When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead

A fast-talking wise-ass from the Bronx, Jerry Weintraub became a millionaire at 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 such classic films as Nashville, Diner, Oh, God! and The Karate Kid, as well as the more recent Oceans 11, 12, and 13, which have together grossed over a billion dollars. Less celebrated, however, is Jerry’s work behind the scenes as confidant to presidents and titans of finance. As he sees it, ‘There is no difference between politics and Hollywood. The world is very small when you get to the top.’ George H. W. Bush, George Clooney, and country singer George Strait all have Jerry on speed-dial – because Jerry is the guy you call when you want what money can’t buy. The stories he tells and the lessons we learn are essential ones, not only for film buffs and music fans, but for businessmen, entrepreneurs, artists, or anyone at all who’s ever had a dream and the moxie to make it happen.

Author Biography

Jerry Weintraub had barely hung up his jacket in the William Morris mailroom before getting himself hired at MCA, where he eventually became assistant to the legendary Lew Wasserman, staying only two years before leaving to open his own management company. Famously convincing Colonel Tom Parker to let him stage Elvis Presley’s come-back tour.