Edie and Lew Wasserman: The Power Couple of Hollywood's Golden Age

Edie and Lew Wasserman were a power couple in Hollywood's Golden Age. They built a vast entertainment empire that included Universal Studios, MCA Records, and the William Morris Agency. Their story is a fascinating tale of ambition, talent, and influence.

Early Lives

Edie Wasserman was born Edie May Lehman in 1913 in New York City. Her father was a successful businessman, and her mother was a homemaker. Edie attended the prestigious Brearley School and then Barnard College. She majored in English and graduated in 1935.

Mr. & Mrs. Hollywood: Edie and Lew Wasserman and Their Entertainment Empire

by Kathleen Sharp

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2113 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	503 pages

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Lew Wasserman was born Louis Wasserman in 1913 in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Poland. Lew attended public schools and then Ohio State University. He majored in journalism and graduated in 1936.

Meeting and Marriage

Edie and Lew met in 1936 while working at the William Morris Agency in New York City. Edie was a secretary, and Lew was an agent. They quickly fell in love and were married in 1937.

The Wassermans moved to Los Angeles in 1940 when Lew was transferred to the agency's West Coast office. Lew quickly rose through the ranks and became head of the agency in 1946.

Building an Empire

In 1952, the Wassermans acquired MCA Records from Jules Stein. MCA Records was a struggling label at the time, but the Wassermans quickly turned it into a major force in the music industry. They signed some of the biggest stars of the era, including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Dean Martin.

In 1956, the Wassermans acquired Universal Studios from Decca Records. Universal Studios was one of the oldest and most prestigious studios in Hollywood. The Wassermans invested heavily in the studio and made it one of the most successful studios in the world.

The Wassermans also continued to build the William Morris Agency. Under their leadership, the agency became the most powerful talent agency in Hollywood. They represented some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Cary Grant.

Personal Lives

Edie and Lew Wasserman had two children: a daughter, Lynne, and a son, Casey. The Wassermans were known for their lavish lifestyle and their extensive social circle. They were friends with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Audrey Hepburn.

Edie Wasserman was also a noted philanthropist. She was the founder of the Edie and Lew Wasserman Foundation, which supported a variety of charitable causes.

Legacy

Edie and Lew Wasserman were two of the most powerful and influential people in Hollywood's Golden Age. They built a vast entertainment empire that had a major impact on the industry. Their legacy continues to this day, as their companies continue to be some of the most successful in the world.

Mr. & Mrs. Hollywood: Edie and Lew Wasserman and Their Entertainment Empire

by Kathleen Sharp

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2113 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	503 pages

FREE