Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Lew Wasserman

Role / Field:

Powerful Hollywood executive and talent agent, shaping show business for decades.

Born:

1913-03-22

Died:

2002-06-03

Century / Era:

1913s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Lewis Robert Wasserman (March 22, 1913 – June 3, 2002) was an American businessman and talent agent, described as "the last of the legendary movie moguls" and "arguably the most powerful and influential Hollywood titan in the four decades after World War II". His career spanned nearly eight decades from the 1920s to the 2000s; he started working as a cinema usher before dropping out of high school, rose to become the president of MCA Inc. and led its takeover of Universal Pictures, during which time Wasserman "brought about changes in virtually every aspect of show business". In 1995, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Several years later, he spoke of his ongoing work at Universal to Variety, saying, "I am under contract here for the rest of my life, and I don't think they would throw me out of my office—my name is on the building." Wasserman was born to a Jewish family in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Isaac Wasserman and Minnie Chernick, both emigrants from Russia. He began his show business career as an usher in a Cleveland theater in 1933. He later became a booking agent for the Music Corporation of America (MCA...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1913 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1913
• March 22 (03-22) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 22
• 2002 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2002
• June 3 (06-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 3

Frequently Asked Questions about Lew Wasserman