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Chris Gardner said it still blows him away that Hollywood spent more than $70 million to recreate his life story.

Gardner's journey from homelessness to wealth was documented in his best-selling autobiography, "The Pursuit of Happyness," which was later turned into a blockbuster film starring Will Smith. Gardner spent Thursday evening in front of nearly 3,000 people at SIU Arena talking about his life experiences.

The speech was scheduled to be held at Shryock Auditorium but was changed to the SIU Arena when officials learned of the popularity of Gardner.

Gardner also spoke at the Southern Business Journal's Leadership Breakfast to more than 300 people at John A. Logan Community College.

Cavanaugh L. Gray, the director of business development for the Entrepreneur Café, said Gardner's story struck a chord with him regarding business principle and work ethic. "The one thing that rang out the most was responsibility," Gray said. "Regardless of your situation, you have to take responsibility."

Others, though, came just to see Gardner, who's personality was made popular by Smith in the movie, talk.

Michelle Weber, an alumna of SIUC from Murphysboro, said she went to see Gardner for his quasi-celebrity status alone.

"I saw the movie with my brother and I thought it was really awesome how he persevered," Weber said. "I just wanted to see him speak and see what he had to say."

Chris Gardner, Jr. - Gardner's son - was portrayed in the film as a child but is now 26-years-old. He said while he was too young to remember, he still has a vague recollection of his father's story.

"The only thing I remember was just me and my dad always together," Gardner Jr. said. "We were always on the move." Gardner Jr. also admits the movie does not stray very far from the actual story, claiming the movie is about 80 percent accurate.

Growing up without a father, Gardner said he made a decision at the age of 5 that his children would not grow up fatherless. After a stint in the Navy and a semi-successful career publishing medical journals, Gardner found himself on the streets of San Francisco with his then 2-year-old son.

When asked how he became homeless, Gardner said it was not drugs or alcohol, but something just as lethal: life.

Though he found himself in a seemingly hopeless situation, Gardner continued toward his dream of becoming a millionaire. Besides his son's welfare, Gardner said one of the main motivations in his life was his mother, Bettye Jean Tripplett née Gardner.

"I had one of those old fashioned mothers who told you can be or do anything you want," said Gardner.

Gardner struck it big upon landing an internship with Dean Witter Rentals training program. There he learned the ropes of stock brokering despite not having any experience or college education.

Spending nights with his son sleeping in subway bathrooms, under his office desk and at the Glide Memorial Church, Gardner worked during the day on Wall Street and eventually landed a job as a stockbroker.

Later, Gardner would became the top broker in his company and would go on to found Gardner Rich and Co.

Today, Gardner has offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and South Africa.

Despite all he has accomplished, though, Gardner said his greatest accomplishment was not the money he made, but the fact he was able to break the cycle of men not being there for their children.

"I got the chance to give my little boy something: a father," Gardner said. "It's such a blessing to be in a space where the rest of the world feels you added something. How can you take that for granted?"

Daily Egyptian writer David Lopez can be reached at 618-536-3311 ext. 273 or by email at dave.lopez@siude.com.

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