Question 1

True or false: Redstone started his career as a Hollywood film director before becoming a media mogul.

Accepted Answer

False. He never directed films; he built his empire from his family's drive-in theater chain, National Amusements.

Question 2

True or false: Sumner Redstone was a Marine Corps cryptographer during World War II.

Accepted Answer

True. He served as a cryptographer, breaking Japanese codes, which later influenced his sharp, strategic business mind.

Question 3

True or false: Redstone once survived a hotel fire by hanging from a window ledge for over an hour.

Accepted Answer

True. In 1979, a fire at the Copley Plaza Hotel trapped him; he clung to a third-floor ledge until rescued, suffering severe burns.

Question 4

True or false: Sumner Redstone was a lifelong teetotaler who never drank alcohol.

Accepted Answer

False. He was known for enjoying martinis and fine wine, even hosting lavish parties; his health declined partly due to drinking.

Question 5

True or false: Sumner Redstone was a champion chess player who competed in national tournaments.

Accepted Answer

False. He was skilled at board games but never a chess champion; his strategic prowess was mostly in business negotiations.

Question 6

True or false: Redstone earned a perfect 4.0 GPA at Harvard Law School and graduated first in his class.

Accepted Answer

True. He graduated from Harvard Law in 1947 with top honors, but his true passion was business, not law.

Question 7

True or false: Redstone's favorite movie was 'Citizen Kane,' which he watched over 50 times.

Accepted Answer

False. He reportedly disliked the film; his tastes leaned toward blockbusters like 'The Godfather' and 'Titanic.'

Question 8

True or false: Sumner Redstone legally changed his last name from Rothstein to Redstone in 1940.

Accepted Answer

True. He adopted Redstone in 1940, inspired by his mother's maiden name, to sound less Jewish and avoid discrimination in business.

Sumner Redstone Trivia Questions