For MrBeast, arguably the biggest star on YouTube, the commute from bed to boardroom is just a 30-second stroll. That’s because the 25-year-old content creator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist opts to sleep in his office, located just down the hall from the business operations in his North Carolina studio.
During a recent appearance on the ‘Howie Mendel Does Stuff’ podcast, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, took the comedian on a tour of his unconventional bedroom setup.
The impromptu tour occurred as the pair were chatting in a meeting space within Donaldson’s studio warehouse. Donaldson then volunteered to show Mendel “where he lived”—leading them to the room next door.
“This is my bedroom,” Donaldson informed TV personality Mendel. The room boasted a standing desk with multiple screens, a sofa positioned in front of a large TV, another desk situated behind it, and in one corner, a double bed tucked behind a set of curtains.
Adjacent to the main office/bedroom were a bathroom and a walk-in closet, completing the studio living quarters.
Donaldson revealed that he resides in the studio full-time, except when his girlfriend is in town, during which he occasionally stays at a house.
Despite his immense wealth, estimated at $500 million by Forbes, Donaldson reportedly owns a modest four-bedroom, four-bathroom property in Greenville, North Carolina, which he acquired in 2018 for around $320,000. Records obtained by the New York Post indicate his continued investment in properties in his home state, both for his family and employees.
Last year, Donaldson faced criticism from social media skeptics who likened his housing endeavors to cult-like behavior. Responding to the backlash, he defended his actions, stating, “Only I could get canceled for giving people a place to live with no strings attached.”
Despite the comfort and space offered by his larger home, Donaldson finds the studio more convenient due to its proximity to his work. “It’s much easier to stay here because then I don’t have to drive a lot,” he told Mendel. “This is where I sleep, and you just get up, walk out the door, and there you go.”
Donaldson’s studio has also served as a venue for hosting celebrities like NFL star Tom Brady and artist Justin Timberlake. However, it remains unclear whether they were aware of Donaldson’s unique living arrangements.
Acknowledging the peculiarity of his lifestyle, Donaldson admitted that his studio’s location in the “middle of nowhere” differs from the typical settings of content creators based in California or New York. Nevertheless, he emphasized that this geographic distance doesn’t hinder his ability to connect with his global audience’s preferences.
Decorating his studio bedroom walls with quotes from influential figures like Apple founder Steve Jobs, Donaldson draws inspiration from their wisdom. Reflecting on Jobs’ quote, “If you want to make everyone happy, don’t be a leader—sell ice cream,” Donaldson shared, “One of my favorite quotes of his.”
