Introduction :

Leigh Keno is an American auctioneer and experienced art and antiques dealer. He is also a TV personality and host, having appeared on many shows. His most famous role is as an appraiser on the popular and long-standing series ‘Antiques Roadshow’.

Personal Life, Parents and Family Details :

• Leigh Ronald Keno was born on March 14, 1957, thirteen minutes ahead of his identical twin brother Leslie Bernard Keno, in Herkimer County, New York.
• Their parents were Norma (mother) and Ronald “Ron” A. Keno (father), who were both professional antique dealers. Norma often took the twins to flea markets every Friday since they were 12, teaching them all about finding treasures and having a discerning eye.
• Leslie and Leigh have an older brother, Mitchell Keno, who also works in the family business as an art appraiser.
• Leigh is not married, but he jointly raised his son, 26-year-old Brandon Keno (age as of 2023). Brandon’s mother, Jasmin Español, is a nurse by profession.

Education : Qualifications, High School & College Info

• Leigh attended the Herkimer County Community College from 1975 to 1975, pursuing an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. While there, he participated in archaeological expeditions as part of his courses in anthropology.
• From 1977 to 1979, he continued his education at Hamilton College, in Clinton, New York. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and majored in Art History.

Career, Job, Salary and Net Worth :

• In January 2009, Leigh founded Keno Auctions with his brother Leslie, and currently Leslie is the acting president. Keno Auctions, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, is a high-quality auction house used to handle luxury items.
• The twins also have a lifestyle brand they design for, Keno Bros, which they distribute through the furniture chain Theodore Alexander. The brand has reached over 24 countries.
• Prior to this endeavor, Leigh worked for acclaimed auction house Christie’s, where he was both vice president and a specialist in American Decorative Arts.
• He had also founded Leigh Keno American Antiques in 1988, working as an appraiser.
• In 2000, Leigh wrote the book ‘Hidden Treasures,’ again together with his brother Leslie.
• Leigh has also made a career in one of his main passions: car collections. He shared the seat of CEO with Leslie on the board of Keno Brothers Fine Automobiles. This venture aimed to redefine the way luxury and classic automobiles are auctioned.
• He has also been the co-managing director of the Historic Motor Car Investment Fund since February 2014. The fund aims to restore, conserve, and acquire rare classic automobiles, particularly those that are hard to find and are in dire need of repairs.

Interesting Facts, Height and Trivia :

• Leigh has been an expert appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow since 1997.
• He was awarded the ‘National Humanities Medal’ in 2005.
• Leslie & Leigh did a televised special for History Channel that involved touring the White House with the First Lady at the time, Laura Bush.
• The twins’ owned Keno Auctions operated out of Leigh’s townhouse on the Upper East Side.
• Leigh considers his brother Leslie Keno as his best friend.
• He often participates in races involving luxury classic cars.
• Leslie & Leigh’s dad Ron Keno passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer in June 2021. He was 90 years old.

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