Julie Chen: The Heart And Soul Behind 'Big Brother'

Hey there, let me take you behind the scenes of the life of Julie Chen, the vibrant and charismatic host of CBS's Big Brother. Since the show first aired in 2000, Julie has been the guiding light, captivating audiences with her sharp wit and engaging presence. Originating from New York, she's built a loyal following over the years, with fans eagerly tuning in each season to see her magic on screen. When she's not hosting, Julie cherishes the quiet moments spent with her son, Charlie Moonves, and her former husband, Les Moonves, the former CBS chairman.

Julie Chen's Journey to Marriage

Let’s rewind a bit and talk about Julie's personal life. She tied the knot with Les Moonves in December 2004, choosing a picturesque spot in Mexico for their special day. Before becoming the queen of reality TV, Julie made her mark as an anchor for CBS Morning News, CBS This Morning, and The Early Show. Her career soared as she embraced the role of a reality competition host. Surprisingly, Julie wasn't always set on the path of marriage or motherhood. In fact, she once confessed to Buzzfeed in 2015, “I never wanted kids and I never wanted to get married.” At the time, Les already had three children from a previous marriage, but life had other plans for this dynamic duo.

Welcoming Charlie: Julie Chen's Maternal Journey

Life took a delightful turn for Julie during the eleventh season of Big Brother when she revealed her pregnancy. Her growing baby bump became a central part of the show, captivating audiences right up to the season finale on September 15, 2009. Just two weeks later, on September 29, 2009, Julie welcomed her son, Charlie, into the world. Despite being in the public eye, Julie has kept Charlie largely out of the spotlight, preferring to protect his privacy.

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However, in a heartfelt December 2012 interview, Julie shared a touching tradition she started when Charlie turned one—writing letters to him. “We’re saving them until he’s 21, 25, or whenever he’s mature enough to appreciate what he means to us,” she revealed. This sentimentality extends to their cherished Christmases in New York City. Julie fondly recalls, “I hadn’t celebrated Christmas in New York for so long, and I wanted to do it for my son. We’re doing every touristy thing—seeing the tree, ice skating. I’m embracing the New York tourist experience.”

Julie's Legacy: A Future Host in the Making?

Julie has become synonymous with Big Brother, and it’s hard to imagine the show without her. In a candid conversation with Us Weekly in July 2021, she joked about Charlie possibly taking over her role someday. “I can’t picture Big Brother without me hosting it. It feels like my child, you know. Giving it up would feel like letting go of a part of myself,” she mused. “But hey, Bob Barker hosted The Price is Right for 55 years, and that show went on without him. At some point, I hope it only goes on without me if I’m six feet under, but I’d rather pass it on to my son. That would be hilarious, wouldn’t it?”