Wondering who the latest addition to the Walk of Fame is? No he isn’t an action star nor is he an even actor but he is indeed famous thanks to his previous stints as president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and then as the CEO of Disney. So who is he? Michael Eisner
As mentioned before he was the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures from 1976 to 1984 during which the studio churned out plenty of big hit movies and TV shows. According to Eisner though his golden charm during the Paramount days is really John Travolta because everything “John was associated with while I [Eisner] was at Paramount was a hit.” It is indeed true since it was during those days that the hits Grease and Saturday Night Fever came out.
Upon leaving Paramount Eisner then came to the aid of the then struggling Disney Productions and along with Frank Wells managed to revitalize the studio during the late 80s. During the 90s they then set out to expand the “Disney Kingdom” and established parks around the world (Hong Kong, Tokyo, etc) and took on plenty of new investments. However, in 2005 Eisner stepped down as CEO after shareholders went along with the revolt led by Roy Disney, son of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney, and Stanley Gold.
Eisner kept himself busy after by founding the Torante Company, a private company that “invests in and incubates companies and opportunities in the media and entertainment space.” His charity foundation, the Eisner Foundation, is still very much active although it is his wife, Jane, that actually manages it as its president.
The Walk of Fame ceremony was attended by Mickey and Minnie mouse, John Travolta, and Bob Iger. It was held earlier this day.
Originally posted on April 25, 2008 @ 10:15 pm