Charles Dolan, founder of HBO and patriarch of the family that owns Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Sphere, and more has died. Dolan was 98 years old when he passed away Saturday (December 28) of natural causes.
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The Dolan family shared a statement Saturday announcing the passing of their patriarch, according to Newsday. “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. The publication further reported that Dolan was surrounded by family and loved ones when he died.
Dolan was a pioneer who transformed the television industry. In the ‘60s, he laid cable in lower Manhattan believing that people would be willing to pay for programming they couldn’t find on broadcast television. He later formed Cablevision, one of the world’s largest television companies.
The trailblazer also founded Home Box Office Inc., better known as HBO and American Movie Classics. Additionally, Dolan launched News 12, the first 24-hour cable channel dedicated to local news. In short, his innovations helped shape the way people watch television.
Charles Dolan’s Other Major Ventures
Charles Dolan’s reach went further than television. He owned a controlling stake in the companies that own Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and two New York sports teams—the Rangers and the Knicks. The Madison Square Garden Family of Companies now owns the venues and teams. James L. Dolan, the late mogul’s son runs the company.
Yesterday (December 29), Madison Square Garden released a statement on Dolan’s passing. “Mr. Dolan’s vision built the foundation for the companies we are today, and as a member of our Boards he continued to help shape our future,” the statement read. “The impact he made on the media, sports, and entertainment industries, including as the founder of Cablevision and HBO, is immeasurable. His life was a testament to the importance of innovation, generosity, and hard work and his legacy will live on in the industries he pioneered, the companies he served, and the memories of those who love him.”
More than a trailblazer and billionaire, Dolan was also a devoted family man. He was married to Helen Ann Dolan for 73 before she passed last year. The couple is survived by their six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
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