The Last Mogul

Lew Wasserman was a powerful Hollywood agent and executive, born on April 23, 1913, in New York City. He began his career in the entertainment industry as a talent agent, eventually becoming a key figure in the formation of the MCA (Music Corporation of America) agency. Wasserman played a central role in shaping the careers of numerous prominent actors and filmmakers, and in the 1950s, he helped transition MCA into a full-fledged talent agency, breaking away from the dominance of the William Morris Agency. In 1961, Wasserman became the president of Universal Studios, a position he held until his retirement in 1989. During his tenure, he oversaw the transformation of Universal into one of the most successful and influential film studios in Hollywood. Wasserman was also a founding member of the Motion Picture Association of America and served as its chair. He was known for his shrewd business acumen and his ability to navigate the complex relationships between talent, studios, and industry unions. Wasserman passed away on March 16, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California.