Who Is Michael Ovitz?

By: Michael Ovitz

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris, Michael Ovitz

“When the history of Hollywood is written, few people will have played a larger role than Michael Ovitz.... It is impossible to read such a chronicle and not see Mr. Ovitz as the Steve Jobs of agenting, possessing a version of Jobs’s fanatical drive and a similar desire to remake an industry.” —The Wall Street Journal

Who is Michael Ovitz? He’s a striver who talked his way into the famous mailroom of the William Morris Agency without any connections, then worked his way out of the mailroom in record time.

He’s an entrepreneur who left a safe job to launch Creative Artists Agency, growing it from five guys in a rundown office to the most powerful agency in the world.

He’s a friend and confidant to megastars such as Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, David Letterman, Sean Connery, Bill Murray, Paul Newman, and Martin Scorsese.

He’s a pioneer who reinvented the role of the agent in packaging actors, directors, writers, and producers, which made CAA the essential hub of countless movies and television shows.

He’s a master negotiator who drove historic deals for many of his clients, as well as the acquisitions of two major studios by Sony and Matsushita.

He’s a self-taught connoisseur of art and architecture, a generous philanthropist, a devoted father...

And to his detractors he’s a world-class jerk and a ruthless manipulator who double-crossed his friends, crushed his enemies, and let nothing stand in his way, ever.

After decades of near silence in the face of relentless controversy, Ovitz finally tells his whole story in this memoir, with remarkable candor and insight. If you’re going to read just one book about how show business really works, this is the one.

Critic reviews

"When the history of Hollywood is written, few people will have played a larger role than Michael Ovitz.... It is impossible to read such a chronicle and not see Mr. Ovitz as the Steve Jobs of agenting, possessing a version of Jobs’s fanatical drive and a similar desire to remake an industry." —The Wall Street Journal

"A revealing retelling of his Hollywood career…. A study in the unusual personality traits required to pull this off, Who Is Michael Ovitz? represents a master class of sorts." —The New York Times

"Learn how to build an empire and transform an industry from the Jedi master of modern Hollywood." —Marc Andreessen

"This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. The meticulous detailing is as graphic and captivating as Michael’s Jasper Johns 'White Flag' painting. The stories are vivid, educational, entertaining, and deeply satisfying." —LA Reid

"Who Is Michael Ovitz? is an unexpectedly good read….What makes [it] juicier than the average business memoir is that the author proves surprisingly willing to dish about the foibles of former clients and colleagues alike." —Michael Cieply, Deadline: Hollywood

"Michael is a legend and I don't use that term lightly. Learning from his journey is something that every entrepreneur and executive should do." —Gary Vaynerchuk

"Michael’s brilliance and relentless drive clearly shine through in this entertaining memoir. You see the man behind the agency and how he built a global business empire. His life story has powerful lessons for us all." —Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

"It is truly rare to read a book this honest from a living legend. The Hollywood superhero lets us peak behind his mask and understand his weaknesses and methods.... I was shocked, thrilled, and surprisingly educated. A masterpiece of a memoir."—Ben Horowitz, co-founder and general partner, Andreessen Horowitz

Great insight into a relatable person.

Totally related to Mike and how he decided to craft his persona to best fit the goal. This book is honest, open and incredibly educational and informational. His story recollection and attention to detail pulled me in and I completed the book in 2 days. Highly recommend this memoir.

A Brilliant Account of the Hero Behind the Mask

This work is very well written and performed to near perfection! It was refreshing to hear detailed thoughts behind so many deals and people we've all read about and seen on-screen for decades! It was also heartwarming to "meet" the real Mr. Ovitz; his family; his true friends; those he served and mentored; those who screwed him and even those who felt screwed by him.

The King Maker told in his voice

Absolutely loved this version, Ovitz felt much more genuine doesn’t seem as much of the bad guy as he’s always made out to be, Hollywood legend that just doesn’t exist anymore and for good reason. A great lesson in Personal Branding!

Brilliant

10/10 if you are interested in compelling biographies or the entertainment business… or both.. this is for you.

A fascinating mind

Setting aside how true or not the stories and accounts may be, the way Michael thinks and built and schemed is fascinating to hear. I bought the hardcover too so I can make notes in a second read. I really enjoyed the telling and the learning. Good on ya, Mike.