Julie Chen’s Personal Life, Siblings, Parents, Husband, Boyfriend, Kids, Other Family and Dating History
Siblings
Julie Chen has two older sisters, Gladys and Victoria1. The three sisters share a close bond, and Julie often speaks fondly of her family.
Parents
Julie Chen’s parents are David Chen and Wang Ling Chen3. Her mother grew up in Rangoon, Burma, while her father was born in China and fled to Taiwan following the Chinese Civil War1. Julie’s maternal grandfather, Lou Gaw Tong, became wealthy through a chain of grocery stores and had a large family with nine wives and 11 children1.
Husband
Julie Chen married Les Moonves, the former CEO of CBS Corporation, on December 23, 20044. Despite the controversies surrounding her husband, Julie has stood by him and they have maintained a strong relationship5.
Boyfriend and Dating History
Before marrying Les Moonves, Julie Chen was in a long-term relationship with Gary Donahue, a television news editor6. Their relationship ended before she began dating Les Moonves.
Kids
Julie Chen and Les Moonves have one son together, Charlie Moonves, born on September 24, 20094. Julie is also a stepmother to Les Moonves’ three children from his previous marriage.
Other Family
Julie Chen is very close to her extended family, including her sisters and their families. She often shares stories and photos of family gatherings, highlighting the importance of family in her life1.
Dating History
Julie Chen’s most notable relationship has been with Les Moonves. They began dating in 2003, shortly after Les Moonves’ divorce from his first wife was finalized7. Their relationship has been marked by their strong bond and mutual support, especially during challenging times5.
Personal Life
Julie Chen was born on January 6, 1970, in Queens, New York City, to Chinese immigrant parents. She grew up in a multicultural environment, which greatly influenced her perspective and career. Julie attended Junior High School 194 in Whitestone, Queens, and later graduated from St. Francis Preparatory School in 1987. She went on to earn a degree in broadcast journalism and English from the University of Southern California in 1991.
Early Career
Julie Chen began her career in broadcasting as an intern at CBS Morning News in 1990. She worked her way up from being a desk assistant to a producer. Her first on-air job was in Dayton, Ohio, as a news anchor for WDTN-TV from 1995 to 1997. During this time, she honed her skills and gained valuable experience in the field of journalism.
Rise to Prominence
In 1999, Julie Chen joined CBS News, where she became a co-anchor of “The Early Show.” She held this position until 2010, covering significant events and interviewing high-profile personalities. Her professionalism and on-screen presence made her a household name.
“Big Brother” and “The Talk”
Julie Chen is perhaps best known for her role as the host of the American version of the reality TV show “Big Brother,” which she has hosted since its debut in July 2000. Her catchphrase, “But first,” has become iconic among fans of the show.
In 2010, Julie became a co-host and moderator of the CBS Daytime talk show “The Talk.” The show focused on current events, pop culture, and personal stories. Julie’s role on “The Talk” further solidified her status as a prominent television personality. She remained with the show until 2018.
Life
Julie Chen married Les Moonves, the former CEO of CBS Corporation, on December 23, 2004. The couple has one son, Charlie Moonves, born in 2009. Julie has two stepchildren from Les Moonves’ previous marriage. Despite the controversies surrounding her husband, Julie has maintained a strong public presence and continues to be a respected figure in the television industry.
Challenges and Resilience
In 2018, Julie faced a significant personal and professional challenge when her husband, Les Moonves, resigned from CBS amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Julie chose to leave “The Talk” to focus on her family but continued her role as the host of “Big Brother.” Her decision to stand by her husband while maintaining her professional commitments showcased her resilience and dedication.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Julie Chen is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She supports various charitable organizations and causes, including those focused on education, health, and the arts. She has used her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart, such as diversity in media and women’s rights.
Recent Projects
Julie Chen continues to host “Big Brother” and remains an influential figure in the television industry. She has expressed interest in exploring new opportunities in media and entertainment, including potential projects that align with her advocacy work.
