He is recognized as the man with the "golden touch" and "billion dollar smile". He is best known for the 'Virgin' brand which is on over 360 companies around the world. Sir Richard Branson was born on July 8, 1950. As a child he grew up in Blackheath, London, England. From a young age he was very athletic, and in fact when he was three years old he received a pair of hockey skates and learned to skate.