Endorsed US President George W. Bush for re-election in 2004, saying that "the reason was simple: Republican values are what U.S. companies need. ... I look at the election from what`s good for Viacom. I vote for what`s good for Viacom. I vote, today, Viacom.". Viacon owns--among many other media outlets--CBS Television, which is claimed by conservatives, who accuse it of being part of "the liberal media", to slant its news coverage in favor of the Democratic party.

Was originally a lawyer for the U.S. Department of Justice before he left to join his father`s theater chain, which evolved into National Amusements, the present-day parent holding company of Viacom.

Was recruited by Edwin O. Reischauer (a Harvard professor and future U.S. Ambassador to Japan) while an undergraduate student at Harvard University to decode Japanese codes during World War II.

He left Harvard College after only barely completing three years of study when he was recruited by Professor Reischauer (later a U.S. Ambassador to Japan) to decode messages of the Japanese during World War II. When he finished his tenure with the U.S. Army, the Harvard Corporation granted him his Bachelor`s degree.

Has an autobiography, co-written with Peter Knobler, titled A Passion To Win, ISBN 0684862247 (published by Simon & Schuster)

Originally attended Georgetown University Law School but transferred to Harvard Law School and received his LL.B degree from that institution.

Graduated first in his class from public prep school Boston Latin.

In 1979, he survived a Boston hotel fire with burns over half his body by clinging to a third-floor window with his severely burned right hand until firefighters could reach him. His right arm hangs loosely, and the hand is gnarled with purplish skin.

Harvard University, B.A., 1944, LLB., 1947.

Children: Brent Dale, and Shari Ellin.

Chairman/CEO, Viacom

He owns the Showcase Cinemas theater chain.

Spouse: Paula Fortunato (6 April 2003 - present); Phyllis Gloria Raphael (6 July 1947 - 26 July 2002) (divorced) 2 children