Julie Chen is a pioneering figure in American television journalism, best known for her long-running role as the host of the reality competition series Big Brother and as a former co-anchor of the CBS morning show The Talk. Born on January 6, 1970, in Queens, New York, Chen grew up in a Chinese-American family and developed an early interest in storytelling and media. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in broadcast journalism, a foundation that would lead her to a series of local news reporting positions across the country, including stints in Dayton, Ohio, and Los Angeles, before she caught the attention of network executives.

Chen’s career trajectory shifted dramatically in the early 2000s when she joined CBS News as a correspondent, covering major national stories and eventually landing a role as an anchor for the network’s overnight newscast. Her big break came in 2000 when she was selected to host Big Brother, a then-unproven reality format that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. Chen’s polished yet approachable hosting style, marked by her signature catchphrase “But first,” made her the face of the franchise for over two decades, earning her a dedicated fanbase and cementing her status as one of the most recognizable figures in reality television. Her work on the show also led to a broader role at CBS, where she became the moderator and co-host of The Talk when it premiered in 2010, a daytime panel show that tackled topical issues and featured a rotating cast of celebrity co-hosts.

Throughout her career, Chen has balanced her on-air duties with a behind-the-scenes role as an executive producer on Big Brother, demonstrating a keen business acumen that extended her influence beyond the camera. She has also been open about her experiences as an Asian-American woman in a predominantly white industry, particularly after revealing in 2015 that she had undergone eyelid surgery early in her career to appear more “American” on television, a disclosure that sparked important conversations about representation and beauty standards in media. In 2018, she made headlines when she stepped away from The Talk following the ouster of her husband, CBS chairman Les Moonves, amid sexual misconduct allegations, a decision that underscored the personal and professional complexities she has navigated publicly. Despite the controversy, Chen returned to her role as host of Big Brother and has continued to helm the series, maintaining her position as a durable and adaptable presence in an ever-changing television landscape.

In recent years, Chen has expanded her portfolio by launching a production company and exploring new digital ventures, while also appearing in cameo roles on shows like The Bold Type and participating in various charity initiatives. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her versatility, as she has successfully transitioned from hard news to entertainment without losing her credibility or audience trust. Off-screen, she is known for her private yet warm demeanor, often sharing glimpses of her family life, including her son with Moonves, on social media. Julie Chen’s legacy lies not only in her record-breaking tenure on Big Brother but also in her role as a trailblazer for Asian-American journalists, proving that resilience and professionalism can sustain a career across decades of shifting media trends.