Larry Auerbach, Longtime Senior Leader at William Morris Agency and USC School of Cinematic Arts, Dies at 95

As a follower who has always admired the stories of those who started at the bottom and worked their way to the top, I can’t help but be inspired by the life journey of Larry Auerbach. Here was a man who began his career sweeping floors at William Morris Agency at just 15 years old, only to climb the ranks and become one of the most influential figures in Hollywood for nearly five decades.

Noted figure Larry Auerbach, who spent almost half a century as a leading agent at the William Morris Agency and an additional 25 years at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, passed away on November 23 at his Beverly Hills residence. He was 95 years old.

Over the course of 47 years with William Morris, Auerbach showcased a diverse array of talents, such as Alan Alda, Bea Arthur, Marlo Thomas, Robert Wagner, Aaron Spelling, Sammy Davis Jr., Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Harry Belafonte, and esteemed film directors like Norman Jewison and Bernardo Bertolucci. Auerbach, who started at the agency in New York at age 15, worked his way up to a leadership position after initially working part-time while still in high school, performing tasks such as sweeping floors and other less glamorous duties.

After retiring from his World Matchplay Association (WMA) career in 1992, Auerbach transitioned to the University of Southern California (USC) film school. There, he leveraged his networking abilities to establish the Office of Industry Relations, utilizing it as a platform for connections within the industry.

Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of USC School of Cinematic Arts, stated, “For numerous decades, he had an incredibly deep influence on assisting generations of students and alumni in creating fulfilling careers and comprehending their chosen industry. He was a cherished friend and guide, adored by us all, and his essence will continue to permeate the school for years to come. His concern extended to every individual who entered his presence, whether an eager novice or a faculty or staff associate seeking his counsel and insight. For all those years, we frequently advised each other when faced with difficult decisions, “Just ask Larry.” I will deeply mourn him, knowing that the lives of many at USC have been enriched because he was among us.

Auerbach climbed his way through the ranks at the agency and reached the position of ‘tenpercenter’ by the time he was 19 years old. Initially, he started as a representative for personal appearances, arranging shows at nightclubs for comedians and musical artists. Afterward, he took a break from the agency for a two-year service period in the U.S. Army.

Upon his return to the agency, Auerbach established the rock music division of WMA. Notably, he was able to secure the initial and final national television performances for Elvis Presley – two significant milestones in the intersection of music and television history.

Auerbach shifted his focus towards the film industry, managing the movie division at William Morris in New York. He played a significant role in producing acclaimed films such as “The French Connection,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Fiddler on The Roof,” “Moonstruck,” and “Last Tango in Paris,” which garnered Oscars. Later, he moved to Los Angeles where he took charge of the television department. He collaborated extensively with stars and producers of popular 1960s and ’70s shows like “Sing Along with Mitch,” “The Patty Duke Show,” “That Girl,” “The Mod Squad,” “Chico and the Man,” “Welcome Back, Kotter,” and daytime soap operas such as “All My Children” and “One Life to Live.

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(Pictured: Larry Auerbach with George Lucas and USC’s Elizabeth M. Daley in 2011.)

2024-11-25 02:18

Larry Auerbach, Longtime Senior Leader at William Morris Agency and USC School of Cinematic Arts, Dies at 95

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