The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Television personality›Julie Chen
Entertainment • Television personality

Julie Chen

Julie Chen is an American television personality, news anchor, and producer best known for hosting the CBS reality series Big Brother.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Julie Chen is an American television personality, news anchor, and producer best known for hosting the CBS reality series Big Brother. She also co-anchored CBS's The Early Show and was an original co-host and moderator of The Talk from 2010 to 2018. Born in Queens, New York, to Chinese immigrant parents, she is of Chinese descent.

Early life and education

Julie Chen was born on January 6, 1970, in Queens, New York, and was raised there. She is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 1991.

Broadcasting career

Chen began her career in journalism and later became a CBS anchor and host. She gained widespread recognition for hosting the U.S. version of Big Brother from its debut in 2000, and also co-anchored CBS's The Early Show in the 2000s. She served as a special contributing anchor for CBS News in 2010–2011.

Big Brother and CBS daytime television

Chen has been associated with Big Brother since 2000, making her one of the franchise's most recognizable figures. She also helped launch and moderated The Talk as an original co-host from 2010 until 2018, when she left the program.

Personal life

Chen married former CBS chief executive Les Moonves in 2004. She has one son, Charlie Moonves.

Key facts

  • Hosted the U.S. version of Big Brother from its debut in 2000.
  • Co-anchored CBS's The Early Show in the 2000s and served as a special contributing anchor in 2010–2011.
  • Was an original co-host and moderator of The Talk from 2010 until 2018.
  • Born Julie Suzanne Chen in Queens, New York, to Chinese immigrant parents.
  • Married former CBS executive Les Moonves in 2004.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Julie Chen?
Julie Chen is an American television personality, news anchor, and producer best known as the host of Big Brother.
What is Julie Chen best known for?
She is best known for hosting the CBS reality series Big Brother since 2000.
Was Julie Chen on The Talk?
Yes. She was an original co-host and moderator of The Talk from 2010 to 2018.
Where was Julie Chen born?
She was born in Queens, New York.
Who is Julie Chen married to?
She married former CBS chief executive Les Moonves in 2004.

References

  1. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/julie-chen/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, profession, and career notes including The Early Show and Big Brother.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Chen_Moonves
    Supports: Overview of career, Big Brother hosting, The Talk role, and leaving the program in 2018.
  3. CBS News — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/julie-chen-dancing-queen/
    Supports: Chinese immigrant background, Queens upbringing, and CBS career progression.
  4. WWSG — https://www.wwsg.com/speakers/julie-chen/
    Supports: Education at USC, hosting roles on Big Brother, The Talk, and The Early Show.
  5. Us Weekly — https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/julie-chen/
    Supports: Marriage to Les Moonves, hosting roles, and family details.
  6. NNDB — https://www.nndb.com/people/229/000026151/
    Supports: Birth date, family details, education, spouse, and television credits.