Last updated on: January 3, 2025
Ted Turner is a well-known media mogul, famous for creating CNN and his work in television. He was also married to actress Jane Fonda for a decade. Even though they divorced in 2001, Turner’s life and career are fascinating. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Ted Turner is, his rise to fame, and his relationship with Fonda.
Quick Facts About Ted Turner
| Full Name | Robert Edward Turner III |
| Birthdate | November 19, 1938 |
| Occupation | Media Mogul, Philanthropist, Founder of CNN |
| Husband/Wife | Jane Fonda (m. 1991–2001), Jane Shirley Smith (m. 1965–1988), Julia Gale Nye (m. 1960–1964) |
| Education | Brown University (expelled) |
| Age | 86 years and 1 months old |
| Parents | Father: Robert Turner, Mother: Florence Turner |
| Siblings | One sibling, sister named Mary Turner |
| Children | Laura Turner, Robert Edward Turner IV, Jennie Turner, Beau Turner, Rhett Turner, Beauregard Turner |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $2.3 billion (as of 2024) |
Early Life and Education
Ted Turner was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was raised in a family that kept moving from one place to another. Turner attended Brown University but did not complete his studies there. He was expelled after an incident involving a female student in his dorm room. Despite the setback, Turner’s drive for success didn’t stop. He soon began working in the family business and eventually built his own media empire.
A Career in Media
Ted Turner is probably best known as the founder of CNN (Cable News Network) in 1980. The impact CNN made was revolutionizing how news is consumed because of its 24-hour coverage. It was a major shift, because prior to CNN, news only came on the television a few times a day. Turner’s idea was revolutionary. In addition to the Braves, which were the Atlanta Major League Baseball team, Turner owned a host of other media companies. His career changed how we consume news today.
He didn’t stop at TV. Turner made big plays in other aspects of media like sports and entertainment as well. This boldness and creativity made him a household name.
Marriages and Family
Ted Turner has been married three times. His first marriage was to Judy Nye from 1960 to 1964. His second wife was Jane Shirley Smith, whom he was married to for more than 20 years, from 1965 to 1988. His third wife was the famous actress Jane Fonda. Turner married Fonda in 1991 after she divorced her second husband, Tom Hayden.
Turner and Fonda had a close relationship. They were each other’s admirer, and they had a lot of values in common. Their marriage lasted for ten years until they divorced in 2001. After the divorce, Turner and Fonda continued being friends. She has referred to him as her “favorite ex-husband.” This goes to show that their relationship was not just a marriage but a friendship that is respected.
Life After Marriage
After his divorce from Fonda, Ted Turner continued to focus on his business and philanthropic work. He has been deeply involved in charity, especially environmental causes. He has given millions of dollars to support ocean conservation and nuclear disarmament. Turner has used his wealth and influence to make the world a better place, something he cares deeply about.
Turner also found it lonely being alone after his divorce. In interviews, he admitted that it was hard for him to build close relationships. His career kept him busy, and this sometimes made it difficult to build lasting connections. However, he continued having relationships over the years, although they did not last as long as his marriage to Fonda.
READ ALSO: Jane Fonda Net worth, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Facts & More
The Divorce
Ted Turner and Jane Fonda’s divorce was a major media event. The couple had a strong relationship, but Fonda wanted more personal freedom and growth. She later said that she didn’t think she could fully express herself while married to Turner. Their divorce settlement was costly, with Turner paying about $40 million to Fonda. Despite the break-up, both of them express positive feelings towards each other. Fonda said that Turner would always be one of those people who made her nostalgic.
The Legacy of Turner
Ted Turner’s media career is an extension of what he has impacted television with or, more especially, news broadcasting. He changed how people consume news with CNN, which remains the world’s number one news network to this very day. Besides his work in philanthropy, the donations amounting to billions are well-documented, and a particular area where his philanthropy really stands out is environmental protection.
Though Turner has faced personal challenges, his professional achievements are undeniable. His life shows how someone can use their wealth and influence to make a difference.
Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com
