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Look back at Ted Turner's life in photos, including his marriage to Jane Fonda

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CNN founder Ted Turner dead at 87

Jason DeCrow/AP

May 06, 2026, 5:55 PM

The influence of CNN founder Ted Turner expanded far and wide to seemingly every corner of American culture through his eight decades of life.

Turner died Wednesday, May 6 at age 87 surrounded by his family, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises.

In addition to founding CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network, Turner launched multiple TV and entertainment brands -- including Cartoon Network, TNT and Turner Classic Movies.

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Ted Turner, cable television pioneer and CNN founder, dies at 87

He also owned two professional sports teams, was a famously skilled yachtman, developed a reputation as an environmentalist and philanthropist and had a decade-long marriage to Oscar-winning actress and activist Jane Fonda.

Below, look back at Turner's extraordinary life in photos.

Ted Turner skipper of the United States 12 meter yacht Courageous gives the OK sign as he left Newport Harbor for her second race in the best-of-seven Americans Cup series with the Australian 12 meter yacht Australia, Sept. 16, 1977, Newport, R.I.
Bob Child/AP

Skipper Ted Turner, center, is tossed into Newport Harbor for the second time during celebrations following the victory of Courageous in the Americas Cup, Sept. 19, 1977, Newport, R.I.
AP

Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner holds up the World Series trophy on the field at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium after the Braves won the 1995 World Series, Oct. 28, 1995, in Atlanta.
John Bazemore/AP

Jane Fonda hugs Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner next to Time-Warner CEO Gerald Levin during Game One of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians in Atlanta, Oct. 21, 1995.
Andrew Innerarity/AP

Ted Turner sits for a portrait in Atlanta, Dec. 6, 2013.
David Goldman/AP

Ted Turner, owner of the Atlanta Braves, throws the ceremonial first pitch before the first regular season game in the Braves new stadium, Turner Field, April 4, 1997.
Steven R. Schaefer/AFP via Getty Images

Ted Turner attends a special meeting of Turner Broadcasting System shareholders, Oct. 10, 1996, in New York City.
Adam Nadel/AP

Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner watches his team in action against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first National League Championship game, Oct. 6, 1982, St. Louis.
Rusty Kennedy/AP

Ted Turner and his wife, actress Jane Fonda, leave the Elysee Palace, May 18, 1994 in Paris.
Pascal Pavani/AFP via Getty Images

Ted Turner talks with guests at the Captain Planet Foundation benefit gala in Atlanta, Dec. 6, 2013.
David Goldman/AP

Actress Jane Fonda and CNN founder Ted Turner pose together at the United Nations Foundation Global Leadership Dinner, Nov. 6, 2013, in New York City.
Jason DeCrow/AP

Turner Enterprises CEO Ted Turner address the Newsmaker Luncheon on renewable and alternative energy at the National Press Club April 19, 2011, in Washington.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner greets players after their 14-0 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, Oct. 14, 1996, in St. Louis.
Al Behrman/AP

Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner waves his cap with his wife, Jane Fonda at the start of the second game of the National League Championship Series with the San Diego Padres at Turner Field in Atlanta, Oct. 8, 1998.
Pat Sullivan/AP

Turner Broadcasting System Chairman Ted Turner talks with CNN President Tom Johnson before going into a shareholders meeting in Atlanta, June 7, 1996.
Ric Feld/AP

Ted Turner stands with actress Jane Fonda at a reception for him with an award from Volunteers of America, March 22, 1990 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
AP

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