Ari Emanuel’s Memoir: An Ode to Rage That Pulls Punches

Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel's new memoir, "Roll the Calls," offers an unflinching look at his aggressive business approach, which he attributes to a lifelong struggle with rage stemming from childhood bullying and learning disabilities. The book, co-written with J.R. Moehringer, blends Hollywood history with personal anecdotes, framing rage as the "secret sauce" of Emanuel's professional success.

Emanuel recounts early humiliations due to his ADHD and dyslexia, which fueled a "formative childhood memory" of rage. This aggression manifested in confrontational behavior, including a teenage incident where he physically retaliated against bullies. Throughout the memoir, Emanuel uses his unrestrained anger as a motif, detailing instances of verbal altercations with figures like Jeff Bezos and Bob Iger, and physical threats, such as nearly attacking Michael Ovitz or threatening a country club golfer.

Despite the memoir's explosive theme, "Roll the Calls" is selective in its criticisms. While Emanuel repeatedly targets former associates like Jeffrey Katzenberg and Harvey Weinstein, and recounts firing Jim Wiatt, he largely refrains from harsh criticism of current power players. Figures such as President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman are notably spared. This selectivity suggests a strategic approach, as Emanuel, at 65, remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, holding leadership roles at TKO Group Holdings and WME Group.

The book also highlights Emanuel's personal quirks, such as his veganism and interest in biohacking, which stand in contrast to his aggressive persona. He shares anecdotes, like the time he called the CEO of Trident gum demanding a discontinued flavor be reinstated, which he used to court his second wife, Sarah Staudinger. This particular story, he notes, elicited a reaction of fear, derangement, and endearment from her.

"Roll the Calls" has generated anticipation within the industry, with many speculating about how candid Emanuel would be. While the memoir details his aggressive tactics and willingness to confront rivals like Katzenberg and Weinstein, it ultimately appears to pull punches on those who currently wield significant influence. The book presents Emanuel as a pivotal, if volatile, figure who has navigated and influenced the entertainment industry for decades, earning him a reputation as a "Zelig of Hollywood."