Early Life and Education
Julie Chen net worth, born on January 6, 1970, in Queens, New York City, is a prominent American television personality, news anchor, and producer. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, her father, David Chen, was born in China and fled to Taiwan following the Chinese Civil War. Her mother, Wang Ling Chen, grew up in Rangoon, Burma. Julie has two older sisters, Gladys and Victoria. Her maternal grandfather, Lou Gaw Tong, was a successful entrepreneur in China, amassing wealth through a chain of grocery stores.
Chen attended junior high school in the Whitestone area of Queens and graduated from St. Francis Preparatory School in 1987. She went on to attend the University of Southern California, where she graduated in 1991 with a degree in broadcast journalism and English.
Early Career
Julie’s early career began with an internship at CBS Morning News in June 1990. During this period, she worked alongside Andy Cohen, answering phones and handling faxes. After her internship, she worked as a desk assistant at ABC NewsOne for a season and was later promoted to producer, holding that position for three years. In 1995, Chen moved to Dayton, Ohio, to work as a local news reporter for WDTN-TV until 1997.
Chen faced significant challenges early in her career. In Dayton, her news director and a high-profile agent advised her to undergo plastic surgery to reduce the epicanthic folds of her eyes, arguing that her appearance would hinder her chances of becoming a news anchor. Despite these pressures, Julie’s determination and talent led her to significant roles in the broadcasting industry.
Julie Chen Moonves’ Instagram Presence
View this post on Instagram
Julie Chen Moonves has adeptly leveraged Instagram to enhance her career, providing a more personal and engaging connection with her audience. On her account, she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work, particularly from the set of “Big Brother,” where fans can get exclusive insights into the production and her experiences as a host. Additionally, Julie uses Instagram to highlight her literary works, such as her children’s book When I Grow Up and her memoir But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery, offering followers a deeper look into her creative process and the stories behind her publications. Her Instagram feed is a blend of professional highlights, personal moments, and inspirational content, reflecting her multifaceted career and personal growth.
Rise to Prominence at CBS
In 1999, Julie Chen became the anchor of CBS Morning News and the news anchor for CBS This Morning. She later co-anchored The Early Show from 2002 to 2010. Throughout her time at CBS, Julie worked with notable co-anchors such as Bryant Gumbel, Jane Clayson, and Hannah Storm. Her precise on-air style earned her the nickname “Chenbot,” a moniker she embraced humorously.
Big Brother
Julie Chen Moonves has been the host of the American version of Big Brother since its debut in July 2000. Despite initial criticism for her scripted delivery, she became a beloved figure among the show’s fans, even embracing the “Chenbot” nickname. Her long-standing role on Big Brother showcases her adaptability and commitment to the show.
Julie Chen Moonves’ Literary Contributions
Julie Chen Moonves has made notable contributions to literature, reflecting her versatility beyond television. In 2018, she authored her first children’s book, When I Grow Up, which is beautifully illustrated by Diane Goode. This heartwarming book is dedicated to her son, Charlie, and encourages children to dream big and explore various career possibilities with imagination and enthusiasm. In 2023, Julie released an audiobook, But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery. This personal memoir delves into her spiritual journey, offering profound insights into her transformation after embracing Christianity in 2018.
The Talk
In 2010, Chen Moonves became the moderator and co-host of the CBS Daytime talk show The Talk, alongside Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Leah Remini, Holly Robinson Peete, and Marissa Jaret Winokur. The show focused on current events, pop culture, and personal stories. Chen remained on The Talk until 2018, when she left following sexual assault allegations against her husband, Les Moonves.
Personal Life
Julie Chen began dating Les Moonves, then president and CEO of CBS Television, during his marriage to Nancy Wiesenfeld Moonves. Their relationship became public in 2003, and after Les finalized his divorce, Julie and Les married in a private ceremony in Acapulco, Mexico, on December 23, 2004. The couple welcomed their son, Charlie, on September 24, 2009.
Advocacy and Personal Struggles
Throughout her career, Julie Chen Moonves has faced and overcome numerous challenges. Her decision to undergo blepharoplasty early in her career was a significant personal and professional turning point. In 2013, she revealed this decision on The Talk, sparking discussions about race and identity in the media.
Following the sexual misconduct allegations against Les Moonves in 2018, Julie began using her married name professionally. Despite the controversy, she stood by her husband, signing off Big Brother episodes as Julie Chen Moonves.
Author and Recent Developments
In 2018, Julie authored her first children’s book, When I Grow Up, dedicated to her son Charlie. In 2023, she released her audiobook, But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery, where she discussed her journey towards Christianity and her life experiences.
Embracing Faith
In But First, God, Julie reveals her spiritual transformation, describing how she embraced Christianity in 2018. She openly discusses her past as career-focused and vain and shares her new perspective as someone who seeks to help others and live with a soft heart. The memoir also delves into the challenges she faced during this transition and how her faith has profoundly reshaped her personal and professional life. Through candid reflections, Julie provides readers with a heartfelt narrative of redemption and growth, illustrating the impact of her newfound spirituality.