‘Whatever happened to Ted Turner?’
He drives around in a Toyota Prius and admits he’s become a little bit religious. He no longer drinks, hasn’t bought anything from a store in five years and sees a psychiatrist friend for conversation.
At age 73, CNN founder and former cable TV mogul Ted Turner is a lot mellower than the reputation that once gave him the titles “Captain Outrageous” and Mouth of the South”, according to a wide-ranging interview the Hollywood Reporter snagged with the reclusive billionaire.
So out of the spotlight is he, the Reporter headlined its piece, “Whatever happened to Ted Turner?”
The conclusion is that after years of fast living, wheeling and dealing and three marriages, Turner has been leading a very contemplative life since his departure from Time Warner Inc., which purchased Turner Broadcasting Corp. and CNN in 2000 then pushed Turner out after merging with AOL.
Turner, worth about $2 billion according to Forbes, opens up a lot in the interview, even showing reporter Stephen Galloway what’s in his wallet: a driver’s license, two credit cards, a few phone numbers and $1,000 in cash.
In addition to TBS and CNN, the former Atlanta billboard king founded Turner Network Television, the Cartoon Network and Turner Entertainment. He owned the Atlanta Braves and was the man behind World Championship Wrestling and the Goodwill Games.
He still has a lot to show for his wealth: 28 properties – nearly 2 million acres of land – including 14 ranches with 55,000 bison, enough to keep his Ted’s Montana Grill chain sizzling for years. He’s also teamed up with Atlanta-based Southern Co. on a solar-energy project in New Mexico, according to the Reporter.
He gets up a 4 a.m. to take medicine and then again at 6 a.m. for a light workout, according to the Reporter. He has a “mild to moderate case of anxiety” but says he doesn’t suffer from depression. He also says he’s not in therapy but he does see a psychiatrist friend once a month. “It’s just somebody to talk to,” he told the Reporter. The onetime alcoholic now doesn’t drink at all. “I quit completely a year ago,” he told the Reporter.
He spends his days focused on the nonprofits he supports: The U.N. Foundation, the Nuclear Threat Initiative and the Turner Foundation. Turner gave a $1 billion gift to the U.N. in 1997.
It’s apparent his split with Time Warner still stings. Turner said he took an $8 billion hit after his shares in Time Warner plunged following its merger with AOL in 2000.
His daughter, Laura Turner Seydel, chairman of Captain Planet Foundation, told the Reporter her father had “totally gotten screwed” when Time Warner pushed him out, and that he “really misses” being in the business.
When it comes to television, once Ted Turner’s bread and butter, he only watches CNN and hasn’t watched its sister station HLN “in years. I want serious news,” he told the Reporter.
Turner doesn’t talk much about politics in the interview but says of President Barack Obama, “I don’t know who could do a better job.” He adds, “He’s alienated a lot of people — not deliberately or anything.” The environmental activist calls the Tea Party “mean-spirited” because he said members believe global warming “is a hoax.”
When it comes to friendships, Turner tells the Reporter, “I have several good friends but not one [in particular].”
When it comes to love, the Reporter says Turner has been alternating among four girlfriends since his 2001 breakup with actress Jane Fonda after 10 years of marriage.
He says he cried “for six months” after his divorce from Fonda. “And after that, you gotta go on.” At the time there were media reports that he paid Fonda $40 million.
On tying the knot, Turner says, “I regret that I wasn’t more successful with my marriages, but it is what it is.”
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101 comments Add your comment
markmjtx
March 1st, 2012
3:45 pm
I also wish he would buy back the Braves. I just hope he maintains his sobriety and continues to deal with his other issues. His life story would make an interesting film.
Andy in Blairsville
March 1st, 2012
3:47 pm
Ted Turner is green driving a Prius? Yeah right!
Here’s his ‘07 Challenger biz jet. Guess how many 1000’s of pounds per hour of Jet-A this jet burns while hauling this limousine do as I say not as I do green liberal around?
http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/533538.html
Larry
March 1st, 2012
3:49 pm
He’s just another in a long line of liberal slime that’s absent of morals or character. None of you dolts would give him two seconds of your time had he not been wealthy.
There’s good reason TIme Warner pushed this alcoholic cesspool to the street…
atlforlife
March 1st, 2012
3:49 pm
Ted, always been a fan, always will…
Larry
March 1st, 2012
3:52 pm
redtampon
March 1st, 2012
3:39 pm
“Remind me…I don’t remember how Ted got the shaft from Time Warner. How was he so blindsided?”
It’s called the law of retribution. When you’ve screwed over so many women, children and good people, balance has to be restored.
As a southerner, I was utterly embarassed every time this buffoon appeared on TV.
Avg American
March 1st, 2012
3:54 pm
I love him…I met him once at the Fish Market
Dave Robertson
March 1st, 2012
3:54 pm
I’ve been in Atlanta all my life (65 years). Teddy is a jerk who every so often tries to remake his history. He is a philanderer and a self-righteous dodo head. However, he has proven to be great at making business decisions that pay off. Unfortunately that ability does not over-ride the other negatives about him. The fact that he has had 3 marriages should tell you something about the man.
His callous comment when another boat crew member lost his life in a storm during an America’s Cup race can never be forgotten.
Ted the Dead Head
March 1st, 2012
3:56 pm
Aw, I so sad…I thought the aritcle was going to say that Ted finally admits that his braid is as dead as Jimmuh Carter’s and that he actually thought Jane F was NOT marrying him for his money only his good looks. WAAAAHHHH!
Larry's psychiatrist
March 1st, 2012
3:58 pm
Larry, time for your Prozac pill.
Larry
March 1st, 2012
4:04 pm
I don’t need a psychiatrist. Married to one woman, don’t drink, never smoked, two wonderful children and I can look into the mirror everyday with honor and integrity.
Better, as a conservative, I believe in earning it and I’m entitled to nothing but grace!
Kaipo
March 1st, 2012
4:05 pm
He is not serious about about being religious, if indeed he is, then 1- he would not be supporting Barack Obama, 2- he would not be talking about the hoax called global warming. Turner is a mad man. He has truthfullu admitted he sees a psychiatrist. He belongs in a mental home.
A foolish ungodly liberal.
Atl Native
March 1st, 2012
4:06 pm
Sounds like Larry & Dave Robertson are jsut jealous. What the heck have you perfect idiots done for the city of Atlanta or the world ?!?!!?
David E.
March 1st, 2012
4:07 pm
Ted Turner was an enigma. All the folks on here praising him are right. All the folks on here trashing him are right too. Yes, he’s flawed. One thing can’t be denied, however: this town was much more alive when he was here. Please, Ted, buy back the Braves.
Atl Native
March 1st, 2012
4:09 pm
Bravo David E! Well said.
Andy in Blairsville
March 1st, 2012
4:10 pm
I wonder how many CNN anchors would sleep with him now?
Dave
March 1st, 2012
4:11 pm
In reference to Michelles response to Silverdogg about Jane during Viet Nam..I am a decorated Viet Vet who served with the 101st Arbn.. and I can you I got more abuse coming home at US airports ( being called a baby killer in New York for instance )The media made her sound so bad…the grunts in the field wasnt really that concerned..I too say LET IT GO!!!
Saigon Sally
March 1st, 2012
4:18 pm
D Kindig: “Hanoi Jane”?
Having problems living in the present, are you Kindig?
Do you realize how pathetic and tired this label is to anyone under the age of 55?
$8 billion
March 1st, 2012
4:22 pm
Ted lost $8 billion on the time warner–AOL disaster??? He lost his touch.
Mo Money
March 1st, 2012
4:23 pm
Jane fonda married ted only for his fame and his money. She cashed out with $40 million to spend on young boy toys. Ted’s stuck dating older women.
Denise
March 1st, 2012
4:24 pm
@ GIVE ME A BREAK…I agree. Great lunch date.
Will E. Lench
March 1st, 2012
4:26 pm
@Kaipo
My bad, I thought you were describing YOURSELF *Cue “Twilight Zone” music*
Denise
March 1st, 2012
4:27 pm
Pray for Larry…he hasn’t had his Trial by Fire yet. Pray that when he does, he will make it through. NO ONE is perfect and NO ONE has a perfect life. The only one who was perfect…he was crucified so that we may live. Thank you Jesus!!!
Michelle
March 1st, 2012
4:32 pm
I too feel sorry for people like Larry. They claim to be so happy and smug but in reality they are some of the most miserable people you will every meet.
Beretverde
March 1st, 2012
4:35 pm
Watched Ted from afar and was impressed. I enjoyed his stations (TCM, Cartoon, TNT etc.) and also his sports teams. It was easy to see that he wanted to win at everything. Reading his book was impressive as well. But the most impressive thing that I observed, was that his kids never made the police blotter or other tabloid fodder. That is an accomplishment in itself, and to me, defines a winner in life!
up north
March 1st, 2012
4:35 pm
What interview with Ted is ever not wide-ranging? He likes to talk. Although I may not agree with much that he thinks and says, I admire him for always speaking his mind. He certainly has worked hard, and deserves some respect.
F. Lee Bailey
March 1st, 2012
5:15 pm
Ted and Gen. Sherman have a lot in common.
PasadenaJacket
March 1st, 2012
5:19 pm
Hey Truth (who says that anyone who donates to the UN is the enemy)-
Would you rather have smallpox back? Polio?
Ackshun
March 1st, 2012
5:19 pm
Ted Turner took a failing outdoor advertising business and built a multi-billion dollar Empire on non-nonsense values and pure adrenaline. Nice to see a native son in the news who repesents the best Georgia can be.
Michele's Therapist
March 1st, 2012
5:24 pm
Michele, tell me in our next session how you know so much about Larry.
cpsman_atlanta
March 1st, 2012
5:37 pm
BUY BACK THE HAWKS!!!! BUY BACK PHILIPS ARENA!!!
BOYCOTT ATLANTA SPIRIT GROUP, THE ANTI-ATLANTA OWNERSHIP!!!
PLEASE TED!!!!! PLEASE!!!!
rogeriter
March 1st, 2012
5:40 pm
Let up on Hanoi Jane? It wasn’t like she just made a mistake–she was a traitor to her country causing many of our soldiers their lives! That’s worse than Charles Manson did! Did you forgive him?
JD
March 1st, 2012
6:39 pm
It takes a lot of pills at 4am daily to believe in man-made global warming.
Atlanta Girl
March 1st, 2012
7:39 pm
I miss Ted! Really enjoyed the coverage he did on OWN.
Captain Planet!
March 1st, 2012
7:39 pm
Bring back the Captain to save the earth! Captain Planet–end climate change! Captain Planet–Al Gore’s sidekick!
The Truth
March 1st, 2012
8:47 pm
Too bad a napalm bomb didn’t land on Hanoi Jane when she was sitting on that VC tank…would have been even better if people like Michelle were right there with her. So what if Regan rolled on some folks during the Red Scare – at least he didn’t go to Moscow to take part in the interrogation of Gary Powers.
joeybiten
March 1st, 2012
8:51 pm
Yea, he accomplished a lot. But missing Hanoi Jane the slut and saying obam is doing a good job?
Got to question whether or not he stopped drinking?
David
March 1st, 2012
8:57 pm
Once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. You don’t get cured, either you stop drinking or you don’t.
Off Topic but On Point
March 1st, 2012
9:00 pm
Quote allegedly from a Parris Island Drill Instructor that did 3 tours in Nam.
“God may forgive Jane Fonda, but I never will. If I ever find myself within 10 feet of her, I will rip her throat out with my bare hands and spend the rest of my life in prison as a satisfied man”
Patrick
March 1st, 2012
9:31 pm
Geez…. I love reading comments in the AJC. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy that the ultra-con right can actually read and write. They tie every article–regardless of subject–to bashing Obama. Hope they thank the teachers that wasted their time trying to improve their feeble one track minds. Their inquitous thinking makes me wonder if moving to Montana wouldn’t be a good thing………..yo’ mamas would be proud of you boys! Jane the slut…there’s an astute comment if ever there was one.
The Truth
March 1st, 2012
10:39 pm
Speaking of astute, Patrick…Just because someone’s opinion differs from yours doesn’t make their their thinking iniquitous or their minds one-tracked. F’ing brilliant. And to think, someone fought and died for you to have the right to spew your “brilliance” in a public forum…
RGB
March 1st, 2012
10:46 pm
What does it mean to “become a little bit religious”? Is that akin to being “a little bit pregnant”?
Did he sort of accept Jesus Christ?
Ted said that religion is for weak minded people and that “Christianity is for losers”. Does he now consider himself a weak minded loser? Does he think a donation to the U.N. or driving a Prius will get him into heaven?
Ted knows better.
Regarding “What exactly did we accomplish in VietNam?
First, it’s “Vietnam”. Jane Fonda betrayed the soldiers who fought and died there. She took notes from American POWs who wanted her to pass them to their families and turned them over to the North Koreans. She posed with enemy soldiers on artillery pieces and gave comfort to the enemy. She betrayed her country and never apologized. The issue is not whether the war had merit, the issue is one of betraying one’s countrymen.
It’s not about what we did or did not accomplish in Vietnam. Decent people don’t betray their country. If you do not understand that, then you are not a decent person.
D. Kindig
March 1st, 2012
10:54 pm
Michelle, “posing for a photo” is not the problem. Saigon Sally, a few good men died because of her direct complicity with the North Vietnamese. For both of you, I will fire up the “way back” machine and refresh your memory:
Jane Fonda went to Hanoi and toured a facility where American POWs were being kept. The POWs’ families had no idea if their husbands/fathers were dead or alive. In an effort to communicate who exactly was in the prison camp, as Jane went down the line and shook the prisoners’ hands, they each slipped a scrap of paper into her hand on which was written their SSN.
When Jane reached the end of the line, she turned to the North Vietnamese captors and handed over the slips of paper that the POWs had given to her. Several men lost their lives because of the beatings they received after that incident.
THAT is why I will never have any respect for Jane Fonda. Not because of a picture, not because of being opposed to the war. Because she is directly responsible for the deaths of several good men. That doesn’t go away with time. That is not a parking ticket or some minor mistake. It was a conscious decision to throw those guys to the wolves.
Kimberly Brown
March 2nd, 2012
12:10 am
Hi Mr. Ted! Thank you for the interview you did. I enjoyed reading about it! I am a recovering alcoholic with 7.5 months of sobriety now. YOUR story was touching to me. Thank you, kindly!
Kincerelay,
Kim
BBro
March 2nd, 2012
7:07 am
I’m sure Fonda would put anyone in a deep depression.
I miss Ted sleeping at the games.
His take on Obama, well I guess anyone is good for the job if he thinks that amatuer is.
When did Ted give up his old dented up Ford Taurus?
3rd Generation VFW Member (COMBAT)
March 2nd, 2012
7:47 am
For the RECORD…and NOT the “INTERNET RECORD”:
Jane Fonda DID NOT receive a note from a POW and turned it over to the North Vietnamese. This story is commonly known as an “urban legend.”
Fonda did visit North Vietnam. She did sit on an anti-aircraft gun (S-60 57 mm) and posed for pictures and clapped gleefully as she sat on the NVA gun. She made broadcasts over the radio and stated that servicemen were performing acts of “war criminals.” Jane Fonda also stated that the POWs were not tortured, and that they were “liars and hypocrites and history will judge them harshly.”
In 1962, Jane Fonda represented the US Army as “Miss Army Recruiting.”
I think Fonda did enough damage to our fighting servicemen during the Vietnam War. As for the passing of the POW note- PURE BS and fabrication.
Oh by the way… my father was a pilot and shot down in Vietnam. ENOUGH of the POW note; it degrades what she really did.
As for Ted Turner marrying her…as my dad always told me- “Love is blind!”
Jane's Wild
March 2nd, 2012
12:38 pm
Jane Fonda–was forced into sexual encounters with women while married to director Roger Vadim. Her former husband bullied her into inviting other women to join them in bed.
Jane—you got it going girl!
Timmy
March 2nd, 2012
1:18 pm
Bring back Bill Tush to TBS with a new primetime locally-produced sketch show and simultaneously release a Blu-Ray “Tush” box set featuring the full early 80s episodes with Jan Hooks.
Pull Ted from the food business and put him back in charge of just the CNN Newsgroup and bring back an environmental news series like they had with “Network Earth.”
Common good
March 3rd, 2012
12:17 am
He should’ve purchased 1 bil dollars of the rain forest and used only his influence with the un. Now that would have been a start to helping humankind…it’s what you get for your money and what that purchase will balance toward your goal. He wants to do some good-just doesn’t have the right people around him to make it happen. Sad…others probably knew how he would spend his Money before he decided to blow the bil.
Ted & Jane!
March 5th, 2012
7:01 am
bring ted and jane to a reality series, where Ted does and says wild and crazy stuff and Jane tries to act young again with ted’s money!
Darlene
March 5th, 2012
9:16 pm
TBS needs Ted Turner and I always enjoy reading about him.