Lew Wasserman
Lew Wasserman: A Pioneering Talent Agent and Media Executive
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Lew Wasserman was born Louis M. Wasserman on March 22, 1913, in West Hoboken, New Jersey. He is often referred to by his nickname, "The King of the Agency."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: March 22, 1913
Died: June 3, 2002 (aged 89)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Lew Wasserman was an American talent agent and media executive. He is best known for his work as the co-founder of MCA Inc., one of the largest and most influential talent agencies in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
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Wasserman was born to a Jewish family from Lithuania. His parents, Abraham and Fannie Wasserman, were immigrants who struggled to make ends meet during the Great Depression. Despite these challenges, they instilled in Lew a strong work ethic and a passion for business. Wasserman grew up in New York City, where he developed a keen interest in entertainment and politics.
In his early 20s, Wasserman moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He began working as a mailroom clerk at the William Morris Agency but soon struck out on his own with partner Arthur Krim. Together, they founded MCA Inc. (Music Corporation of America) in 1946.
Major Accomplishments
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Wasserman's rise to prominence was marked by several key accomplishments:
Consolidation of Power: Under Wasserman's leadership, MCA Inc. expanded its influence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, becoming one of the largest and most powerful talent agencies in Hollywood.
Talent Management: Wasserman was known for his ability to spot and nurture emerging talent. He played a crucial role in launching the careers of iconic stars such as Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, and John Wayne.
Pioneering Business Practices: Wasserman introduced innovative business models, including the concept of "packaging" – bundling clients into exclusive contracts that generated significant revenue.Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions associated with Lew Wasserman include:
MCA Inc.'s Expansion: Under Wasserman's leadership, MCA Inc. expanded its operations to include film production, television syndication, and music publishing.
The Beatles' US Debut: In 1964, Wasserman played a key role in securing the Beatles' first US appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, marking a pivotal moment in American pop culture history.Impact and Legacy
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Lew Wasserman's impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable. He:
Transformed Talent Agency Business: Wasserman revolutionized the talent agency business model, creating new opportunities for agents, clients, and studios alike.
Shaped Hollywood Culture: Through his management of iconic stars and innovative business practices, Wasserman played a significant role in shaping Hollywood culture during the mid-20th century.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Lew Wasserman's influence extends beyond his impressive list of accomplishments. He is widely quoted and remembered for:
Visionary Leadership: Wasserman's innovative approach to talent management and business practices continues to inspire entertainment industry professionals.
* Pioneering Spirit: His commitment to nurturing emerging talent and expanding the scope of MCA Inc.'s operations paved the way for future generations of agents, producers, and executives.
As a testament to his enduring legacy, Lew Wasserman's name has become synonymous with excellence in the entertainment industry.
Quotes by Lew Wasserman
It's a scene in Boston Harbor. It's in the Yellow Sitting Room on the second floor. And he always teased me about not having my name on it.
We had a hung jury, ... and instead, he used (the holdout juror's) illness as an excuse to dismiss her from the jury.
We had no difficulty whatsoever in raising a great deal of money in those days. The sum paled by comparison with the current fund requirement.
Will I do something different? Probably, since to be quite blunt about it, what we did the first time resulted in an admittedly somewhat bizarre, but guilty, verdict.
Historically, they have tended to avoid being active, because they had some concern about it helping or hurting them, as the case may be.
I believe the President was enormously effective in small groups, small groups being anything under a hundred, where you could really communicate.
Things have changed a great deal since the days of Mr. Mayer. The studios no longer control, as they did in those days, artists or directors or producers, as the case may be.
I was through as a manager. I did become involved late in the 1968 campaign at the national scene at the last minute. But I was through as a manager, and I've stayed through, incidentally.