Sumner Redstone Party of One Author:Richard Hack Sumner Redstone has become one of the most powerful and prolific players in Hollywood. The billionaire businessman built his empire as Chairman and CEO of Viacom, the world’s largest entertainment conglomerate, which counts companies such as MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Blockbuster, CBS, Simon & Schuster, and many more under its umbrella. ... more »His tenacity has not only enabled him to lead the successful business, but has also ensnared him in nasty legal battles and very public personal clashes. However, many people aren’t aware of the fascinating life Redstone has led outside the media spotlight. He graduated Harvard in three years, cracked Japanese codes in a special cryptography unit during World War II, and narrowly escaped death by grasping to the third story ledge of a burning building, all before becoming the titan he’s known to be today. Redstone ended his 2001 bestselling autobiography by stating, “What am I going to be doing five years from now?... I still want to be number one.” Eight years later, he remains top dog, but not without new struggles. He has experienced two tumultuous divorces, expensive public firings, embarrassing interviews, and drama over his succession. He caused a stir after terminating a lucrative contract with Tom Cruise in 2006 due to the actor’s unacceptable behavior. Popular political comedian Stephen Colbert has initiated an ongoing mockery of the media mogul. Redstone’s movie-like-life has never been fully revealed—until now.« less