Ben Bradlee

Date of Birth: August 26, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: October 21, 2014

Biography

Benjamin Crowninshield Bradlee, commonly known as Ben Bradlee, was an iconic American journalist best known for his tenure as executive editor of The Washington Post from 1968 to 1991. Born into a prominent Boston Brahmin family, Bradlee’s early life was marked by privilege and an education at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University. His career in journalism began in the 1940s, but he rose to national prominence in the 1970s when he oversaw The Washington Post’s coverage of the Watergate scandal. His leadership during this critical period in American history cemented his reputation as one of the most influential editors of the 20th century. Bradlee’s legacy also includes his efforts to modernize the Post, embrace investigative journalism, and champion press freedom. He passed away on October 21, 2014, leaving behind a monumental impact on the field of journalism.

5 Interesting Facts about Ben Bradlee

1. Bradlee served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, an experience that deeply influenced his worldview and career.

2. He was a close friend of John F. Kennedy and had unprecedented access to the Kennedy White House.

3. Under Bradlee’s leadership, The Washington Post won 18 Pulitzer Prizes, including the Public Service Medal for the Watergate coverage.

4. Bradlee was portrayed by actor Jason Robards in the 1976 film “All the President’s Men,” which dramatized the Watergate investigation.

5. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2013.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ben Bradlee

1. “The truth, no matter how bad, is never as dangerous as a lie in the long run.”

2. “We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values.”

3. “The really good journalists in America are not as famous as the really good movie stars, but they are often better paid.”

4. “You never monkey with the truth.”

5. “There is nothing like daily journalism! Best damn job in the world!”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ben Bradlee’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Ben Bradlee had three children. His first son, Benjamin C. Bradlee Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and became a notable journalist and author. His second son, Dominic Bradlee, pursued a career outside of journalism. Bradlee also had a daughter named Marina Bradlee, from his third marriage with Sally Quinn, who has been involved in various media and social activities.