Charles Dolan, the visionary founder of HBO and Cablevision, passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 98 due to natural causes, surrounded by his family.
Born on October 16, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dolan began his career in telecommunications after serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. In 1962, he founded Sterling Manhattan Cable, pioneering cable television in New York City. A decade later, he launched Home Box Office (HBO), offering uncut, ad-free movies and live events for a subscription fee, revolutionizing the television industry.
In 1973, Dolan established Cablevision, which grew into one of the largest cable providers in the United States. He also founded American Movie Classics (AMC) in 1984 and News 12 in 1986, the first 24-hour local news channel in the U.S.
Beyond television, Dolan’s ventures included ownership stakes in Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers. His family’s net worth was estimated at $5.4 billion at the time of his death.
Dolan was predeceased by his wife, Helen Ann, in 2023. He is survived by his six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His legacy as a media pioneer continues to influence the industry he helped transform.