The Last Mogul

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Lew Wasserman's life is a reflection of Hollywood's complex and often ruthless landscape, where power dynamics dictate success. As the formidable head of the Music Corporation of America (MCA), he has wielded influence for over fifty years, remaining largely hidden from public view. Key figures in today's Hollywood, including Michael Eisner, David Geffen, and Rupert Murdoch, owe their paths to Wasserman, the original power broker of the industry. His intense privacy and refusal to be photographed for decades contributed to his enigmatic reputation. Wasserman's ability to control careers with a simple threat—“You'll never work in this town again”—has kept his story shrouded in fear until now. His career encompasses the entire evolution of cinema, from the silent film era to the rise of television and the current corporate battles for dominance in entertainment. He mentored iconic figures like Alfred Hitchcock and Marilyn Monroe, as well as modern filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Beyond Hollywood, Wasserman maintained connections with political leaders and even the underworld. Now, at eighty-five, he remains a pivotal figure, embodying the essence of twentieth-century show business. This chronicle offers a thorough and dramatic exploration of the life of Hollywood's last living studio titan.