Sumner Redstone, executive chairman and owner of CBS and Viacom, became the 2,467th person to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame on Friday, joining other media moguls such as Walt Disney and Ted Turner.
Redstone was joined by more than 200 onlookers at the ceremony, including friends, families, and some of the TV industry’s most powerful executives. The tribute to Redstone took place right outside of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where the first Oscar ceremony was held.
Viacom president Philippe Dauman introduced the 88-year-old media mogul at the event, likening Redstone to Adolph Zukor, who founded Paramount Pictures nearly 100 years ago.
“Sumner Redstone is like Adolph Zukor in his day — a great American pioneer,” Dauman said. “Sumner shaped the modern media industry, based entirely on his own brilliance and foresight, combined with his relentless drive and desire to achieve and his passion to win.
“Sumner, the king of content, is, without a doubt, an elemental force of nature and I can personally attest to that,” the CEO added. “His energy and enthusiasm are legendary as (is) his ability to motivate and inspire everyone around him. He is not afraid to set a bold and uncharted course and he has the unshakable courage and conviction to stay that course.”
Before receiving his star on the Walk of Fame, Sumner reflected on his earlier years, his success, and how fragile that success can be.
“From my tenement in which I lived as a child, built on a cobblestone, dirty street in the west end of Boston … I am now successful. But I must tell you, though, that my global businesses at Viacom and CBS at times have been in peril,” Redstone said. “But now I find myself at this wonderful event. I want to thank everyone for this star. Thank you for this honor.”
Source: LA Times
