[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 73 (Thursday, June 6, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5202-S5203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE DEATH OF LEW R. WASSERMAN

 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
my dear friend and a true Hollywood legend: Lew Wasserman, a man who 
stood as a giant among giants. On Monday, June 3rd, Lew passed away at 
his home from complications of a stroke.
  My heart goes out to his wife Edie, daughter Lynne Kay Wasserman, his 
grandson Casey and granddaughter Carol Leif, and to members of his 
extended family.
  Lew was a great pioneer in the entertainment industry. He began his 
career in show business while in high school, working as an usher at 
the Palace Theater in Cleveland.
  Together Lew and Dr. Jules Stein built the world's largest talent 
agency representing such legends as Bette Davis, James Stewart, Alfred 
Hitchcock, Tommy Dorsey, Kay Kyser, and Errol Flynn to name a few.
  He also built a conglomerate of motion picture and television 
companies that produced the memorable hit movies ``American Graffiti'', 
``ET--the

[[Page S5203]]

Extra Terrestrial'' and ``Schindler's List.''
  Without question Lew Wasserman was one of the most powerful and 
influential people in the entertainment industry, and his presence and 
leadership will be truly missed.
  I am certain that his memory and good works will live on and continue 
to touch and improve the lives of people everywhere.
  To list Lew's accomplishments does not come near to his contributions 
to our great nation.
  Although Lew was unable to afford college, he was inspired to donate 
millions of dollars for undergraduate scholarships at UCLA. Indeed, few 
people have been as big-hearted and giving as Lew and his wife Edie.
  Together they have given millions of dollars to a myriad of 
philanthropic causes including the Motion Picture & Television Hospital 
in Woodland Hills.
  Lew was instrumental in building the Dorothy Chandler Music Center in 
Los Angeles and served as a trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for 
the Performing Arts and the California Institute of Technology.
  I know that the Wasserman family will continue the legacy of 
philanthropic giving.
  Lew also was very active in the foundation, Research to Prevent 
Blindness for which he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 
the country's highest civilian honor, by former President Clinton.
  Throughout his distinguished career, Lew was often called upon by 
important leaders in our country including former Presidents Clinton, 
Reagan, Carter and Lyndon B. Johnson, who wanted him as his Secretary 
of Commerce.
  Despite his retirement, Lew was a man of tireless energy. He was an 
avid and effective mediator during the labor tensions last year, when 
major studios were negotiating with writers and actors, Lew privately 
advised both sides to compromise, avoiding a strike that could have 
potentially paralyzed the economy of California.
  Simply put Lew Wasserman was a great American. His legacy is one of 
inspiring leadership and extraordinary accomplishment.
  I am proud to say Lew was a loyal and good friend. Lew set a high 
standard and his passing has left an enormous void to fill.
  I know the next few weeks and months will be difficult for Edie and 
the rest of the Wasserman family. But as they grieve, I hope they find 
comfort in knowing what a wonderful contribution Lew made to the world 
around him.

                          ____________________