Julie Chen CBS Host and Television Personality

Julie Chen Moonves is a well-known American TV personality, news anchor, and producer for CBS¹. She has been hosting the American version of the CBS reality show Big Brother since its start in July 2000¹. From 2002 to 2010, she was a co-anchor of The Early Show on CBS¹. In 2004, she married CBS executive Les Moonves¹. Starting in 2010, Chen Moonves was a co-host and the moderator of the CBS Daytime talk show The Talk, until 2018 when she left the show following multiple sexual assault and sexual harassment allegations against her husband Les Moonves.

Key Takeaways

• Julie Chen is a renowned television personality and news anchor who has been with CBS for over two decades.
• She has hosted the hit reality show Big Brother since its debut in 2000 and co-hosted The Talk from 2010 to 2018.
• Chen’s career has been marked by her tenure as a co-anchor on The Early Show and her marriage to former CBS executive Les Moonves.
• She has faced controversies, including her use of her married name and the criticism of her Asian features, but has remained a prominent figure in the industry.
• Chen’s literary works, including a children’s book and an audio memoir, have further expanded her creative pursuits.

Early Life and Family Background

Julie Chen was born on January 6, 1970, in Queens, New York². Her mom, Wang Ling Chen, was from Rangoon, Burma. Her dad, David Chen, was from China and moved to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War². She has two older sisters, Gladys and Victoria, making their family rich in culture².

Julie Chen grew up in a Chinese-American home. Her parents’ journey as immigrants and the mix of cultures she experienced shaped her early life. She was deeply connected to her Chinese roots while also facing the challenges of being an Asian-American.²

Chen’s education was a blend of her diverse background. She went to St. Francis Preparatory School and later got a degree in broadcast journalism and English from the University of Southern California in 1991². This education set the stage for her successful career in TV hosting and journalism².

“My parents came to this country with nothing. They worked hard, sacrificed, and gave me and my sisters the opportunity to have a better life.”

Julie Chen’s early life and family background have deeply influenced her career as a leading chinese american tv host and asian american broadcaster². Her cultural background and personal story have shaped her unique perspective and helped her reach a wide audience².

Key Biographical Details	Data
Date of Birth	January 6, 1970
Birthplace	Queens, New York
Parents	Wang Ling Chen (mother, from Burma) and David Chen (father, from China)
Siblings	Gladys and Victoria
Education	St. Francis Preparatory School, University of Southern California (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and English)

Julie Chen’s Julie Chen ethnicity, Julie Chen family background, and Juile Chen early life have shaped her career as a top Chinese American tv host and Asian American broadcaster². Her diverse background and personal story have influenced her view and helped her connect with many people in her successful media career².

Education and Early Career

Julie Chen started her path to fame with her education. She went to junior high in Whitestone, Queens, New York. Then, she finished high school at St. Francis Preparatory School in 1987³.

Next, she moved to the University of Southern California. There, she earned a degree in broadcast journalism and English in 1991³.

Even as a student, Julie got her first taste of the industry. In June 1990, she interned at CBS Morning News. She helped by answering phones and copying faxes³. The next year, she became a desk assistant at ABC News One. She was soon promoted to producer, a role she held for three years³.

Education	Experience
Graduated from the University of Southern California in 1991 with a degree in broadcast journalism and English	Interned at CBS Morning News in 1990, where she answered phones and copied faxes
	Worked as a desk assistant for ABC News One in 1991, later promoted to producer for 3 years

These early steps in the news world set the stage for Julie Chen’s future success. She became a big name in both news and reality TV³⁴.

Rise to Prominence as News Anchor

Julie Chen’s smarts, style, and top-notch news reporting made her a big name in 2003 during the U.S. invasion of Iraq¹. In 1999, she landed the anchor job for CBS’s early-morning shows, CBS Morning News and The Early Show⁵. Her charm and skill in delivering news made her a hit with viewers, marking her as a star on the rise¹.

From 1999 to 2002, Chen anchored CBS Morning News and CBS This Morning, and then The Early Show⁵. She covered big news like the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, showing off her top reporting skills. This made her a trusted and respected journalist¹.

Chen’s success as a news anchor came from connecting with viewers and reporting with honesty and heart¹. Her presence on TV and her hard work made her a standout in journalism⁵.

Throughout her career, Julie Chen has shown she can handle the changing world of TV news well. She always delivers quality reporting and grabs the audience’s attention¹. Her rise to fame shows her talent, hard work, and commitment to being the best in journalism⁵.

Hosting “Big Brother” and “The Talk”

Julie Chen Moonves has had a big career in reality TV and daytime talk shows. Since 2000, she’s been hosting the CBS hit show Big Brother⁶. At first, she wasn’t sure about the job, but it became a favorite project for her⁶.

For eight years, from 2010 to 2018, she co-hosted The Talk⁷. But in September 2018, she left the show to focus on family⁷. This was after her husband, Les Moonves, left CBS due to sexual misconduct allegations⁷.

Long-time Host of Reality Show “Big Brother” Since 2000

Since 2000, Julie Chen Moonves has been a key figure in the Big Brother reality show⁶. She was unsure at first, but now it’s one of her favorite jobs⁶.

Co-Host and Moderator of CBS Talk Show “The Talk” 2010-2018

Chen Moonves also co-hosted The Talk from 2010 to 2018⁷. But after her husband’s scandal, she left the show⁷. Carrie Ann Inaba took her place in January 2019⁷.

TV Show	Role	Years
Big Brother	Host	2000 – Present
The Talk	Co-Host and Moderator	2010 – 2018

“Despite her belief that gossip is a sin, Julie finds no conflict between her faith and hosting a reality show like Big Brother, highlighting that it’s not real life.”

Julie Chen

Julie Chen, a famous TV star, proudly calls herself “Chenbot”⁸. This name comes from her “precise on-air style” that shows she aims to be fair⁸. She even said, “I am the Chenot!” on The Early Show, showing she owns this identity⁸.

Chen’s life has changed a lot in recent years⁹. At 53, she shared her journey to faith in an audiobook⁹. This path started five years back, after an email from her aunt about Christianity⁸. Before then, she had never been to church⁸.

Being a Christian has deeply changed her life⁸. She feels more at peace and less stressed since connecting with God⁸. Her Big Brother co-workers see a new calm in her, and she talks about the value of helping others over being self-focused⁸. Chen wants others to know it’s okay to pray and welcome God into their lives for hope and positivity⁸.

Even with tough times, like her husband’s public scandal¹⁰, Chen has stayed true to her family¹⁰. She says the scandal made her family stronger, not weaker¹⁰. Chen’s story shows how she balances being the “Chenot” and growing as a Christian⁹.

Marriage to Les Moonves

In 2004, Julie Chen married Les Moonves, the top boss at CBS Television, in a quiet ceremony in Acapulco, Mexico¹¹¹². They have a son named Charlie, born in 2009¹³¹².

Julie Chen and her CBS executive husband, Les Moonves, are a famous media power couple. They’ve faced both highs and lows in their relationship¹¹¹³¹².

In 2018, Les Moonves was accused of sexual misconduct and left CBS¹³. Julie Chen felt betrayed but kept hosting “Big Brother” on CBS, showing her strength¹¹.

Even with the tough times, Julie Chen has stuck by her husband, Les Moonves. They’ve worked to keep their relationship strong¹¹¹³¹².

Recently, Julie Chen found a new path, getting baptized in 2022 and joining five churches¹¹. She says her faith has brought her peace and guidance in hard times¹¹.

Controversy and Use of Married Name

In 2018, Julie Chen, a well-known host of “Big Brother,” faced controversy. This was due to allegations of sexual misconduct against her husband, Les Moonves, who was the head of CBS¹⁴. Moonves had been with the network since 1995 but resigned in September 2018 because of the allegations¹⁴.

Before this, Chen used her maiden name on the show. But in the September 13, 2018 episode of “Big Brother,” she started signing off as “Julie Chen Moonves.”¹⁴ This choice got mixed reactions from viewers, with some supporting her and others criticizing it¹⁴.

Some saw her using her married name as showing loyalty to Moonves, despite the allegations¹⁵. It also made people think of other women who stayed with their husbands during scandals, like Georgina Chapman and Camille Cosby¹⁵.

Chen stayed committed to hosting “Big Brother,” a role she’s had since 2000¹⁵. Using her married name was seen as a personal choice, showing her loyalty to her husband of almost 14 years¹⁴.

The debate over Chen’s name change showed how personal and professional lives can get mixed up, especially after big scandals¹⁶. With the #MeToo movement growing, Chen’s choice made people wonder about the role of supporting spouses in such situations¹⁵.

Chen’s decision to use her married name on “Big Brother” reminded us of the ongoing talks about power, responsibility, and personal choices of public figures¹⁶.

Plastic Surgery and Cultural Identity

Julie Chen, a well-known CBS host, has talked openly about her plastic surgery journey. She shared on The Talk in 2015 that a news director once told her she couldn’t be a news anchor because of her “Asian eyes”¹⁷. Feeling pressured, she decided to have surgery to change the look of her eyes¹⁷.

When she shared this story, the audience gasped in shock. Her co-hosts comforted her, saying “You did the right thing”¹⁸. Chen said she has no regrets about her choice, showing acceptance of her decision¹⁸.

Chen pointed out the absurdity of thinking people can’t relate to her because of her race. She talked about the tough beauty standards women face, especially for women of color¹⁸. These standards make it hard for them to fit in.

Her decision to have plastic surgery was a big one, driven by society’s beauty norms and her own goals¹⁸. The conversation raises questions about the cost of changing oneself for success¹⁸.

Many people, like the author, struggle with self-acceptance and try to fit into beauty standards¹⁸.

Statistic

Findings

Plastic Surgery and Cultural Identity

4 Asian American women were part of the study analyzing beauty ideals and cultural identity19. 6 women gathered to demonstrate the Daffodil Principle, emphasizing beauty, unity, and support19. American beauty standards are often portrayed in magazines, TV, and movies impacting women’s aspirations19. Chinese, Chinese American, and Asian American women’s experiences reflect societal beauty norms19. Monica Chiu, an English professor specializing in Asian American studies, provides insights into beauty norms19. Univ of New Hampshire student Novena Surasa finds community in the United Asian Coalition19. Cultural identity plays a significant role in personal experiences of beauty and social acceptance19.

Julie Chen’s story with plastic surgery and her cultural identity shows the tough challenges women face. Especially those from diverse backgrounds, in meeting beauty standards and chasing their dreams.

“I have no regrets about it. I didn’t want to live my life feeling like the ugly duckling.”

– Julie Chen on her decision to undergo plastic surgery.

Literary Works

In 2018, Julie Chen Moonves, a well-known TV star, wrote her first children’s book, “When I Grow Up,”²⁰. It’s a touching story for her son, Charlie²⁰. Five years later, in 2023, she released an audiobook called “But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery,”²¹. This book shares her journey of finding Christianity in 2018²¹.

Chen Moonves is also a successful author of artist’s books. She has been publishing these special books for over 36 years²¹. Her work covers many topics like personal stories, global issues, war, and climate change. She uses various techniques like letterpress printing and digital printing²¹.

Her artist’s books are in famous libraries and museums around the world²⁰. They can be found in places like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London²⁰. These books are made in small numbers, from just 10 to 150 copies²⁰. This shows her love for the art of bookmaking and its power to tell stories²¹.

Chen Moonves has also been honored for her work. She won the 2023 BIMA BRAVA award for Artists’ Books Artists Award²¹. She’s not just a creator but also a curator and speaker at events worldwide²¹.

Julie Chen Moonves uses her talents in both literature and art to engage people. Her work on TV and in books has won the hearts of many²²²⁰²¹.

Conclusion

Julie Chen Moonves has made a lasting impact in the TV industry. She’s been a news anchor, reality show host, and co-host of “The Talk” on CBS²³. Despite facing challenges, she has greatly helped increase Asian American representation in media. She’s a trailblazer and role model for many²³.

Her work on “Big Brother” made her well-known. On “The Talk,” she talked about important topics, including sexual misconduct that led to her leaving the show²³²⁴. When she supported her husband, Leslie Moonves, during his scandal, it caused a big reaction. This showed how hard it is to deal with personal and work issues together²³²⁵.

Now, Julie Chen’s legacy as a key figure for Asian Americans in media will keep shaping the industry²³²⁴. Even with the challenges she faced, her hard work and commitment have made her a trailblazer in media²³²⁴.

FAQ

Who is Julie Chen?

Julie Suzanne Chen Moonves is a well-known American TV personality. She hosts the CBS reality show Big Brother since 2000. She also co-anchored The Early Show and was a moderator on The Talk from 2010 to 2018.

What is Julie Chen’s background?

Julie Chen was born on January 6, 1970, in Queens, New York City. Her mom, Wang Ling Chen, was from Rangoon, Burma. Her dad, David Chen, was from China and moved to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War. She has two older sisters, Gladys and Victoria.

What is Julie Chen’s educational and career background?

Chen went to junior high in the Whitestone area of Queens and graduated from St. Francis Preparatory School in 1987. She then studied at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1991 with a degree in broadcast journalism and English. She worked as an intern at CBS Morning News in 1990 and later as a producer for ABC News One.

How did Julie Chen become a prominent news anchor?

In 1999, Chen became the anchor for CBS’s early-morning shows, CBS Morning News and The Early Show. Her skills and reporting during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq won over viewers. This helped her become a prominent news anchor.

What other roles has Julie Chen had in television?

Since 2000, Chen has hosted the CBS reality show Big Brother. From 2010 to 2018, she was a co-host and moderator of The Talk.

What is the “Chatbot” nickname and how has Julie Chen embraced it?

During Big Brother’s first season, Chen was called “Chan bot” for her scripted delivery. She has accepted the nickname, saying it reflects her objective style. She even said “I am the Chabot!” on The Early Show.

Who is Julie Chen’s husband and how has that affected her career?

In 2004, Chen married Les Moonves, a CBS executive, in Acapulco, Mexico. Moonves was CBS’s top executive. After allegations against her husband in 2018, she started using her married name on Big Brother’s September 13, 2018 episode.

What controversy has Julie Chen faced regarding her appearance and cultural identity?

In 2015, Chen shared on The Talk that a news director once told her she couldn’t be an anchor because of her “Asian eyes.” She then decided to have surgery to change her eye shape.

What literary works has Julie Chen published?

In 2018, Chen Moonves wrote her first children’s book, “When I Grow Up,” for her son Charlie. In 2023, she released an audiobook memoir, “But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery,” about finding Christianity in 2018.

Source Links

1. Julie Chen Moonves – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Chen_Moonves
2. Julie Chen Biography, Husband, Net Worth, Son, How Old Is She? – https://www.naijanews.com/buzz/people/julie-chen-biography-husband-net-worth-son-how-old-is-she/
3. Julie Chen Moonves Facts for Kids – https://kids.kiddle.co/Julie_Chen_Moonves
4. Julie Chen Net Worth – https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/julie-chen-net-worth/
5. Julie Chen – Anchor, Personality, Journalist – https://www.tvinsider.com/people/julie-chen/
6. Julie Chen Moonves Says It Wasn’t Her Decision to Leave ‘The Talk:’ ‘I Felt Stabbed in the Back’ – https://people.com/julie-chen-moonves-addresses-departure-from-the-talk-5-years-later-7970728
7. Julie Chen felt ‘stabbed in the back’ over ‘The Talk’ exit: Not my decision – https://nypost.com/2023/09/18/julie-chen-felt-stabbed-in-the-back-over-the-talk-exit-not-my-decision/
8. How Julie Chen Moonves Found God – RELEVANT – https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/how-julie-chen-moonves-found-god/
9. Julie Chen Moonves ‘gutted’ after ouster from ‘The Talk’: ‘I felt robbed’ – https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2023/09/19/julie-chen-moonves-book-but-first-god-the-talk-husband-les-moonves/70900372007/
10. Julie Chen claims she was forced out of ‘The Talk’ after husband Les Moonves’ scandal: ‘Felt stabbed in the back’ – https://pagesix.com/2023/09/19/julie-chen-claims-she-was-forced-out-of-the-talk-after-les-moonves-scandal/
11. Julie Chen Moonves Credits Her ‘Strong Bond’ with Husband Les for Surviving His Sex Scandal (Exclusive) – https://people.com/julie-chen-moonves-talks-strong-bond-husband-les-moonves-exclusive-7974918
12. The Story Behind Les Moonves and Julie Chen’s 14-Year Marriage – https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/a22576792/les-moonves-julie-chen-marriage-relationship-timeline/
13. Julie Chen told her son that harassment allegations against dad Les Moonves were ‘false’ – https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-09-19/julie-chen-the-talk-exit-les-moonves-metoo-scandal
14. Julie Chen Moonves Explains Why She Changed Her Name – https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/julie-chen-moonves-explains-why-she-changed-her-name/
15. Julie Chen and other spouses caught up in the #MeToo era face a difficult decision – https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-julie-chen-les-moonves-cbs-20181004-story.html
16. ‘Big Brother 24’: Julie Chen Moonves Reflects On Last Year’s Cookout Alliance & Why She Changed Her Last Name – https://deadline.com/2022/07/big-brother-24-julie-chen-moonves-why-she-changed-her-name-1235058743/
17. ALAN – v42n3 – Beauty Is in the Eye of the West: An Analysis of An Ha’s The Fold – https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/v42n3/pdf/yi.pdf
18. Beauty shouldn’t be standardized at expense of identity – The Georgetown Voice – https://georgetownvoice.com/2013/10/10/beauty-shouldnt-standardized-expense-identity/
19. Breaking the Mold: Four Asian American women define beauty, detail identity, and deconstruct stereotypes – https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1183&context=honors
20. Julie Chen | Artist Profile | NMWA – https://nmwa.org/art/artists/julie-chen/
21. You Are Here by Julie Chen – https://scua.uncglibraries.com/you-are-here-julie-chen/
22. Julie Chen | Cerritos Library – https://www.cerritoslibrary.us/about-the-library/special-collections/book-art-collection/julie-chen/
23. My Problem with Julie Chen-Moonves – The Bull & Bear – https://bullandbearmcgill.com/my-problem-with-julie-chen-moonves/
24. Julie Chen officially leaves ‘The Talk’ – https://money.cnn.com/2018/09/18/media/julie-chen-the-talk/index.html
25. Julie Chen Defends Husband Les Moonves After 6 Women Accuse Him of Sexual Misconduct: ‘He Is a Good Man’ – https://people.com/tv/julie-chen-defends-husband-les-moonves-sexual-misconduct-allegations/