Early Life
Charles Steven Cohen was born on February 8, 1952, in Harrison, New York. He was raised in a Jewish family. His father, Sherman Cohen, founded Cohen Brothers Realty & Construction Corporation with his brothers in the 1950s. Cohen's early interests included filmmaking; he made a short film at age 16 that received an honorable mention.
Rise to Success
Cohen attended New York University and Tufts University, graduating from Tufts in 1974 with a degree in English. He later earned a law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1977. Cohen's career took off in real estate when he took over Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation, expanding its portfolio to 12 million square feet of commercial space. He focused on high-end office buildings and design centers in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Dania Beach, Florida.
Key Business Strategies
Cohen's strategies include acquiring and revitalizing properties, such as the historic Quad Cinema in New York City. He diversified into the film industry, founding Cohen Media Group in 2008, which distributes independent and arthouse films. He also purchased Landmark Theatres and the British cinema chain Curzon Cinemas. Cohen has also invested in luxury brands, including Harrys of London and Richard James. However, Cohen faced financial challenges and foreclosure proceedings in 2024 on some of his properties.
Philanthropy
While specifics on the exact monetary amounts of his philanthropy are not available, Charles Cohen is known for his support of various charitable organizations.