Luise Rainer -- Tiny Person, Bigger Than Life -- A Tribute

My wife’s grandmother -- back-to-back Oscar-winning Hollywood actress Luise Rainer -- died yesterday at her home in London.  She was nearly 105 (I wrote a brief post about her 5 years ago as she reached her 100 year milestone).

Luise, who had become a diminutive “bird” in physical size in her latter days, exhibited a larger-than-life personality that was absolutely the opposite.  It was gargantuan.  She was friends with the likes of Albert Einstein and all the Hollywood “greats” of the 1930’s.  She also essentially killed her Hollywood career when she told Louis B. Mayer to “take a hike” (those are watered down words, my friends ....) when she broke her contract at MGM.

Vanity Fair -- in a feature story several years ago -- called Luise “The Last Hollywood Diva,” which sums her up quite nicely.

Luise was a pistol ’til the end.  A character who gave new meaning to the word “character.”  My mother-in-law, Francesca Knittel Bowyer, is quoted by the BBC as saying that Luise could “charm the birds out of the trees.”  So true.

We had thought Luise (“Omy” to us) would out-live us all.  But, alas, she too -- as strong as she was (which was Atlas strong) -- succumbed to mortality.

She was extremely loved by her family -- her daughter Francesca, my wife Luisa, our children and so many others.  And, she loved them deeply ... more than they may ever know.

Vator's Splash LA Event -- VCs & Entrepreneurs Unite!

This Thursday night, May 30 -- at the storied Hollywood Roosevelt hotel -- I will attend my first "Splash" event hosted by Vator (which bills itself as the "Voice of the Entrepreneur").  In fact, it is my first LA-based event since I announced my new role as CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures (where I help drive digital media investments, among other things).  Many such VC & entrepreneurial-focused networking events exist.  I attend these very selectively.  But, this one rises above the din for a number of reasons.

First, after being based in San Diego for a number of years, I am now based in LA and am immersing myself in the local entrepreneurial scene -- which is vibrant.  Very.  And increasingly.  Particularly on the digital media side of things (hence, my new role and new Manatt Digital Media).

Second, the agenda is full and compelling -- yes, you have your basic networking.  But, this one looks like the networking actually could be meaningful because Splash has a history of drawing the right mix of creative newbies and "movers and shakers."  Second, there is a full and varied slate of keynotes and panels -- not just one theme.  Third, there should be plenty of food and drink!  And finally, the venue is a good one.

In fact, here is an interesting bit of trivia.  The Hollywood Roosevelt hotel is especially near and dear to me because my grandmother-in-law, Luise Rainer (still kicking at age 103!), is the legendary Hollywood actress who picked up two back-to-back "Best Actress" Academy Awards at the hotel (which served as the venue for the Oscars at that time).

I will take several meetings -- and meet with several promising start-ups -- at the event.  I also will take notes for a post-event review.  Click this link to reach out and set something up.