Michael Ovitz Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Parents, Wife, Disney, Book, and Net Worth

Michael Ovitz Biography

Michael Ovitz is an American philanthropist, businessman, and investor born in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Nonetheless, he was a talent agent who co-founded Creative Artists Agency in 1975 and served as its chairman until 1995. Ovitz later served as president of The Walt Disney Company for only 16 months, from October 1995 to January 1997.

Under Ovitz’s leadership, CAA became the most powerful agency in Hollywood, representing some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, and Meryl Streep. Ovitz’s ability to recognize and develop talent helped to shape the careers of many of the industry’s most successful and influential figures.

His impact on the entertainment industry has been profound. His innovative approach to talent representation has changed the way that agents and agencies operate, and his ability to recognize and develop talent has helped to shape the careers of some of the most influential figures in the industry. As such, Ovitz’s legacy continues to be felt today, and his story serves as an inspiration to those looking to make their mark in the entertainment world.

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10 Quick Facts About Michael Ovitz

• Name: Michael Ovitz
• Age: 77 Years (2023)
• Birthday: 14 December
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches tall (1.70 m)
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Philanthropist, Businessman, and Investor
• Marital Status: Married
• Salary: To be Updated
• Net worth: $500 million

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Michael Ovitz Age

Ovitz is 77 years old as of 2023, he was born on 14 December 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 14 December every year and his birth sign is Sagittarius.

Michael Ovitz Height

Ovitz stands at a height of  5 feet 7 inches tall (1.70 m) tall.

Michael Ovitz Weight

Ovitz weighs 65 kg (143.3 lbs).

Michael Ovitz Early Life and Education

Ovitz was born on 14 December 1946 to a Romanian-Jewish family in Chicago, Illinois, the son of a liquor wholesaler. Raised in Encino, California, he was student body president at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, a classmate of Michael Milken and Sally Field. While a pre-med student at the University of California, Los Angeles, and president of Zeta Beta Tau, he started his entertainment career as a part-time tour guide at Universal Studios.

Michael Ovitz Rise to Fame

Ovitz’s rise to fame started in the 1970s when he co-founded Creative Artists Agency (CAA) with five other industry veterans. At the time, the Hollywood talent agency landscape was dominated by a handful of large firms, and Ovitz and his partners sought to disrupt the industry by creating a new kind of agency that would represent a wider range of talent and have a more hands-on approach to client management.

Under his leadership, CAA quickly became one of the most powerful agencies in Hollywood, representing some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, and Meryl Streep. Ovitz was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to spot rising stars before they became household names.

In addition to his work at CAA, Ovitz also played a key role in the industry as a whole, serving on the board of directors of several major media companies, including The Walt Disney Company and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). In 1995, Ovitz was named the president of The Walt Disney Company, a move that was seen as a major coup for both Ovitz and the company.

Michael Ovitz Parents

Ovitz was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States to a Romanian-Jewish family. However, information about his parents is publicly not available. We will update this section once the information is available.

Michael Ovitz Siblings

Ovitz spent his childhood alongside his one sibling; a brother named Mark H. Ovitz who is a film producer.

Michael Ovitz Wife

Ovitz is currently married to his lovely wife Judy Ovitz an actress known for Back to the Future Part II (1989), Junior (1994), and Ghostbusters II (1989). The couple did their wedding in 1969 and together they are blessed with three children; Kimberly Ovitz an American fashion designer and founder/creative director of the fashion line Kimberly Ovitz., Chris Ovitz an entrepreneur who has spent the past decade working in Digital Media and Entertainment., and Eric Ovitz.

Michael Ovitz Children

Ovitz together with his wife are proud parents of three children; Kimberly Ovitz, Chris Ovitz, and Eric Ovitz.

Michael Ovitz Net Worth

Ovitz has an estimated net worth of $500 Million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Philanthropist, Businessman, and Investor. Through his various sources of income, Ovitz has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.

Michael Ovitz  Measurements and Facts

Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Michael Ovitz ;

Michael Ovitz  Wiki

• Full Names: Michael Steven Ovitz
• Popular As: Michael Ovitz 
• Gender: Male
• Occupation / Profession: Philanthropist, Businessman, and Investor
• Nationality: American
• Race / Ethnicity: White
• Religion: To be Updated
• Sexual Orientation: Straight 

Michael Ovitz Birthday

• Age / How Old?: 77 Years (2023)
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
• Date of Birth: 14 December 1946
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Birthday: 14 December

Michael Ovitz  Body Measurements

• Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 7 inches tall (1.70 m)
• Weight: 65 kg (143.3 lbs)
• Eye Color: To be Updated
• Hair Color: To be Updated
• Shoe Size: To be Updated
• Chest Size: To be Updated
• Waist Size: To be Updated

Michael Ovitz  Family and Relationship

• Father (Dad): To be Updated
• Mother: To be Updated
• Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Mark H. Ovitz
• Marital Status: Married
• Spouse/Wife: Married to Judy Ovitz
• Dating/Girlfriend: Not Applicable
• Children: Kimberly Ovitz, Chris Ovitz, Eric Ovitz

Michael Ovitz  Net Worth and Salary

• Net Worth: $500 million
• Salary: To be Updated
• Source of Income: Philanthropist, Businessman, and Investor

Michael Ovitz  Early Career Experiences

Ovitz began his career in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency, a main talent agency in Hollywood, in 1969. He worked his way up through the ranks, ultimately becoming an agent defining high-profile clients like Cher, Olivia Newton-John, and Neil Diamond.

In 1974, he left William Morris to join the rival agency International Creative Management (ICM). At ICM, he continued to represent top talent and also developed a reputation for being a tough negotiator.

In 1975, Ovitz, along with several other agents, left ICM to form Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The new agency quickly made a name for itself by signing some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, including Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. Ovitz played a key role in building the agency’s client list and expanding its influence in the entertainment industry.

Michael Ovitz  Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences

Ovitz took a trip to Japan with Steven Spielberg and other Hollywood executives. The trip was part of a larger effort to expand the influence of Hollywood in Japan and forge relationships with Japanese companies in 1987.

Also, in 1995, Ovitz negotiated a deal for CAA to merge with Disney, becoming the president of the Walt Disney Company. The deal was one of the biggest in entertainment industry history and cemented Ovitz’s reputation as a powerful figure in Hollywood.

He is a regular attendee of the Sundance Film Festival, an annual event that showcases independent films. He has been known to host parties and events at the festival and is known for his support of independent filmmakers.

Ovitz has also been involved in various business ventures throughout his career. He co-founded the investment firm AMG, which was later sold to Affiliated Managers Group, and he is also a co-founder of the venture capital firm Broad Beach Ventures.

However, he is a philanthropist and has been involved in many charitable organizations throughout his life. He has served on the boards of the J. Paul Getty Trust, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.

Michael Ovitz  Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement

Ovitz has performed on the board of trustees for the J. Paul Getty Trust, a non-profit organization that supports and nurtures the arts and humanities. He has been a strong advocate for the arts and has supported fund many initiatives and programs.

Ovitz has also been involved with the UCLA Medical Center for many years, serving on the board of directors for the hospital. He has helped to fund research and clinical programs at the medical center and has worked to enhance patient care.

Ovitz is a generous philanthropist and has given millions of dollars to various causes and organizations over the years. He has donated to organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, among others.

He has also been involved with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, serving on the board of trustees for the museum. He has been a generous donor to the museum and has helped fund many exhibitions and programs.

Ovitz has also been involved in mentoring and advising young professionals in the entertainment industry. He has operated with organizations like the Sundance Institute to provide mentorship and support to up-and-coming filmmakers.

Michael Ovitz Disney

Ovitz’s tenure at Disney was short but highly publicized. In August 1995, he was nominated president of The Walt Disney Company, taking over from Frank Wells, who had died in a helicopter accident earlier that year. Ovitz was known for his successful career at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where he had been a co-founder and had helped shape the careers of many Hollywood stars.

At Disney, he was expected to help guide the company’s expansion and diversification efforts, leveraging his expertise in the entertainment industry. Regardless, his time at Disney was tainted by controversy, and he only held the position for 14 months.

During his tenure, Ovitz disagreed with many of the top executives at Disney, and his management style was denounced as abrasive and arrogant. He was also seen as a poor fit for the company’s culture, which was more collegial and team-oriented.

In December 1996, Ovitz was fired by Disney’s board of directors. His severance package was reportedly worth more than $140 million, making it one of the largest payouts in corporate history.

Michael Ovitz House

Ovitz’s house is a stunning 28,000-square-foot mansion located in Beverly Hills, California. The property, which Ovitz bought in 1999 for $14.8 million, sits on over six acres of land and features a tennis court, swimming pool, and guest house.

However, the main house itself is a modernist masterpiece, designed by architect Richard Meier. Meier, who is known for his minimalist aesthetic, created a stunning, light-filled space that is perfect for entertaining and showcasing art. The house features floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and soaring ceilings, which create a sense of openness and airiness.

Inside, the house is filled with Ovitz’s impressive art collection, which includes works by artists like Mark Rothko, Richard Serra, and Jeff Koons. The home also features a state-of-the-art home theater, a gym, and a wine cellar.

Michael Ovitz Book

Ovitz has written a book titled “Who Is Michael Ovitz?” The book was published in 2018 and is a memoir of Ovitz’s life and career in the entertainment industry.

In the book, Ovitz recounts his early years in show business, his time at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and his brief but highly publicized tenure at The Walt Disney Company. He also offers insights into his management style and shares anecdotes about some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.

The book acquired mixed reviews, with some critics praising Ovitz for his candidness and others criticizing him for being self-serving and defensive.

Michael Ovitz CAA

Ovitz’s most important contribution to the entertainment industry was his co-founding and leading of the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Ovitz, along with fellow agents Ron Meyer, Bill Haber, and Rowland Perkins, founded CAA in 1975 with the goal of creating a more powerful and influential talent agency.

Under Ovitz’s leadership, CAA quickly became the preeminent talent agency in Hollywood, representing some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Dustin Hoffman. Ovitz was known for his innovative approach to deal-making and his ability to build relationships with both clients and executives.

During his time at CAA, Ovitz helped revolutionize the entertainment industry by changing the way talent was packaged and marketed. He was also a driving force behind the trend of talent agents becoming powerful producers and studio executives.

Michael Ovitz  Awards Accomplishments and Achievements

• In 1993, Ovitz was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry.
• In 1997, he was named one of the “50 Most Powerful People in Hollywood” by Premiere magazine.

• In 2014, he was awarded the UCLA Medal, the university’s highest honor, for his contributions to the entertainment industry and to the university.
• Ovitz was also awarded the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

• He was appointed to the Board of Trustees at Carnegie Hall in 2015 and has served on the board of several other organizations, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
• In 2019, Ovitz was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the United States.

Michael Ovitz  Legacy

Ovitz’s legacy in the entertainment industry is important and far-reaching. As the co-founder and former CEO of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Ovitz revolutionized the talent agency business and transformed the way Hollywood works. He was a driving force behind the trend of agents becoming effective producers and studio executives, and his creative approach to deal-making helped shape the industry as we know it today.

Michael Ovitz  Anecdotes

Ovitz involves his decision to hire an executive from the aerospace industry to run the business affairs of the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). When Ovitz was asked why he chose someone with no experience in the entertainment industry, he reportedly replied, “I’m not interested in what people have done. I’m interested in what they can do.”

Ovitz was known for his intense work ethic and his focus on delivering results. According to former CAA agent Jay Moloney, Ovitz once called him at 2 a.m. to ask about a deal, and when Moloney said he was asleep, Ovitz reportedly replied, “Well, wake up. This is Hollywood!”

Ovitz was known for his ability to remember details about his clients and their projects. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actor Tom Cruise recalled that Ovitz once called him on the set of a movie to ask about a scene that he was shooting, even though the scene wasn’t in the script. When Cruise asked how Ovitz knew about the scene, Ovitz reportedly replied, “I know everything.”

His brief tenure as president of The Walt Disney Company is another anecdote. After just 14 months on the job, Ovitz was fired by Disney CEO Michael Eisner, and he reportedly walked away with a severance package worth $140 million. The incident became a cautionary tale about executive compensation and corporate governance.

Michael Ovitz  Quotes

Michael Ovitz  Hobbies and Interests:

Art: Ovitz is a serious art collector and has been known to spend millions of dollars on works by famous artists like Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, and Francis Bacon.

Travel: Ovitz is an avid traveler and has visited many exotic locations around the world. He has been known to combine his love of art and travel by visiting museums and galleries in different countries.

Sports: Ovitz is a big sports fan and has been known to attend basketball games, football games, and other sporting events. He is also a part-owner of the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team.

Philanthropy: Ovitz is involved in several charitable organizations and has donated millions of dollars to causes related to education, the arts, and the environment.

Writing: Ovitz has written a memoir titled “Who Is Michael Ovitz?” which was published in 2018. The book chronicles his life and career in the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Ovitz

Michael Ovitz Contacts

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