Driving Marilyn: The Life and Times of Legendary Hollywood Agent Norman Brokaw [Paperback]

Norman Brokaw was CEO and Chairman of the William Morris Agency from 1989 to 1997, but his legacy may lie in his ascent from mail room clerk to Marilyn Monroe’s personal driver to agent for some of Hollywood’s most iconic figures of the late 20th Century: Marilyn Monroe, Kim Novak, Elvis (and Colonel Parker), Natalie Wood, Loretta Young, Clint Eastwood, Danny Thomas, Dick Van Dyke, Berry Gordy, Bill Cosby, Donna Summer, Brooke Shields plus many more. Under his guidance, the agency created a television department in the early 1950s, where he persuaded many skeptical Hollywood stars to make the move to the new medium. This book is a star-studded biography of Brokaw’s remarkable life and influence on Hollywood, of which legendary record producer David Geffen writes in his foreword: “Norman was the last of a dying breed, but his way of free thinking, loyalty and care for others has value. With his story we have one more chance to learn from a pioneer.”Joel Brokawhas worked for over four decades in the areas of merging media, societal trends, celebrity, and transformational thinking. His focus over the last twenty years has been as an author and collaborator of ten books, including twoNew York Times-bestsellers. He is the fourth generation in his family to work in the media and entertainment industries. His father, Norman Brokaw, was Chairman of the William Morris Agency. He lives in Windsor, CA.“…it’s a diverting look inside the Hollywood machine.”“A fascinating look at an authentic Hollywood influencer, told with affection, honesty, and unprecedented access to the memories of numerous legends.”
 “…the book paints an interesting picture of the fast-and-loose dawn of TV in the ’50s and ’60s, and a business ruled by personal relationships…”