Louis B. Mayer

(Lazar Meir, Eliezer Mayer)
movie executive
Born: 7/4/1885
Birthplace: Minsk, Russia

From 1924 to 1951, Mayer reigned over Metro-Goldwin-Mayer (MGM). With his production supervisor, Irving Thalberg, he made MGM a powerful defining force in the motion picture industry of the 1930s and 1940s. His early successes include Ben Hur (1926) and Grand Hotel (1932). He received a Special Academy Award in 1950 for his contributions. Though domineering in management style, he was appreciated by the many actors whose careers he launched.

Died: 10/29/1957
 
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