Lew Wasserman Quotes

Powerful Lew Wasserman for Daily Growth

About Lew Wasserman

Lewis J. (Lew) Wasserman, born on September 7, 1913, in New York City, was an influential figure in the entertainment industry, renowned for his shrewd business acumen and lasting impact on Hollywood. Raised by immigrant parents who owned a small dry goods store, Wasserman displayed early promise in business and academics. He graduated from Cornell University with a degree in agriculture, but soon found himself drawn to the world of show business. In 1940, Wasserman began his career as an agent at MCA (Museum of Modern Art), eventually rising through the ranks to become the agency's chairman. During this time, he represented some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Marlon Brando, James Dean, Steve McQueen, and Frank Sinatra. His innovative approach to talent management and deal-making revolutionized the industry. In 1962, Wasserman orchestrated one of the most significant mergers in entertainment history when MCA acquired Universal Studios for $32 million. This move solidified Wasserman's position as a powerful player in both film production and talent representation. Throughout his career, Wasserman was known for his negotiating skills, integrity, and loyalty to his clients. He retired from MCA in 1978 but continued to exert influence behind the scenes until his death on August 20, 1996. Wasserman's legacy lives on through his innovative business strategies and deals that continue to shape the entertainment industry. His quote, "The first law of holes: When you're in one, stop digging," encapsulates his pragmatic approach to problem-solving and business management.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't believe in God but I'm afraid of him."

This quote by Lew Wasserman suggests a conflict between rational disbelief (he doesn't believe in God) and an emotional acknowledgement of the power and consequences often associated with the concept of God (he is afraid of Him). It implies that despite not having faith, Wasserman recognizes there might be something powerful or fearsome in religious beliefs. This quote could also symbolize a respect for the impact of religious beliefs on people's lives, even though one doesn't personally subscribe to those beliefs.

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

This quote by Lew Wasserman emphasizes that one's self-doubt or uncertainty about the present can hinder the achievement of future successes. In essence, it suggests that to realize our potential for tomorrow, we must have faith in ourselves and our abilities today, rather than being held back by doubts and apprehension. It encourages us to embrace optimism and confidence as we strive towards our goals, as these qualities can help us overcome challenges and create a brighter future for ourselves.

"It's amazing how many times a day we make decisions by the seat of our pants, and how few turn out to be wearing pants."

This quote by Lew Wasserman highlights the fact that people often act on impulse or without proper thought, leading to decisions that may not have favorable outcomes. It suggests that we should strive to make informed decisions, carefully considering the potential consequences before taking action, rather than relying solely on instinct or chance.

"The harder I work, the luckier I get."

This quote by Lew Wasserman emphasizes the idea that hard work and persistence often lead to success, rather than mere chance or good fortune. In essence, he suggests that the more effort one puts into their endeavors, the more opportunities they create for themselves, increasing the likelihood of favorable outcomes. It's a powerful reminder that dedication, resilience, and consistent effort can pave the way to luck and success in life.

"You can't sell everything; you have to build a reputation for something."

This quote emphasizes the importance of building a strong, positive brand reputation rather than aiming for wide-ranging, generic offerings. Establishing a reputation for delivering exceptional quality or services in a specific area can help businesses stand out and build trust with their customers, leading to long-term success. It also implies that trying to sell everything may dilute the focus and unique value proposition of a company, making it difficult to create a loyal customer base.

We had an interesting thing at that first dinner. It was prior to the availability of several new hotels in Los Angeles, and we were more or less committed to the old Ambassador Hotel that has the famous Coconut Grove.

- Lew Wasserman

Had, Several, Availability, Ambassador

I think that our primary concern is that the membership in our industry become active. I'm not talking about the candidates being active. I'm talking about the few hundred thousand people who work in the industry around the United States.

- Lew Wasserman

United, I Think, Hundred, Membership

I believe Johnson understood that the reason was Vietnam. I also believe that he felt that if there was a way to communicate the real issues in Vietnam, that the reasons would be answered or understood. But there was just no way to communicate.

- Lew Wasserman

Reason, Communicate, Reasons, Understood

Paul Newman's an old friend of ours out of Cleveland, Ohio. He used to sit around our house. He's the only man I've ever known to drink a case of beer all by himself. That's talent in a way.

- Lew Wasserman

Used, Ohio, Newman, Cleveland

You tend to meet on a more regular basis with people in your industry, and reality being what it is, you tend to meet with them at the particular level that you occupy; so that develops a fraternity relationship.

- Lew Wasserman

More, Level, Occupy, Regular

Things have changed a great deal since the days of Mr. Mayer. The studios no longer control, as they did in those days, artists or directors or producers, as the case may be.

- Lew Wasserman

Deal, May, Studios, Great Deal

To me, it's the White House and always will be.

- Lew Wasserman

White, Will, Always, White House

I think the executives have matured enough so that they recognize that we have a two-party system. In California, we have more than a two-party system.

- Lew Wasserman

Think, I Think, Two-Party, Matured

That room was not available, and the only other room had been booked for a Jewish bar mitzvah. I called the father and told him I needed the room and I would pay him to move the bar mitzvah to an adjoining room which was smaller.

- Lew Wasserman

Other, Been, Which, Mitzvah

Well, it was a typical meeting with the President. He was very gracious, very outgoing.

- Lew Wasserman

Outgoing, Very, Typical, Meeting

I was through as a manager. I did become involved late in the 1968 campaign at the national scene at the last minute. But I was through as a manager, and I've stayed through, incidentally.

- Lew Wasserman

Manager, Through, Last, Campaign

President Johnson offered the middle of the road.

- Lew Wasserman

Road, Middle, Johnson, Offered

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