William Randolph Hearst

Date of Birth: April 29, 1863

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 14, 1951

Biography

William Randolph Hearst was an influential American newspaper publisher born into a wealthy family. He was the only child of George Hearst, a mining millionaire, and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, a schoolteacher. His career in publishing began when he took control of The San Francisco Examiner from his father in 1887. Utilizing sensationalism, human-interest stories, and investigative journalism, he expanded his empire to include The New York Journal, which led to a fierce rivalry with Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World. Hearst’s methods gave rise to what was known as “yellow journalism.” In addition to newspapers, Hearst expanded into magazines, creating a media empire that included titles like Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Bazaar. His influence extended into politics, where he served as a Congressman and made several unsuccessful bids for higher office. Hearst’s life and career inspired the character Charles Foster Kane in Orson Welles’ iconic film “Citizen Kane.” His passion for collecting art led to the creation of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, a sprawling estate filled with antiques and artworks from around the world. Despite his vast wealth, Hearst faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression, forcing him to sell off some of his assets. He passed away in 1951, leaving a complicated legacy as a media pioneer and a controversial public figure.

5 Interesting Facts about William Randolph Hearst

1. William Randolph Hearst was expelled from Harvard University for various pranks, including sending chamber pots with his professors’ names engraved on them.

2. At the height of his career, Hearst owned over 30 newspapers across the United States.

3. Hearst Castle, his lavish estate in California, included 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways.

4. Hearst’s newspaper empire was known for its sensationalist stories, which were sometimes accused of inciting public sentiment and influencing U.S. policy, such as in the Spanish-American War.

5. Despite his media dominance, Hearst faced considerable financial problems during the Great Depression, leading to significant downsizing of his empire.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Randolph Hearst

1. “News is something somebody doesn’t want printed; all else is advertising.”

2. “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.”

3. “Whatever begins to be tranquil is most likely to be stagnant.”

4. “A politician will do anything to keep his job, even become a patriot.”

5. “In suggesting gifts: Money is appropriate, and one size fits all.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, William Randolph Hearst’s net worth was approximately $30 billion in today’s dollars.

Children

William Randolph Hearst had five sons with his wife, Millicent Willson: 1. George Randolph Hearst (1904–1972) 2. William Randolph Hearst Jr. (1908–1993) 3. John Randolph Hearst (1910–1958) 4. Randolph Apperson Hearst (1915–2000) 5. David Whitmire Hearst (1915–1986)