I learned a lot researching and writing about Edie and Lew Wasserman, the late great chairman of Universal Studios and the industry’s original power couple, reigning from 1936 to his death in 2002.

One of Lew’s favorite sayings was “Stay out of the spotlight. It fades your suit.” He expected his men to keep their heads down and work. When they left the office, they attended parties, premieres or bailed out clients from jail before the press arrived.  

Here’s how relentless he could be, in a story I included in my 2004 book "Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood," about to be released in audio and e-book:

During the 1940s and 1950s, Wasserman called regular early morning meetings with his agents at a time when most of the studio moguls were still in bed. Secretaries used to buy cookies for these...