Family moved from Chicago to Encino, California

Worked through college as Universal Studios tour guide; then became manager of entire tour guide operation at Fox Studios

Began career in William Morris Agency, Beverly Hills "training program" (first in mailroom, then as secretary to agent Howard West in TV)

Left William Morris after one year; entered law school

Quit law school; returned to William Morris, again working in TV

Fired from William Morris; set up Creative Artists Agency (CAA) with Ron Meyer, Michael Rosenfeld, William Haber and Rowland Perkins

Became chairman of CAA

Acted as consultant/broker in Matsushita buyout of Lew Wasserman's MCA

Hired by Coca-Cola to help with its global marketing, advertising and image (August)

Left CAA to become president of the Walt Disney Company

Announced his resignation from Disney effective January 31, 1997

Announced partnership with Glimcher Realty Trust, a mall developer

In April, purchased a 12 percent stake in Livent, Inc; named as chair of the executive committee and signed two-year advisory agreement

Went into partnership with Rick Yorn and Julie Silverman Yorn to create new talent venture, Artists Management Group (AMG)

Formed TV production company, Artists Television Group, an offshoot of AMG, with programs to be distributed by Columbia TriStar Television Group; Dismantled ATG in 2001

Signed production deal with Studio Canal to produce 15 films over three years; estimated at a value of $900 million

The joint venture between APG and Studio Canal ended

Former employee Cathy Schulman filed suit against Ovitz