Les Moonves Age Today: The Media Executive’s Journey to 73 and His Wealth and Net Worth, Les Moonves is a well-known media executive who has made a significant impact on the industry. He has been involved in various high-profile projects throughout his career, and his wealth and influence have made him a household name. As of September 19, 2023, Les Moonves is 73 years old.
Born on October 6, 1949, Les Moonves has had a long and successful career in the media industry. He has worked for some of the biggest companies in the world, including CBS and Showtime. Throughout his career, he has been involved in numerous high-profile projects, including the development of hit TV shows like “Survivor” and “CSI.”
Despite his success, Les Moonves has faced some controversy in recent years. In 2018, he was accused of sexual misconduct, which ultimately led to his resignation from CBS. Nonetheless, his impact on the media industry cannot be denied, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.
Early Life and Education
Childhood
Les Moonves was born on October 6, 1949, in New York City, to Josephine and Herman Moonves. He grew up in Valley Stream, New York, where he attended Valley Stream Central High School. Moonves’ father owned a liquor store, and his mother was a registered nurse.
Moonves spent much of his childhood watching television and became fascinated with the medium. He often watched shows like “I Love Lucy” and “The Honeymooners” and dreamed of working in television one day.
Academic Pursuits
After graduating from high school, Moonves attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He majored in Spanish and minored in Greek, graduating in 1971.
Moonves then went on to attend the William S. Paley Television and Radio Center at the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California. There, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Journalism in 1973.
During his time at USC, Moonves worked as a teaching assistant and also served as a production assistant on the television show “The Six Million Dollar Man.” These experiences helped him gain valuable knowledge and skills that would later serve him well in his career in television.
Career Beginnings
Les Moonves’ career in the media industry began in the 1970s when he worked as a stage manager for various television shows. He then moved on to become a producer and worked on popular shows such as “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Love Boat.”
In the 1980s, Moonves became the vice president of movies and mini-series at 20th Century Fox Television. He was responsible for overseeing the production of hit shows such as “L.A. Law” and “21 Jump Street.”
In 1995, Moonves joined CBS as president of CBS Entertainment. He was instrumental in the development of popular shows such as “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Survivor.”
Moonves continued to rise through the ranks at CBS and was eventually appointed as the chairman and CEO of the CBS Corporation in 2003. Under his leadership, CBS became the most-watched network in the United States.
Moonves’ career at CBS came to an end in 2018 when he resigned following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Moonves is still considered one of the most influential media executives of his time.
Rise to Prominence
Les Moonves is a renowned media executive who has made a name for himself in the industry. He has held key roles in various media companies, and his tenure at CBS was especially notable. In this section, we will look at his rise to prominence and the key roles he played in his career.
Key Roles
Les Moonves began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1970s. He worked as an actor and a writer, but he soon realized that his true passion was behind the scenes. He started working in television production, and he quickly climbed the ranks.
One of his early key roles was as the president of Lorimar Television. During his time there, he oversaw the production of hit shows like Dallas and Knots Landing. His success at Lorimar caught the attention of other media companies, and he was soon offered a job at Warner Bros. Television.
At Warner Bros., he continued to make a name for himself. He was responsible for the development of hit shows like Friends, ER, and The West Wing. His success at Warner Bros. led to him being offered the position of CEO at CBS.
CBS Tenure
Les Moonves joined CBS in 1995, and he quickly made his mark on the company. He was responsible for the development of hit shows like Survivor, CSI, and The Big Bang Theory. He also oversaw the acquisition of the television network UPN.
During his tenure at CBS, Les Moonves was known for his ability to spot hit shows and his willingness to take risks. He was also known for his strong leadership style and his ability to motivate his team. Under his leadership, CBS became one of the top-rated television networks in the United States.
In 2018, Les Moonves resigned from CBS following allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, his contributions to the media industry cannot be denied. His rise to prominence is a testament to his talent and his dedication to his craft.
How Old is Les Moonves Today?
Les Moonves was born on October 6, 1949, in New York City, USA. As of September 19, 2023, he is 73 years old. Moonves is a well-known American media executive who has had an illustrious career spanning several decades.
Moonves served as the chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation from 2003 to 2018. During his tenure, he oversaw the CBS broadcast network as well as the cable network Showtime. He was also responsible for the company’s publishing division, Simon & Schuster.
Moonves’ career in the media industry began in the 1970s, where he started as a salesman for a television station in Manhattan. He then worked his way up the ladder, holding various positions in the industry before landing at CBS.
Throughout his career, Moonves has been recognized for his contributions to the media industry. In 2013, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his work.
Despite his success in the industry, Moonves’ career came to an abrupt end in 2018 when he resigned from CBS following allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and abuse. In 2022, he and CBS reached a $30.5 million settlement with the office of the attorney general of New York, Letitia James, over the allegations.
Moonves’ net worth is estimated to be around $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Journey to 73
Les Moonves, a renowned American media executive, was born on October 6, 1949. As of September 19, 2023, he is 73 years old. Moonves has had a successful career in the media industry, spanning several decades. This section will highlight his journey to 73, including his career highlights and major milestones.
Career Highlights
Moonves began his career in the television industry in the 1970s, working as an actor and writer. He later transitioned to the executive side of the business, working for companies such as 20th Century Fox Television and Lorimar Television.
In 1995, Moonves joined CBS as president of CBS Entertainment. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming CEO of CBS Television in 1998. Under his leadership, CBS became one of the most-watched television networks in the United States.
In 2003, Moonves was promoted to chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation. During his tenure, he oversaw the acquisition of several media companies, including CNET Networks, Last.fm, and King World Productions. He also launched several successful television shows, such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “NCIS.”
Major Milestones
One of the major milestones in Moonves’ career occurred in 2017 when he negotiated a new contract with CBS. The deal made him one of the highest-paid executives in the media industry, with a salary of $69.6 million per year.
However, Moonves’ career took a turn in 2018 when he was accused of sexual misconduct by several women. He resigned from CBS in September of that year, following an investigation by the company’s board of directors.
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from CBS, Moonves’ net worth remains substantial. As of 2023, his estimated net worth is $700 million, according to coopwb.in.
Also Read: What Has Les Moonves Been Up To? A Look into His Recent Activities
Wealth Accumulation
Les Moonves has amassed a significant fortune throughout his illustrious career as a media executive. His net worth is estimated to be $300 million as of 2023, according to Celebritynetworth.com.
Salary and Earnings
Moonves’ salary and earnings were a significant contributor to his wealth accumulation. During his tenure as the chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation from 2003 to 2018, he earned an impressive salary. In 2017, he earned a total compensation package of $69.3 million, making him one of the highest-paid CEOs in the United States.
Investments and Assets
In addition to his salary and earnings, Moonves has also made smart investments and acquired valuable assets. He reportedly owns several properties, including a mansion in Beverly Hills, California, and a penthouse in New York City. He also owns a private jet, which he has used for both business and personal travel.
Moonves has also invested in various business ventures over the years. He was an early investor in the streaming service Hulu and reportedly made a significant profit when the company was sold to Disney in 2019. Additionally, he has invested in various startups and has served on the board of directors for several companies.
Overall, Moonves’ wealth accumulation can be attributed to a combination of his high salary and earnings, smart investments, and valuable assets.
Legacy and Influence
Industry Impact
Les Moonves’ impact on the media industry is undeniable. During his tenure as CEO of CBS, he oversaw the production of some of the most popular and critically acclaimed television shows of the past two decades, including “CSI,” “Survivor,” and “The Big Bang Theory.” He was also instrumental in the launch of CBS All Access, the network’s streaming service.
Under Moonves’ leadership, CBS became one of the most profitable media companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $20 billion. He was known for his aggressive negotiating tactics, which helped CBS secure lucrative deals with cable providers and advertisers.
However, Moonves’ legacy has been tarnished by allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2018, he was forced to resign from CBS after multiple women accused him of harassment and assault. His departure marked a turning point in the #MeToo movement, and prompted a wider discussion about workplace culture and accountability.
Philanthropy
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure from CBS, Moonves has remained active in philanthropy. He and his wife, television personality Julie Chen, have donated millions of dollars to charitable causes over the years.
One of their most high-profile donations was a $25 million gift to the University of Southern California in 2015, which established the Julie Chen/Leslie Moonves and CBS Media Center. The center provides students with hands-on experience in television production and journalism.
Moonves has also been a major supporter of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to entertainment industry workers in need. He has served on the organization’s board of directors since 2007, and has donated over $2 million to its cause.
Overall, Moonves’ legacy is a complicated one. While he was undoubtedly a major force in the media industry, his downfall serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical leadership and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Les Moonves’ current age?
As of September 19, 2023, Les Moonves is 73 years old. He was born on October 6, 1949.
Who is Les Moonves’ spouse?
Les Moonves’ spouse is Julie Chen, a television personality. They have been married since 2004.
What is Les Moonves’ net worth in 2023?
As of September 19, 2023, Les Moonves’ net worth is not publicly known. However, as of 2022, his net worth was estimated to be around $300 million.
Bobbie Phillips is an actress who was married to Les Moonves from 1993 to 2004. They have no known relation outside of their marriage.
Who is Julie Chen married to?
Julie Chen is married to Les Moonves, a former television executive who was the chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation.
What is Les Moonves doing now?
As of September 19, 2023, it is not publicly known what Les Moonves is currently doing. After resigning from CBS Corporation in 2018 following allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and abuse, he has kept a low profile.