Les Moonves Net Worth: Career, Biography, and Family Life
Les Moonves is a legendary figure in American television. As a former CEO of CBS Corporation, he built one of the most powerful media empires in the world. Over the decades, his career brought him fame, success, and wealth. In this detailed article, we explore Les Moonves Net Worth, his early life, career journey, education, personal relationships, and more — all updated for 2025.
Who is Les Moonves?
Leslie Roy Moonves is an American media executive born on October 6, 1949, in New York City, United States. He is best known for leading CBS Corporation as its Chairman and CEO from 2006 to 2018. Under his leadership, CBS produced blockbuster shows such as CSI, NCIS, Survivor, and The Big Bang Theory, dominating American television for years.
Even after stepping down from CBS in 2018, Les Moonves net worth remains one of the highest among media executives. He is widely recognized for transforming CBS into a leading global entertainment network.
Early Life
Les Moonves was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Josephine and Herman Moonves. He grew up in Valley Stream, a quiet suburb on Long Island. His mother worked as a nurse, and his upbringing was centered around hard work and education.
In his youth, Moonves showed an interest in both science and arts. He first pursued pre-medical studies but later shifted his focus after realizing his passion lay elsewhere. His early experiences shaped his creativity and drive — traits that later made him a force in Hollywood.
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Name | Les Moonves |
| Born | October 6, 1949 |
| Profession | Media Executive |
| Net Worth (2025) | $400M – $800M |
| Known For | Former CEO of CBS Corporation |
| Spouse | Julie Chen |
| Children | 4 (including Sara Moonves) |
| Residence | Beverly Hills, Malibu, NYC |
Education
Les Moonves graduated from Bucknell University in 1971 with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish. During his time at Bucknell, he switched from pre-med to language and theater, finding joy in performance and storytelling. After graduation, he moved to Manhattan and studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.
This mix of education and performance training gave Moonves a deep understanding of storytelling — a skill that would later become crucial in his television career.
Les Moonves Career Journey
Moonves began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor. He played minor roles in TV shows such as The Six Million Dollar Man and Cannon. However, he soon realized his strength was behind the camera, not in front of it.
Early Work in Television
He started working for 20th Century Fox Television, handling programming and development. Later, he joined Lorimar Television in 1985 as an executive. By 1993, he became the President of Warner Bros. Television, where he helped develop legendary shows like Friends and ER. These projects marked the start of his rise as a creative powerhouse.
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CBS Leadership
In 1995, Moonves joined CBS Entertainment as President. His leadership transformed CBS’s image, making it one of the most-watched networks in the country. He was promoted to Chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation in 2006.
Under his guidance:
- CBS became the top-rated TV network in the U.S.
- He negotiated major deals with advertisers and production houses.
- He helped launch The CW Network in 2006.
By 2017, he was among the highest-paid executives in the world, earning $68.4 million that year alone. His total earnings from CBS, including salary, bonuses, and stock options, exceeded $800 million.
Les Moonves Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Les Moonves net worth is estimated between $400 million and $800 million. His wealth mainly comes from decades of executive salaries, stock options, and production royalties.
Even after resigning from CBS in 2018, Moonves retained significant assets in real estate, investments, and his production company, Moon Rise Unlimited, based in West Hollywood.
Major Achievements
During his time at CBS, Moonves achieved several milestones:
- Helped CBS dominate American television ratings for over a decade.
- Oversaw hit series like Survivor, CSI, and NCIS.
- Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Named one of the highest-paid CEOs in the world multiple times.
His leadership style focused on bold programming and creative risk-taking. This strategy made CBS a major player in both entertainment and news media.
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Controversy and Resignation
In 2018, Moonves resigned from CBS after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The controversy led CBS to withhold his $120 million severance package. Despite this, he continued to hold substantial wealth due to prior stock holdings and private ventures.
After his departure, Moonves founded Moon Rise Unlimited, a consulting and production company. While his reputation suffered, his financial standing remained strong, preserving much of les moonves net worth.
Family and Relationships
Les Moonves has been married twice. His first marriage was to Nancy Wiesenfeld in 1978. The couple had three children, including Sara Moonves, who is now the Editor-in-Chief of W Magazine. They divorced in 2004.
Later that year, Moonves married Julie Chen, a well-known TV personality and host of Big Brother and The Talk. They have one son, born in 2009. The couple continues to live together in Beverly Hills, California, and also owns homes in Malibu and New York City.
| Family Member | Relation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nancy Wiesenfeld | Ex-wife | Married 1978 – Divorced 2004 |
| Julie Chen | Current wife | Married in 2004 |
| Sara Moonves | Daughter | Editor-in-Chief, W Magazine |
| Son (name not public) | Child with Julie Chen | Born 2009 |
Social Links and Public Life
Though Moonves has kept a lower profile since 2018, he remains active in Hollywood through Moon Rise Unlimited. His wife, Julie Chen Moonves, continues her media career, and the two occasionally appear together at events.
He was once an influential figure in the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and in 2015, the Julie Chen/Leslie Moonves Media Center was named in their honor following a major donation.
Physical Appearance
Les Moonves stands at around 5 feet 11 inches tall and has a classic executive look. His gray hair and confident posture reflect his years in leadership. At age 76, he maintains a dignified public presence, often seen in formal attire during his appearances.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | Around 80 kg |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Age (2025) | 76 years |
Philanthropy and Legacy
Les Moonves and Julie Chen have supported numerous charities and media education programs. Their $20 million joint donation to #MeToo-related causes in 2018 was one of the largest of its kind from a media couple.
Despite controversies, Moonves’s legacy in television remains significant. His career reshaped CBS and influenced the American TV industry for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Les Moonves net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, les moonves net worth is estimated between $400 million and $800 million, depending on stock valuations and assets.
How did Les Moonves earn his wealth?
He earned his fortune through CBS executive roles, high salaries, stock options, and production deals.
Is Les Moonves still married to Julie Chen?
Yes, they have been married since 2004 and live together in California.
Did Les Moonves lose money after leaving CBS?
Although he lost a $120 million severance, his existing stock holdings and investments kept les moonves net worth high.
Conclusion
Les Moonves net worth showcases the vast fortune built from years of innovation, leadership, and media success. From a young theater student to one of Hollywood’s top executives, his journey reflects determination and skill. Though his career faced challenges, his financial success remains unmatched in the world of television.
