Lew Wasserman American producer, agent, television executive and record label president Date of Birth: 22.03.1913 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. At MCA
3. The Godfather of Hollywood
4. Financial Strategies
5. Studio Ownership
6. Later Years, Honors, and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Lewis Robert Wasserman was born on March 22, 1913, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Russian Jewish immigrants Isaac Wasserman and Minnie Chernick. He began his career in show business at the Cleveland Playhouse in 1933.

At MCA

In 1946, Wasserman joined MCA, founded by Jules Stein. Under his leadership, MCA expanded its representation from musicians to actors and actresses. By the mid-1940s, MCA had become a dominant force in Hollywood, representing stars such as Bette Davis and Ronald Reagan.

The Godfather of Hollywood

Known as the "Pope of Hollywood," Wasserman revolutionized the talent agency model. He was instrumental in Reagan's presidency of the Screen Actors Guild and played a role in fundraising for the Democratic Party.

Financial Strategies

Wasserman pioneered tax avoidance schemes, allowing actors like James Stewart to save significant amounts of money. He also negotiated film profits for his clients, resulting in substantial wealth for Stewart.

Studio Ownership

Amidst the decline of major film studios, Wasserman acquired Universal Studios and Decca Records in 1962, merging them with MCA. Together with Jack Valenti, Wasserman controlled much of Hollywood for decades.

Later Years, Honors, and Legacy

Wasserman sold his company to Matsushita Electric in 1990, yielding $350 million. He remained on the board of directors until 1998. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995 and was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. Wasserman died on June 3, 2002, from complications after a stroke.