Hollywood super-agent and power broker Ari Emanuel is set to release a highly anticipated memoir this autumn, offering a "fiery, furious" glimpse into his storied career and personal life. The book, titled "Roll the Calls," will be published by Alfred A. Knopf on September 22, as announced on Thursday.
A Collaborative Effort with a Bestselling Writer
Emanuel, 64, will work on the memoir with J.R. Moehringer, a renowned collaborator who has previously assisted on bestselling memoirs for high-profile figures such as Prince Harry and tennis legend Andre Agassi. This partnership suggests a deeply personal and polished narrative, drawing on Moehringer's expertise in crafting compelling life stories.
From Doubt to Dominance: Emanuel's Personal Journey
In a statement, Emanuel revealed that the memoir will delve into his challenging upbringing, including his struggles with dyslexia and growing up in a "success-obsessed" family. His brother, Rahm Emanuel, who served as White House chief of staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan, is part of this familial backdrop. Emanuel recounted, "As a kid, I was often told I’d amount to nothing. Thank God I didn’t listen because I’ve now worked with so many brilliant writers, directors, actors, artists, journalists, entrepreneurs and investors."
The memoir promises to chart his rise to the pinnacle of the entertainment and political worlds, detailing the obstacles he faced along the way. Emanuel emphasised themes of persistence and resilience, stating, "From them, and from bitter experience, I’ve learned a lot about success and failure, creativity and persistence. Especially persistence. My story is for everyone who feels doubted and especially for that person who’s been told to give up, just quit."
Inspired by Real-Life Drama
Emanuel's life and career have long captured public imagination, notably inspiring the character of Ari Gold in HBO's hit series "Entourage." The publisher's announcement hints that the memoir will surpass the drama of the television show, describing it as "a wilder, more relatable ride than any episode of ‘Entourage,’ because it’s real."
A Glimpse into High-Profile Connections
The book is expected to offer insights into Emanuel's work with a roster of iconic clients, including filmmaker Martin Scorsese, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, and a pre-presidential Donald Trump. These anecdotes will likely provide a behind-the-scenes look at the intersections of entertainment, media, and politics.
Knopf's announcement further teases, "For the first time, the agent, the mogul, the iconic power broker speaks for himself, about himself, and about the game of life, often at the top of his lungs." This suggests a candid and unfiltered account, resonating with Emanuel's reputation for intensity and drive.
With its focus on overcoming adversity and achieving success against the odds, "Roll the Calls" aims to inspire readers facing their own doubts and challenges. Emanuel's blunt advice encapsulates this spirit: "If there’s one major theme it’s that every time someone tells you to pack it in, you’re not good enough, you should tell that person to (expletive) off."
