Date of Birth: September 5, 1921
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: April 26, 2007
Biography
Jack Valenti was an influential American businessman known for his pivotal role in the entertainment industry, particularly during his tenure as the President of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Born on September 5, 1921, in Houston, Texas, Valenti initially pursued a career in politics and advertising before making his mark in Hollywood. After serving in World War II as a bomber pilot, he graduated from Harvard Business School and co-founded an advertising and political consulting firm. In 1963, Valenti joined the White House staff as a special assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson. His close relationship with Johnson brought him to national prominence, and he played a significant role in the administration. In 1966, Valenti was appointed as the President of the MPAA, a position he held for 38 years until 2004. During his tenure, he introduced the modern film rating system, which remains in use today. Valenti was also a prolific writer and lecturer, authoring several books and contributing to various publications. He passed away on April 26, 2007, but left behind a lasting legacy in both the political and entertainment spheres.
5 Interesting Facts about Jack Valenti
1. Jack Valenti was a bomber pilot in World War II and flew 51 combat missions.
2. He co-founded the advertising agency Weekley & Valenti, which eventually led him to work with Lyndon B. Johnson.
3. Valenti was instrumental in creating the MPAA film rating system in 1968, which includes ratings like G, PG, R, and X.
4. He served as President of the MPAA for 38 years, one of the longest tenures in the organization’s history.
5. Valenti was a prolific author, with notable works including “The Bitter Taste of Glory” and “Protect and Defend.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jack Valenti
1. “A politician is a man who understands government. A statesman is a politician who’s been dead for 15 years.”
2. “The only group in America that doesn’t have any protection is the white male.”
3. “I sleep each night a little better, a little more confidently, because Lyndon Johnson is my president.”
4. “The movie industry is a great economic engine, and it creates a lot of jobs.”
5. “The ratings system is not perfect, but it is the best system that we have.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Jack Valenti’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Jack Valenti had three children with his wife, Mary Margaret Valenti. Their names are John, Alexandra, and Warner Valenti.
Relevant Links
1. [Jack Valenti – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Valenti
3. [Jack Valenti and the MPAA – History](https://www.history.com/topics/jack-valenti
4. [Jack Valenti’s Books – Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/103153.Jack_Valenti
5. [Jack Valenti’s Quotes – BrainyQuote](https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/jack-valenti-quotes
