Charles F. Dolan, the visionary media mogul who founded HBO and built Cablevision into a telecommunications empire, died Saturday of natural causes at age 98, surrounded by family members.
The Cleveland-born entrepreneur revolutionized television in the 1960s by introducing cable TV to Manhattan when most considered it viable only in rural areas. His groundbreaking vision led to the creation of Home Box Office (HBO) in 1972, forever changing how Americans consume entertainment.
Starting with just 1,500 subscribers in Nassau County, Dolan grew Cablevision into one of the nation's largest broadcasting companies. The company was sold to Altice in 2015 for nearly $18 billion. Through various ventures, his business empire expanded to include Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers.
Despite his immense success and wealth, Dolan maintained a notably modest demeanor - speaking softly in meetings and driving his own car rather than employing a chauffeur. He rarely gave interviews, preferring to work quietly behind the scenes.
Born in 1926 to an inventor father, Dolan's media career began early, writing a Boy Scouts column for the Cleveland Press at age 16. After serving briefly in the Air Force during World War II, he started a sports newsreel business with his wife Helen, whom he was married to for 73 years until her death last year.
The media pioneer is survived by six children, including James Dolan who runs Madison Square Garden Entertainment, and Patrick Dolan who owns Newsday. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Beyond his business achievements, Dolan co-founded the Lustgarten Foundation, which became the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the United States.
His family remembered him as both an industry trailblazer and devoted family man whose innovative spirit helped shape modern entertainment. Funeral arrangements are pending.