Childhood and Education Journey of Ted Turner in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 16, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Ted Turner. From birth to education, explore key events.

Ted Turner is an American entrepreneur and media mogul best known for founding CNN, the world's first 24-hour cable news channel. He also established WTBS, popularizing the superstation concept, along with TBS and TNT television networks. Turner's media empire revolutionized television news and entertainment. He is also a philanthropist.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1960: Marriage to Judy Nye

In 1960, Ted Turner married Judy Nye.

1964: Divorce from Judy Nye

In 1964, Ted Turner divorced Judy Nye.

1964: Sailing competitions and Olympic trials

In 1964, at the age of 26, Ted Turner participated in sailing competitions at the Savannah Yacht Club and competed in Olympic trials.

1965: Marriage to Jane Shirley Smith

In 1965, Ted Turner married Jane Shirley Smith.

1988: Divorce from Jane Shirley Smith

In 1988, Ted Turner divorced Jane Shirley Smith.

1991: Marriage to Jane Fonda

In 1991, Ted Turner married actress Jane Fonda.

1993: Publication of "It Ain't As Easy as It Looks"

In 1993, the biography "It Ain't As Easy as It Looks" by Porter Bibb was published, in which Ted Turner discussed his use of lithium and his struggles with mental illness.

1996: Discussing Population Growth

In 1996, while addressing the issue of population growth at a Montana gathering, Ted Turner emphasized that he was not advocating for eliminating anyone, stating he had five children himself, and proceeded to discuss hunger and poverty, as well as methods to tackle these challenges.

June 24, 1999: Vince McMahon's comments on Ted Turner

On June 24, 1999, on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Vince McMahon stated that Ted Turner was a "son-of-a-bitch".

2001: Divorce from Jane Fonda

In 2001, Ted Turner divorced actress Jane Fonda.

2001: Purchase of Bluestem Ranch

In 2001, Ted Turner purchased the 43,000 acre Bluestem Ranch property primarily to raise bison.

2008: Publication of "Call Me Ted"

In 2008, Ted Turner wrote "Call Me Ted," a book documenting his career and personal life.

2009: Meeting of Business Moguls

In 2009, Ted Turner met with other business moguls, including Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, George Soros, and David Rockefeller, to discuss issues ranging from the environment to healthcare. The group also addressed population growth, with some discussion of vaccines and immunization efforts.

2010: Joining The Giving Pledge

In 2010, Ted Turner joined Warren Buffett and Bill Gates's The Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charity upon his death.

May 3, 2012: Television Interview with Piers Morgan

On May 3, 2012, in a television interview with Piers Morgan, Ted Turner mentioned he was dating four girlfriends, acknowledging that while it was complicated, he found it easier than being married.

January 23, 2013: Robert Edward "Teddy" Turner IV runs for Congress

On January 23, 2013, Robert Edward "Teddy" Turner IV, one of Ted Turner's children, announced his candidacy in the South Carolina Republican primary for the Congressional seat that was open after Tim Scott's appointment to the US Senate. He came in 4th place, receiving 7.90% of the vote.

January 2016: Sale of Bluestem Ranch

In January 2016, the Osage Nation bought Ted Turner's 43,000-acre Bluestem Ranch in Osage County, Oklahoma.

2016: Endorsed Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Ted Turner endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the U.S. presidential election.

2018: Considered run for President

In 2018, Ted Turner revealed he had once considered a run for president when he was married to Jane Fonda, who told him she would leave him if he did.