Ari Emanuel’s Memoir: A Business-Centric Narrative

Ari Emanuel, younger brother of former mayor Rahm Emanuel, has shared his story in a lengthy memoir, “Roll the Calls.” Spanning 57 chapters across 413 pages, the book is filled with expletives and lacks photographs, except for the cover featuring Emanuel himself. Missing are stories from the myriad of successful clients he managed, such as Oprah or Matt Damon. Instead, the memoir focuses more on business aspects of the entertainment industry.

“Roll the Calls” hints at Emanuel’s intense working methodology. The title refers to the daily routine of a talent agent, making numerous calls to industry contacts. Though aimed at providing insights into the entertainment industry, the book offers limited practical advice.

This is not the first literary work to emerge from the Emanuel family. In 2014, eldest brother Ezekiel, an oncologist, released “Growing Up Emanuel.” Ari’s memoir has been promoted vigorously, with initial excerpts appearing in the Wall Street Journal and a segment on “CBS Sunday Morning.”

The book includes few shocks. Emanuel shares personal opinions, describing Harvey Weinstein as “empty at his core,” but keeps many secrets. The memoir offers little about his early years, other than his diagnoses of dyslexia and ADHD, which contributed to his frequent rage. He mentions growing up in Wilmette, an affluent suburb, and a high school incident where he defended a bullied classmate, showcasing his combative nature.

Much of his education and early career remains vague. His transition from Macalester College to working for agent Robert Lantz in New York City lacks detail. His journey to Hollywood started in a mailroom, collecting coffee for senior agents and delivering scripts.

Throughout the memoir, Emanuel provides snapshots of his personal life. He describes a strict daily routine, starting at 3 a.m., involving workout sessions, sauna, meditation, and more. He maintains a hectic pace, including handling hundreds of calls a day, a testament to his work ethic. Though his life inspired the character Ari Gold in the HBO series “Entourage,” Emanuel claims not to have watched the show, despite influencing its creative team.

J.R. Moehringer, a notable ghostwriter, assisted Emanuel. However, the narrative often feels like a whirlwind of industry acronyms. Emanuel, now 65, is a CEO of TKO Group Holdings and WME Group. He reflects on his journey, acknowledging the personal cost of his professional drive.

Later chapters focus on his relationship with fashion designer Sarah Staudinger, highlighting youthful enthusiasm despite his age. Their 2022 marriage in Saint-Tropez, officiated by Larry David, is recounted with evident pride. Emanuel still connects with influential figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, indicating that more deals await.

Despite his achievements, Emanuel questions if his drive has waned, hinting at a desire for relaxation after a career of constant hustle.