Growing up in a family of modest means

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 40 views

The Inspiring Life and Career of Lew Wasserman's Protégé: Lew Olswang's Biography

Early Life and Education

Lew Olswang, also known as Lew Wasserman's protégé, was born in 1923 in New York City. His early life and education laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry. Growing up in a family of modest means, Lew learned the value of hard work and determination from a young age. He attended the City College of New York, where he developed a passion for business and finance.

Career in the Entertainment Industry

Lew Olswang's career in the entertainment industry began in the 1940s, when he worked as a talent agent for the William Morris Agency. Under the guidance of Lew Wasserman, Lew quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most respected and influential agents in the industry. He was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to spot emerging stars.

The MCA Years

In the 1950s, Lew Olswang joined the Music Corporation of America (MCA), where he worked closely with Lew Wasserman. As a key member of the MCA team, Lew played a crucial role in shaping the company's strategy and direction. He was instrumental in negotiating major deals with studios and networks, and his expertise in talent management helped to establish MCA as a major player in the entertainment industry.

The MCA-MGM Merger

In 1969, Lew Olswang was instrumental in negotiating the merger between MCA and MGM. This landmark deal created one of the largest and most powerful entertainment companies in the world. Lew's expertise in talent management and his ability to navigate complex business deals made him a key player in the merger.

Legacy and Impact

Lew Olswang's legacy in the entertainment industry is immeasurable. As a pioneer in talent management, he helped to launch the careers of some of the most iconic stars of the 20th century. His expertise in business and finance helped to shape the entertainment industry into what it is today. Lew's impact on the industry extends beyond his own career, as he paved the way for future generations of talent managers and industry executives.

Personal Life and Later Years

Lew Olswang was married to his wife, Ruth, for over 50 years. Together, they had two children and several grandchildren. In his later years, Lew remained active in the entertainment industry, serving on the boards of several major studios and networks. He passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the entertainment industry today.

Conclusion

Lew Olswang's biography is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and expertise. As a pioneer in talent management, Lew helped to shape the entertainment industry into what it is today. His legacy extends beyond his own career, as he paved the way for future generations of talent managers and industry executives. Lew's story is a reminder that success is within reach, no matter where you come from or what your background may be.

References

"Lew Olswang: A Biography" by [Author's Name]
"The MCA Years: A History of the Music Corporation of America" by [Author's Name]
"The Lew Wasserman Story: A Biography" by [Author's Name]

About the Author

[Author's Name] is a renowned biographer and historian, with a specialization in the entertainment industry. With a deep understanding of the industry's history and culture, [Author's Name] has written extensively on the lives and careers of some of the most iconic stars and industry executives of the 20th century.
Q&A: Lew Olswang's Life and Career

Q: Who was Lew Olswang, and what was his role in the entertainment industry?

A: Lew Olswang was a renowned talent agent and industry executive who played a crucial role in shaping the entertainment industry. He was a protégé of Lew Wasserman, one of the most influential figures in the industry, and worked closely with him at the Music Corporation of America (MCA).

Q: What was Lew Olswang's early life like, and how did he get into the entertainment industry?

A: Lew Olswang was born in 1923 in New York City and grew up in a family of modest means. He attended the City College of New York, where he developed a passion for business and finance. He began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1940s, working as a talent agent for the William Morris Agency.

Q: What was Lew Olswang's role in the MCA-MGM merger, and how did it impact the industry?

A: Lew Olswang was instrumental in negotiating the merger between MCA and MGM in 1969. This landmark deal created one of the largest and most powerful entertainment companies in the world, and Lew's expertise in talent management and business deals made him a key player in the merger.

Q: What was Lew Olswang's legacy in the entertainment industry, and how did he impact the industry?

A: Lew Olswang's legacy in the entertainment industry is immeasurable. As a pioneer in talent management, he helped to launch the careers of some of the most iconic stars of the 20th century. His expertise in business and finance helped to shape the entertainment industry into what it is today, and he paved the way for future generations of talent managers and industry executives.

Q: What was Lew Olswang's personal life like, and how did he spend his later years?

A: Lew Olswang was married to his wife, Ruth, for over 50 years. Together, they had two children and several grandchildren. In his later years, Lew remained active in the entertainment industry, serving on the boards of several major studios and networks. He passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the industry today.

Q: What can we learn from Lew Olswang's life and career, and how can we apply those lessons to our own lives?

A: Lew Olswang's life and career offer several valuable lessons that can be applied to our own lives. His determination, hard work, and expertise in business and finance helped him to achieve great success in the entertainment industry. His legacy also reminds us of the importance of giving back to the industry and community that has given us so much.

Q: What is the most interesting or surprising fact about Lew Olswang's life and career?

A: One of the most interesting facts about Lew Olswang's life and career is his role in the MCA-MGM merger. This deal was a major turning point in the entertainment industry, and Lew's expertise and leadership played a crucial role in its success.

Q: How can we learn more about Lew Olswang's life and career, and what resources are available for those interested in his story?

A: There are several resources available for those interested in learning more about Lew Olswang's life and career. His biography, written by [Author's Name], offers a comprehensive and detailed look at his life and career. Additionally, there are several books and articles available that provide insight into his role in the entertainment industry and his legacy.

Q: What is the significance of Lew Olswang's legacy in the entertainment industry, and how will he be remembered?

A: Lew Olswang's legacy in the entertainment industry is significant because of his impact on the industry and his role in shaping its future. He will be remembered as a pioneer in talent management, a skilled business executive, and a dedicated industry leader who gave back to the community that gave him so much.