Comcast Co-Founding Partner and Cable Television Pioneer Julian A. Brodsky Dies at 93

Comcast (CMCSA) announced that co-founding partner and former chief financial officer Julian A. Brodsky died on November 5, 2026.

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PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Comcast Corporation is saddened to announce the passing of Julian A. Brodsky, a co-founding partner of the company and a pioneer of the cable television industry, on November 5, 2026. He was 93.

Together with Comcast founder Ralph J. Roberts and co-founding partner Daniel Aaron, Julian helped build the company from its earliest days, beginning with the acquisition of a small cable television system in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1963. Working from a modest office near Philadelphia, the three laid the foundation for what would grow into one of the world’s leading media and technology companies.

“Julian was an extraordinary leader, a brilliant financial mind, and one of the architects of cable television,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman, Comcast Corporation. “He was a trusted partner and close friend to my father, Ralph, and someone I was fortunate to learn from and work alongside for so many years. He was one of the most creative financiers of his generation, but just as important, he established a culture of financial integrity, uncompromising standards, and respect for colleagues that remains at the heart of our company today. Julian was a mentor and a friend, and his contributions to our company and our community cannot be overstated. We will miss him deeply, and our thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew and loved him.”

Born in Philadelphia in 1933, Julian attended Overbrook High School and graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He served two years in the United States Army before beginning his career as a certified public accountant. While working as an auditor, he developed an early fascination with the emerging cable television industry, an interest that would shape the course of his career and help define his legacy.

As Comcast's longtime chief financial officer, Julian was instrumental in financing the company's expansion, efforts to raise capital, and helped guide major acquisitions that transformed Comcast from a small regional cable operator into an industry leader. He was among the industry's earliest financial innovators, helping establish cable television's credibility as an investment and demonstrating its long-term potential to banks, institutional investors, and Wall Street at a time when the business was still in its infancy.

Julian played a central role in Comcast's initial public offering in 1972 and helped establish the company's reputation for financial integrity and disciplined management. Along with Ralph, he was passionate about entrepreneurialism and formed Comcast Interactive Capital in 1999, now called Comcast Ventures, to invest in early-stage technology companies and obtain a window into opportunities that could potentially benefit Comcast’s customers. In 2004, he became Comcast’s non-executive Vice Chairman and retired from the company and its board of directors in 2011.

Julian’s contributions to the cable television industry were recognized with numerous honors, including his induction into the Cable Television Hall of Fame in 2003 and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association's Distinguished Vanguard Award.

Beyond Comcast, Julian was a dedicated philanthropist and a champion of the Philadelphia community. Together with his beloved wife of 70 years, Lois, he supported numerous cultural and educational institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he served for nearly three decades as a trustee. In October 2026, they announced a $20 million gift to establish the Lois G. and Julian A. Brodsky Learning and Engagement Center, reflecting their longstanding commitment to making art and education accessible to future generations.

In addition to Lois, Julian is survived by their three daughters, Debra Brodsky, Ellen Brodsky (Ted Rybeck), and Laura Brodsky (Michael Beard), and his brother, Marc Brodsky (Vivian Brodsky). He was predeceased by his parents, David and Esther Brodsky. He is also survived by four grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held, and a celebration of Julian’s life will be announced at a later date.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261105131658/en/

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Khoury
Jennifer_Khoury@Comcast.com
(215) 531-3296

John Demming
John_Demming@Comcast.com
(215) 429-4744

Source: Comcast Corporation