Media mogul Sumner Redstone dies aged 97

Sumner Redstone, one of the most influential figures of the modern entertainment industry, has died at the age of 97.

The media mogul was responsible for transforming his father’s drive-in chain, National Amusements, into a sprawling empire that now encompasses Viacom, Paramount Pictures, CBS and MTV.

Mr Redstone, who often insisted he would live forever, died on Tuesday afternoon at his home in Los Angeles. He had a net worth of $1.7bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

He was credited with helping to save the cinema industry after he developed the multiplex chain model in the 1960s that still exists.

The 6ft billionaire, who once famously fired Tom Cruise, was known for his ruthless approach that saw him become embroiled in high-profile legal battles with top film executives and even some of his own family.

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