Henrick Vartanian
Possibly the biggest, most famous go-to guy, Jerry Weintraub is a fast-talking, quick-thinker from the Bronx who became a millionaire at age 26 by handling some of the biggest acts in show biz – most famously Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. The last of the great Hollywood moguls, Jerry is probably best known as the producer of major Hollywood films: Nashville, Diner, Oh, God! and The Karate Kid, to name a few. He recently produced the popular Oceans 11, 12, and 13 movies, which have together grossed over a billion dollars. But what’s not so largely publicized about Jerry is his work, behind the scenes, as confidant to American presidents and big wigs of finance. He explains: ‘There is no difference between politics and Hollywood. The world is very small when you get to the top.” Get this; George H. W. Bush, George Clooney, Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Bobby Fischer, and Bob Dylan, all have Jerry on speed-dial – because Jerry is the guy you call when you want what money can’t buy. At 72, Jerry Weintraub is still in big demand, starting everyday by taking calls of famous friends who always need big favors (from pricey rooms in Vegas, to sought-after concert tickets, to getting their sons and daughters into a top college). Now, Weintraub has just penned his autobiography: “When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead: Useful Stories From a Persuasive Man.” The stories in his new book are great lessons in a very American journey, not only for film buffs and fans, but also for businessmen, entrepreneurs and artists, or anyone at all who’s ever had a dream and the will to make it come to life.
BNH says: Get the book! Read it! Learn from it!
more info: http://www.twelvebooks.com/books/when_i_stop_talking.asp
info on The Krate Kid (2010) http://www.karatekid-themovie.com/
info on The Karate Kid(1984) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/fullcredits