Larry Auerbach, Longtime William Morris Agent and USC Cinematic Arts Industry Relations Head, Dies at 95

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As a gamer with a deep appreciation for the history of entertainment, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for the late Larry Auerbach. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he started in the mailroom at William Morris and climbed his way up to become a legendary agent, known as “the man with the golden rolodex.

Longtime talent representative Larry Auerbach, who had a knack for connecting USC students with figures in the movie and television world, passed away on Saturday. He was 95 years old.

Auerbach hailed from Brooklyn, New York and spent a remarkable 47 years at William Morris Agency, initially joining as a part-time employee in the mailroom. During his tenure, he garnered the nickname “the man with the golden address book,” playing pivotal roles in launching the careers of iconic figures such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, and Sammy Davis Jr., by securing their first major television appearances.

He subsequently took on the role of representing Alan Alda, Bea Arthur, and Aaron Spelling, and was instrumental in creating and packaging “The Cosby Show,” an accomplishment he discussed during a 2003 interview with the Television Academy.

Following his departure from the William Morris Agency, he pondered over venturing into production. However, the University of Southern California reached out, seeking his knowledge to assist students in breaking into the entertainment industry.

In a 2018 article about his retirement from USC, Auerbach mentioned that he recalled reading in the newspaper about his departure from William Morris, and Dean Elizabeth Daley contacted him to invite him for lunch. He wasn’t aware at the time that this would lead to a new career for him at USC. Dean Daley was keen on securing an agent for the school and its students. This is what they offered Auerbach, and he accepted. The talent existed, but what was needed was someone to make calls – essentially to be the intermediary between them and other opportunities.

In her role as the Head of Industry Relations at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, Auerbach facilitated connections between students and the Hollywood industry, acting as a mentor and organizing discussions with key figures in film and television.

Auerbach shared that during his 25-year tenure at USC, we achieved remarkable feats in Industry Relations. Our focus was on supporting every student who approached us with a desire to work and aspire for more. Some of these individuals went on to achieve great things, and the journey was enjoyable. I initially believed I had grander ambitions when I joined, but I was mistaken. Instead, I found myself in an idyllic setting. It’s been fantastic. In my lifetime, I’ve only held two positions, and I’ve managed a consistent 72 years of work.

After the passing of Larry Auerbach, he expressed his sentiments to The Hollywood Reporter in this manner: “Larry Auerbach began working with our School of Cinematic Arts in 1992, establishing the Office of Industry Relations – essentially, serving as a dedicated agent for our institution. Over the subsequent decades, he had an immeasurably significant influence on countless students and alumni, helping them establish fulfilling careers and navigate the industry they aspired to join. He was more than just a friend and mentor; he was cherished by us all, and his influence will continue to resonate within our school for years to come. His compassion extended to everyone who crossed his path, whether they were eager young people or esteemed faculty and staff members seeking his guidance and wisdom. Time and again, we would say to one another when faced with a difficult decision, ‘Let’s ask Larry.’ I will greatly miss him, knowing that the lives of many at USC have been enriched by his presence.

At Alan Berger’s retirement bash, there were several attendees including TV agent Alan Berger, producers like Alan Berger, Jason Berman, Bob Osher, and Aaron Kaplan. A video message was also played from Bryan Lourd, who is the head of CAA.

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2024-11-24 08:25