George Randolph Hearst, Sr.

George Randolph Hearst, Sr. was the eldest son of William Randolph Hearst. Though he never held a title higher than Vice-President at the Hearst Corporation, he was listed above many with higher-sounding titles when executives were listed in the company's publications. One of the five family trustees of the trust established under his father's will (which made sure that eight non-family trustees would have majority control), he was able to secure a seat on the corporation's board for his son George Randolph Hearst, Jr. in the 1950s. After his death, his son succeeded him as a trustee, and has since become chairman of the corporation's board.

Early life

Hearst was born on April 23, 1904. He was the eldest son of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. (1,2)

Career

Hearst first worked in advertising for The San Francisco Examiner from 1924 to 1928, when he became its publisher.[2] He was appointed as the president of The New York American in 1929, and he was the vice president of the Los Angeles Examiner from 1932 to 1953.[2]

Though he never held a title higher than Vice-President at the Hearst Corporation, he was listed above many with higher-sounding titles when executives were listed in the company's publications. Hearst was one of the five family trustees of the trust established under his father's will (this ensured that eight non-family trustees would have majority control of the corporation). In the 1950s Hearst Sr secured a seat on the corporation's board for his son, George Randolph Hearst Jr.

Personal life, death and legacy

Hearst was married several times. He married and divorced Blanche Wilbur, Lora Velie, and Sally Alvarez Kirkham.[3] Another marriage, to actress Sandra Rambeau, was annulled.[3] Hearst married his fourth wife, actress Collette Lyons, twice because their first wedding in Mexico was invalid as Hearst was still married to Sally.[3] They had two children together, a son and a daughter. Hearst was an amateur aviator.[2]

Hearst died on January 26, 1972 in Loma Linda, California.[2] The California Senate passed a resolution in his memory sponsored by Sen. Gordon Cologne on February 2, 1972.[4]

After his death in 1972, his son succeeded him as a trustee. He served as chairman of the corporation's board from 1996 until his death in 2012.

References

1. "George R. Hearst Sr. Is Dead; Newspaper Executive Was 67". 14 February 1972 – via NYTimes.com. 2. "George Randolph Hearst, Sr., dies in Loma Linda at 67". Redlands Daily Facts. January 27, 1972. p. 7. 3. Retrieved February 3, 2019 – via Newspapers.com. 3. "George Hearst Weds Actress Second Time". The Los Angeles Times. March 7, 1952. p. 22. Retrieved February 3, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.

4. "Senate Honors George Hearst". The San Francisco Examiner. February 3, 1972. p. 25. Retrieved February 3, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.