HBO and Cablevision Founder Charles Dolan Dies at 98

Charles Dolan, the visionary founder of HBO and Cablevision, passed away at the age of 98. A trailblazer in the television industry, Dolan died of natural causes on Saturday, surrounded by his family. In a statement shared with Newsday, a publication owned by his son Patrick, the Dolan family described him as a devoted family man and a transformative figure in media. He is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Though the exact location of his passing has not been disclosed, Dolan primarily resided in Cove Neck Village, a prestigious area on Long Island, New York.

Dolan and his family have built an extraordinary legacy, with their collective fortune estimated at $5.4 billion. The Dolans hold controlling stakes in AMC Networks and the Madison Square Garden companies, which oversee iconic properties such as the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. These enterprises, now largely managed by Dolan’s son James, remain at the forefront of the sports and entertainment industries, reflecting Charles Dolan’s remarkable vision and entrepreneurial acumen.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1926, Dolan began his career with a television news service in New York City during the early 1950s. He later laid the foundation for his transformative career by securing wiring rights in lower Manhattan, an initiative that led to the creation of HBO. His groundbreaking idea for a subscription-based television service, offering uncut and commercial-free programming, redefined media consumption. In 1973, Dolan sold HBO’s predecessor to Time-Life, using the proceeds to establish Cablevision, which became one of the nation’s largest cable providers.

Dolan’s influence extended further with the founding of the American Movie Classics network in 1984, now known as AMC Networks. Originally a platform for classic films, AMC evolved into a powerhouse of original programming, producing critically acclaimed series such as Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. Cablevision also thrived under his leadership until its eventual sale to Altice for $17.7 billion in 2016. This sale marked a significant milestone for the Dolan family, enabling them to concentrate on their other ventures, including Madison Square Garden and AMC Networks.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dolan was a committed philanthropist. He founded the Lustgarten Foundation, the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research, following the loss of a Cablevision colleague to the disease. Through his leadership, the foundation has provided substantial support for advancements in research and treatment, reflecting Dolan’s enduring commitment to giving back.

Dolan’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his family were cornerstones of his life. His son James has continued his father’s legacy, managing the family’s interests in AMC Networks and Madison Square Garden. Other members of the Dolan family have also played integral roles in their businesses, ensuring that Charles Dolan’s transformative vision continues to shape the industries he revolutionized.

As a pioneer in the television industry, Charles Dolan leaves behind a legacy of innovation and influence. His groundbreaking ideas, such as premium cable programming and subscription-based television, paved the way for modern entertainment. While his passing marks the end of an era, his contributions to media and philanthropy remain a testament to his extraordinary life. Charles Dolan’s impact will endure, celebrated by those who were inspired by his vision and generosity.