Charles Dolan, the billionaire founder of HBO and Cablevision, has passed away at the age of 98 from natural causes. The Dolan family announced his death in a statement to Newsday, a publication owned by his son Patrick. Charles Dolan is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, and will be remembered as a trailblazer in the television industry and a devoted family man.
Dolan primarily lived in Cove Neck Village on Long Island, New York, but it is not immediately clear where he was at the time of his death. Dolan and his family have a fortune valued at $5.4 billion, with controlling stakes in AMC Networks and Madison Square Garden’s entertainment and sports companies, including the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. His son James currently runs these companies.
Born in Cleveland in 1926, Dolan moved to New York City in the 1950s with his wife Helen to work for a television news service. He grew his fortune by securing wiring rights in lower Manhattan and founded HBO’s predecessor before selling it in 1973 to fund Cablevision. Dolan also founded the American Movie Classics network in 1984, which later became AMC Networks. His son James served as CEO of Cablevision until it was sold to Altice in 2016 for $17.7 billion. Dolan also founded the Lustgarten Foundation, which funds pancreatic cancer research.
Charles Dolan is remembered as a pioneer in the television industry and a beloved family man. His contributions to the industry through HBO, Cablevision, and AMC Networks have had a lasting impact. His family’s fortune, valued at $5.4 billion, includes controlling stakes in major entertainment and sports companies such as Madison Square Garden’s franchises. Despite his immense success, Dolan remained committed to philanthropy through the Lustgarten Foundation.
The passing of Charles Dolan marks the end of an era in the television and entertainment industry. His legacy will live on through the companies he founded, as well as through his family and the philanthropic work of the Lustgarten Foundation. Dolan’s impact on the industry, from HBO to AMC Networks, will be remembered for years to come. His contributions have left a lasting impression on the world of television and sports entertainment.
As news of Charles Dolan’s passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from colleagues, business partners, and fans of the companies he founded. His influence on the television industry is undeniable, and his legacy will be remembered for generations. The loss of Dolan is deeply felt by his family, friends, and the industry as a whole. His impact on entertainment and sports will continue to be felt for years to come.
