Michael Ovitz (born December 14, 1946) is something of a landmark figure in Hollywood. Founder and head of Creative Artists Agency since 1975, he reputedly held the entire American film industry in his Rasputin-like thrall. In 1995, at the peak of his powers, he resigned to become vice-chairman of the Walt Disney Company under Michael Eisner, was fired after 14 months albeit with a generous compensation package to soften the blow, went on to found Artists Management Group a management company which became insolvent in under two years, then embarrassed himself by accusing the gay mafia of plotting his downfall, and is currently living in what is more or less seclusion.
