Julian Brodsky, a pioneering figure in cable television and a founding partner of Comcast for over six decades, has passed away at the age of 93.
Comcast announced the news on Friday. The company stated that Brodsky died peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026, while under hospice care, surrounded by his family.
Together with Comcast founder Ralph J. Roberts and co-founding partner Daniel Aaron, Brodsky helped build the company from its earliest days, starting with the 1963 acquisition of a small cable system in Tupelo, Mississippi. Operating from a modest office near Philadelphia, the trio laid the groundwork for what would become one of the world’s leading media and technology companies, Comcast noted.
“Julian was an extraordinary leader, a brilliant financial mind, and one of the architects of cable television,” said Brian L. Roberts, chairman of Comcast. “He was a trusted partner and close friend to my father, Ralph, and someone I was fortunate to learn from and work alongside for many years. He was among the most creative financiers of his generation, and just as importantly, he established a culture of financial integrity, uncompromising standards, and respect for colleagues that remains at the heart of our company today.”
Roberts added, “Julian was a mentor and a friend. 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 on July 16, 1933, Brodsky attended Overbrook High School before graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he began his career as a certified public accountant. While working as an auditor, he developed an early interest in the emerging cable television industry—a passion that would shape his career and define his legacy.
As Comcast’s longtime chief financial officer, Brodsky played a key role in financing the company’s expansion and capital-raising efforts. Comcast credits him with guiding major acquisitions that transformed the company from a small regional cable operator into an industry leader. Described by the company as one of the industry’s earliest financial innovators, Brodsky helped establish cable television’s credibility as an investment and demonstrated its long-term potential to banks, institutional investors, and Wall Street during the business’s formative years.
Brodsky 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, according to Comcast. Along with Ralph Roberts, he founded Comcast Interactive Capital in 1999—now known as Comcast Ventures—to invest in early-stage technology companies and identify opportunities that could benefit Comcast’s business. Brodsky became Comcast’s non-executive vice chairman in 2004 and retired from the company and its board of directors in 2011.
Brodsky’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, Brodsky was a dedicated philanthropist and a champion of the Philadelphia community. Together with his wife of 70 years, Lois, he supported numerous cultural and educational institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he served as a trustee for nearly three decades. In October 2026, the couple 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, Brodsky is survived by their three daughters—Debra Brodsky, Ellen Brodsky (married to Ted Rybeck), and Laura Brodsky (married to Michael Beard)—and his brother, Marc Brodsky (Vivian Brodsky). He was predeceased by his parents, David and Esther Brodsky, and is also survived by four grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held, and a celebration of Brodsky’s life will be announced at a later date.
