Early Life and Education of Julie Chen Moonves: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 17, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Julie Chen Moonves. From birth to education, explore key events.

Julie Chen Moonves is a prominent American television personality, producer, and news anchor, best known for her long-standing role as the host of the hit reality competition series Big Brother. Joining the show in 2000, she became a staple of the franchise, famously concluding her sign-offs with the signature phrase, 'But first.' Prior to her reality TV success, Chen Moonves had a distinguished career in broadcast journalism, notably serving as a co-anchor and moderator on CBS's daytime talk show The Talk and as a news anchor for The Early Show. Throughout her multi-decade career, she has transitioned from traditional hard news reporting to becoming a major figure in pop culture and television entertainment. Her longevity in the industry has cemented her status as one of the most recognizable faces on network television.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 6, 1970: Birth of Julie Chen Moonves

On January 6, 1970, Julie Suzanne Chen Moonves was born. She would go on to become a prominent American television presenter, news anchor, and producer.

1987: Graduation from St. Francis Preparatory School

In 1987, Julie Chen Moonves successfully completed her secondary education by graduating from St. Francis Preparatory School.

September 1991: Beginning of Broadcasting Career

In September 1991, Julie Chen Moonves began her professional career as a news assistant for ABC News in Los Angeles following her graduation from the University of Southern California.

1991: Graduation from the University of Southern California

In 1991, Julie Chen Moonves graduated from the University of Southern California, having earned a degree with a double major in broadcast journalism and English.

April 22, 2003: Divorce Filing Initiated

On April 22, 2003, Nancy Wiesenfeld Moonves filed for divorce from Les Moonves in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences, which occurred shortly after Les Moonves signed a major contract with Viacom.

December 10, 2004: Granting of Early Divorce

On December 10, 2004, a court granted an early divorce to Les Moonves and Nancy Wiesenfeld Moonves, deferring decisions on child and spousal support to a later time.

December 23, 2004: Marriage of Julie Chen and Les Moonves

On December 23, 2004, Julie Chen and Les Moonves were united in marriage during an intimate, private ceremony held in Acapulco, Mexico.

2004: Marriage to Les Moonves

In 2004, Julie Chen married Les Moonves, who was an executive at CBS at the time.

September 24, 2009: Birth of Charlie Moonves

Julie Chen welcomed her son, Charlie, into the world on September 24, 2009, marking a significant milestone in her personal life.

September 2013: Disclosure of Plastic Surgery and Career Pressures

During the first week of the fourth season of The Talk in September 2013, Julie Chen Moonves revealed she underwent blepharoplasty early in her career. She explained that she felt pressured by a news director and an agent to alter her appearance to look less Asian, a choice that caused significant family conflict, though she ultimately expressed no regrets about her past decisions.

2015: Disclosure of Plastic Surgery and Career Challenges

In 2015, Julie Chen Moonves revealed on the program The Talk that a former news director once told her she would not succeed as an anchor due to her "Asian eyes." Following professional advice from an agent, she underwent blepharoplasty surgery to reduce her epicanthic folds, a decision she discussed publicly for the first time in 2015.

September 13, 2018: Adoption of Married Name on Big Brother

On September 13, 2018, Julie Chen Moonves departed from her long-standing sign-off style on Big Brother by using her married name for the first time, ending the broadcast by saying, "I'm Julie Chen Moonves, goodnight."

2018: Conversion to Christianity

In 2018, Julie Chen Moonves experienced a significant spiritual shift and embraced Christianity, noting that she had never attended a Sunday church service prior to this point in her life.

2023: Release of But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery

In 2023, Julie Chen Moonves released her audiobook titled But First, God: An Audio Memoir of Spiritual Discovery, in which she revealed that she was forced out of her role on The Talk following the ousting of her husband at CBS. She disclosed that in 2023, she reflected on how two unnamed co-hosts threatened to boycott the Season 9 premiere if she returned to work, leading to her unexpected departure.

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