In 2022, Oakwood Worldwide was acquired by The Ascott Limited, a Singapore-based hospitality company. The acquisition reflected the lasting value of the business Howard Ruby spent decades building.
His innovation continues to influence the global serviced apartment and extended-stay hospitality industries today.
Relationship with Yvette Mimieux
Although Howard Ruby was one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs, his marriage to actress Yvette Mimieux introduced him to Hollywood circles.
Yvette Mimieux rose to fame during the 1960s and became known for starring in numerous films and television productions. Despite their different professional backgrounds, the couple built a relationship based on mutual respect, privacy, and shared interests.
Unlike many celebrity couples, they rarely sought media attention. Instead, they focused on enjoying a peaceful life together while supporting charitable causes and environmental initiatives.
Friends often described their relationship as loving, supportive, and remarkably stable.
Marriage and Family Life
Howard Ruby married Yvette Mimieux in December 1986.
Their marriage lasted more than 35 years, ending only with Mimieux’s passing in January 2022. Throughout their relationship, they maintained a private lifestyle away from Hollywood gossip and public controversies.
The couple lived in their spectacular Bel-Air estate known as “Il Sogno,” meaning “The Dream.” Inspired by the architecture of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the magnificent Tuscan-style villa became one of Los Angeles’ most admired private homes.
After Mimieux’s death, the estate was sold in late 2022 for approximately $35 million.
Although Howard Ruby and Yvette Mimieux did not have children together, they built a fulfilling life centered on travel, philanthropy, conservation, and personal passions.
Social Media Presence
Howard Ruby maintained a very limited public profile and was not active on major social media platforms.
Unlike many modern business executives, he preferred letting his accomplishments speak for themselves rather than building an online presence. Most public information about him came through business announcements, interviews, charitable work, and news coverage.
His absence from social media reflected his preference for privacy and meaningful real-world contributions over online popularity.
Who Is Yvette Mimieux?
Yvette Mimieux was an acclaimed American actress who gained fame during the 1960s and 1970s through her performances in both film and television.
She starred in several successful productions, earning recognition for her beauty, talent, and elegant screen presence. Throughout her acting career, she appeared alongside many well-known Hollywood actors and established herself as one of the respected actresses of her generation.
Beyond acting, Mimieux developed interests in writing, science, and humanitarian work. Her marriage to Howard Ruby represented a partnership between two accomplished individuals who valued privacy, intelligence, and philanthropy.
She passed away in January 2022 at the age of 80.
Personality and Interests
Howard Ruby was widely respected for his thoughtful leadership and innovative thinking.
Rather than simply following industry trends, he constantly searched for practical solutions to real-world problems. This mindset allowed him to create entirely new business opportunities where others saw obstacles.
Outside of business, Ruby developed a deep appreciation for nature.
Following an expedition to the Canadian Arctic, he became an accomplished wildlife photographer. Witnessing the effects of climate change on polar bears inspired him to use photography as a tool for environmental awareness.
He also became passionate about supporting medical research after experiencing declining vision later in life. His generosity helped advance treatments for retinal diseases and vision restoration technologies.
These interests reflected his belief that success should be used to improve society.
Does Howard Ruby Have Children?
There is no publicly available information indicating that Howard Ruby had biological children with his wife, Yvette Mimieux.
The couple maintained an extremely private family life and rarely discussed personal matters in public interviews.
Instead, they devoted much of their time and resources to charitable causes, conservation projects, education, and medical research.
Net Worth and Income
Howard Ruby accumulated significant wealth throughout his decades-long business career.
Although his exact net worth was never publicly disclosed, his leadership of Oakwood Worldwide and extensive real estate investments made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry.
Oakwood Worldwide generated annual revenues exceeding $600 million during its peak years, highlighting the scale of the enterprise Ruby built.
Beyond personal wealth, he invested heavily in philanthropy, scientific research, and environmental conservation, choosing to create a lasting social impact rather than focusing solely on financial success.
Public Image and Legacy
Howard Ruby earned widespread respect as an entrepreneur who fundamentally changed both the real estate and hospitality industries.
His invention of corporate housing solved a major challenge for businesses worldwide and created a service that millions of professionals continue to use today.
His contributions extended well beyond business.
He supported wildlife conservation through photography, raised awareness about climate change, and became a generous donor to vision research. His establishment of the Howard F. Ruby Retinal Engineering Facility demonstrated his commitment to improving lives through medical innovation.
Many industry experts continue to recognize him as the visionary who created the modern corporate housing industry.
His legacy lives on through Oakwood Worldwide, the countless professionals who benefited from his innovations, and the charitable institutions he helped support.
Conclusion
Howard Ruby’s life was defined by innovation, leadership, and generosity. From launching a successful real estate company to pioneering the concept of corporate housing through Oakwood Worldwide, he transformed an industry that continues to serve millions of business travelers around the globe. His long and loving marriage to actress Yvette Mimieux reflected his preference for privacy and meaningful relationships over public attention. Beyond his business accomplishments, Ruby dedicated his later years to environmental conservation, wildlife photography, and groundbreaking vision research. His entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic contributions have left a lasting impact that extends far beyond real estate. Howard Ruby will be remembered not only as a successful businessman but also as a visionary whose ideas continue to influence the hospitality industry and inspire future generations.
FAQs About Howard Ruby
Who was Howard Ruby?
Howard Ruby was an American entrepreneur, real estate developer, philanthropist, and the founder of the corporate housing industry through Oakwood Worldwide.
Why is Howard Ruby called the Father of Corporate Housing?
He pioneered the concept of fully furnished apartments for business travelers and relocating professionals, creating the modern corporate housing industry.
Who was Howard Ruby’s wife?
Howard Ruby was married to Hollywood actress Yvette Mimieux from 1986 until her death in 2022.
Did Howard Ruby have children?
There is no public information confirming that Howard Ruby and Yvette Mimieux had children together.
What company did Howard Ruby build?
He co-founded Oakwood Worldwide, which became one of the world’s largest providers of corporate housing and serviced apartments.
What were Howard Ruby’s biggest achievements?
His greatest achievement was creating the corporate housing industry and expanding Oakwood Worldwide into a global business operating in 86 countries.
What were Howard Ruby’s hobbies?
Later in life, he became a passionate wildlife photographer and environmental advocate while also supporting medical research focused on vision restoration.
When did Howard Ruby pass away?
Howard Ruby passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 90.
