Les Moonves at a Glance
Les Moonves’ Net Worth: A Deep Dive into His Career and Controversies
Les Moonves, a prominent figure in the television industry, has left a lasting impact on the landscape of broadcast media. From his early days as an actor to his rise as a media executive, Moonves’ career has been marked by significant achievements and, ultimately, considerable controversy. This article provides an in-depth look into Les Moonves’ net worth, salary, career trajectory, and the events that led to his departure from CBS.
What Is Les Moonves’ Net Worth?
Les Moonves’ net worth is estimated to be $400 million. This substantial wealth is a direct result of his successful career in television and broadcasting. Moonves’ role as the chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation, a position he held from 2003 until his resignation in September 2018, significantly contributed to his financial standing. Over a 12-year period, his total compensation, according to CBS filings, reached $650.2 million. His annual salary peaked at approximately $70 million, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid executives in the media industry. However, this financial success was shadowed by the circumstances surrounding his departure from CBS.
The circumstances of his departure in September 2018 involved serious allegations that dramatically impacted the financial outcome of his contract. Upon his firing, Moonves had around $180 million remaining in his contract. However, CBS withheld all exit packages pending an investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Additionally, CBS and Moonves jointly committed $20 million to various #MeToo causes, which would be deducted from any future exit compensation. As of this writing, CBS has not paid the remaining $160 million, representing a significant financial loss for Moonves.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Les Moonves, born Leslie Roy Moonves on October 6, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, had a childhood shaped by his Jewish heritage. His mother worked as a nurse, and his father owned and operated several gas stations. Growing up in Valley Stream, New York, Moonves attended Valley Stream Central High School before enrolling at Bucknell University, initially intending to study pre-med. However, during his sophomore year, he switched his major to Spanish and developed an interest in acting, participating in several school theater productions. This shift marked the beginning of his journey away from a traditional academic path and toward the entertainment world.
After graduating in 1971, Moonves moved to New York City to pursue acting. He attended the Neighborhood Playhouse acting school, which boasts notable alumni such as Jeff Goldblum, Grace Kelly, Burt Reynolds, and Steve McQueen. During this period, he supported himself by bartending in Greenwich Village. His early acting career included minor television appearances in shows like “Barbary Coast,” “Cannon,” and “The Six Million Dollar Man.” He also worked as an office assistant for casting director Caro Jones, gaining valuable insights into the industry. Recognizing his strengths as a producer, Moonves started producing plays in small local venues, which eventually led to a move to Los Angeles and a role in producing the award-winning play “The Hasty Heart,” opening doors at Columbia Pictures.

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Executive Career
Moonves’ transition to the business side of film began in 1979, starting in the development department of a film production company owned by Columbia Pictures. By 1981, he moved to 21st Century Fox in the development department for movies and miniseries. His ascent continued, and by 1984, he was head of creative affairs at Lorimar Television. By the time Lorimar was sold to Warner Bros. in 1991, Moonves had risen to the position of president and CEO, a role he retained after the acquisition. This marked a pivotal shift in his career, showcasing his aptitude for leadership and business strategy.
In 1993, Moonves was promoted to president of Warner Bros., overseeing the development of hit television shows such as “Friends” and “ER.” In 1995, he transitioned to CBS Television, becoming president of entertainment. He was later promoted to president of CBS Television in 1997. During his tenure, CBS aired popular shows like “King of Queens” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” The 2000s saw the rise of reality television with “Survivor” and the forensic crime drama “CSI,” further cementing CBS’s success. By the time he became CEO, the network was well-positioned, with successful franchises like “CSI” and the procedural drama “NCIS.” Moonves focused on the company’s functionality and profitability, while still retaining some creative control, including the cancellation of “Star Trek: Enterprise” in 2005. His steady presence was a constant throughout mergers and changes of ownership at CBS.
Moonves’ contributions to the television industry were recognized when he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2013. That same year, he succeeded Sumner Redstone as executive chairman of CBS. He also faced some criticism in 2016 for his comments praising Donald Trump’s candidacy, asserting it was positive for television ratings and advertising revenue, regardless of political policies. These various aspects of his executive career illustrate both his successes and the controversies that would later define his legacy.
Les Moonves’ Salary
Between 2010 and 2017, Les Moonves’ earnings from CBS amounted to a minimum of $50 million in total compensation. In 2017 alone, he received $70 million, making him the highest-paid Hollywood executive worldwide. It’s estimated that Moonves earned approximately $650 million before taxes during his time at CBS, underscoring his remarkable financial success in the industry. This level of compensation demonstrates the value placed on his leadership and the substantial profits generated under his guidance, though it was later overshadowed by the circumstances of his departure.

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Controversy and Departure From CBS
In September 2018, allegations of sexual assault against Moonves surfaced, brought forth by an intern at CBS. This led to his resignation, though he was due to receive $180 million and a production deal under his contract. However, CBS sought to reduce his compensation pending investigation into the allegations. Following the allegations and discussions of his departure, Moonves resigned within a week. CBS announced that any deductions from his severance, up to $20 million, would be donated to the #MeToo movement, a stipulation also included in Moonves’ departure agreement. In December 2018, the company publicized the 18 foundations, charities, and organizations that received the money. Following the investigation, CBS announced Moonves would not receive the severance package outlined in his original contract, resulting in a substantial financial loss. Moonves filed a lawsuit, but as of this writing, CBS has not been required to pay the $120 million remaining on his contract.
Personal Life
Les Moonves married Nancy Weisenfield in 1978. They had three children before divorcing in 2004. Moonves expedited the divorce proceedings, citing a “desire to return to the status of being single.” Just 13 days later, he married Julie Chen, a news anchor and producer. Their son was born in 2009, adding to the complexities of Moonves’ personal and professional life.
Real Estate
Les Moonves and Julie Chen reside in a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills, which he purchased for $14 million in 2006. This property includes a $500,000 screening room, funded by CBS. In 2014, Moonves acquired a $28 million mansion in Malibu from Microsoft, showcasing his investments in luxury real estate and his financial success.
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