George Randolph Hearst Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Randolph Hearst Jr.
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| Born | July 13, 1927 San Francisco, California
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| Died | June 25, 2012 (aged 84) Palo Alto, California
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| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupation | Chairman, Hearst Corporation |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary Thompson
(m. 1952; div. 1969) |
| Children | 4, including George Randolph III |
| Parent(s) | George Randolph Hearst (father) |
| Relatives | William Randolph Hearst (grandfather) Millicent Hearst (grandmother) |
George Randolph Hearst Jr. was an important American businessman. He was part of the famous and wealthy Hearst family. For many years, he led the Hearst Corporation, a big media company. He was the chairman of its board from 1996 until he passed away in 2012.
His Life and Career
George Randolph Hearst Jr. was born on July 13, 1927, in San Francisco, California. He had a twin sister named Phoebe. When he was older, he joined the military. He first served in the Naval Air Corps. Later, he joined the United States Army and served during the Korean War.
In 1948, George Jr. started working in advertising. He joined the Los Angeles Examiner newspaper. His famous grandfather, William Randolph Hearst, had started this newspaper in 1903. After that, George Jr. worked for a few years at another family newspaper, the San Francisco Examiner.
Leading Newspapers
In 1957, he became the business manager of the Los Angeles Herald-Express. Just three years later, he was made the publisher of that newspaper. As publisher of the Herald Examiner, he faced challenges with workers' unions. These challenges led to strikes that lasted for many years. The strikes affected the newspaper's sales and advertising. The paper never fully recovered from these difficulties.
In the same year, George Jr. joined the main Hearst Corporation. He spent the rest of his career working there. The Hearst Corporation is controlled by a special trust. This trust has many non-family executives. However, five family members, including George Jr., are also trustees. George Jr. was one of the oldest grandchildren involved in the trust.
George Randolph Hearst Jr. passed away in Palo Alto, California, at 84 years old. He died on June 25, 2012, due to complications from a stroke.
Family Life
George Jr. married Mary Thompson in 1951. They had four children together. All their children were born in California. George Jr. and Mary divorced in 1969.
- Mary Astrid Hearst (1953–2004)
- George Randolph Hearst III (born 1955)
- Stephen Thompson Hearst (born 1956)
- Erin Wilbur Hearst (born 1959)
