Louis B. Mayer

Profession: Film Producer and Creator of the Star System

Nationality:

Biography: Louis B. Mayer was a Canadian-American film producer, best known as the co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, also known as MGM, which started in 1924. His leadership saw MGM become the biggest name in film at the time, associated with all of the leading contemporary actors, writers, and directors.

Mayer began his career with the purchase of a small theater in Massachusetts, an operation which he then expanded into the Boston area. He then moved to Los Angeles where he entered into a partnership with producer Irving Thalberg.

The pair, Mayer and Thalberg, were to make MGM the household name it would become. Mayer ran the business side of the operation, while Thalberg handled all MGM productions.

Born: July 12, 1884
Birthplace: Minsk, Russian Empire

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: October 29, 1957 (aged 73)