Lew Wasserman

About

The last of the powerful Hollywood moguls who rewrote the industry's rules.

Before Fame

He was a theatre usher while in high school, and from there went to join the Music Corporation of America, eventually rising to head the MCA.

Trivia

He ended the standard star system, under which actors were under contract to movie studios.

Family Life

He grew up in a working-class neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, his parents immigrants from Russia who were struggling to run their family restaurant.

Associated With

He was a longtime friend of actor Ronald Reagan, and he helped the B-movie actor secure the industry's first $1 million contract.