Charles F. Dolan, the visionary behind some of the most influential media companies in the United States, including HBO and Cablevision, has passed away at the age of 98.
Dolan’s family announced his peaceful passing due to natural causes on Saturday. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Charles Dolan, the visionary founder of HBO and Cablevision,” the statement read.
Dolan’s impact on the television landscape is undeniable. He launched HBO in 1972, revolutionizing home entertainment with premium programming. He also founded Cablevision in 1973, transforming cable television into a major force in American media. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the American Movie Classics television station in 1984 and News 12, the first 24-hour local news channel in the U.S.
Embed from Getty ImagesBorn in Cleveland, Ohio, Dolan’s entrepreneurial journey began early. After leaving college, he built a media empire that extended far beyond television. He held significant stakes in companies that owned iconic New York institutions like Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers.
His son, James L. Dolan, succeeded him as Cablevision CEO and now leads Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Another son, Patrick Dolan, played a key role in the continued success of Newsday, a newspaper acquired by Cablevision in 2008.
Beyond his business ventures, Dolan was a philanthropist. He founded The Lustgarten Foundation, dedicated to pancreatic cancer research, a cause close to his heart.
Dolan is survived by his six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Helen Ann Dolan, predeceased him in 2023.
Charles Dolan leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having shaped the way millions of Americans experience entertainment and news. His innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive will continue to inspire future generations of media leaders.
