William Morris Agency

William Morris Agency

File:WMa Logojpg.png
Industry	Talent and literary agencies
Founded	1898 (1898) in New York City, New York, United States
Defunct	Template:End date and age
Fate	Acquired by Endeavor Talent Agency
Successor	Endeavor
Headquarters	Beverly Hills, California , United States
Website	wmeentertainment.com

The William Morris Agency (WMA) operated as a prominent talent agency based in Hollywood, representing leading figures across film, television, and music industries. Throughout its 109-year tenure, it earned recognition as the pioneering major talent agency within the entertainment business.

In April 2009, WMA combined forces with the Endeavor Talent Agency, creating William Morris Endeavor. This entity was rebranded as WME-IMG in 2013 and later adopted the name Endeavor in 2017.

Early history

Established in 1898 by German-Jewish immigrant William Morris (originally Zelman Moses) in New York City, the firm initially operated under the name William Morris, Vaudeville Agent. By 1918, the agency’s leadership expanded to include Morris’ son, William Morris Jr., alongside assistant Abraham Lastfogel, both of whom became influential executives.

With the rise of silent cinema, WMA strategically broadened its scope to represent film stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Al Jolson, the Marx Brothers, and Mae West. By 1930, management had transitioned to Morris Jr. and Lastfogel. After William Morris Sr.'s passing in 1932, the agency began shifting its base from Hollywood and Vine to Beverly Hills, positioning itself for further expansion within the entertainment sector.

1945 to 2000

In December 1949, WMA grew by acquiring the Berg-Allenberg Agency, which bolstered its motion picture division under senior agent Mike Zimring. By 1965, the agency’s Music Department represented prominent acts including the Rolling Stones, Sonny & Cher, the Beach Boys, and the Byrds. The establishment of a Nashville branch in 1973 extended WMA’s reach into country music markets.

Leadership changes saw Nat Lefkowitz appointed co-chairman in 1976; he had previously brought on his nephew, Ted Ashley, who later founded Ashley-Famous agency. In 1980, Morris Stoller assumed the role of chairman.

During the early 1980s, WMA developed the William Morris Plaza at 150 El Camino Drive to complement its headquarters at 151 El Camino. The acquisition of the Jim Halsey Company in 1989 further diversified its holdings.

In the early 1990s, WMA’s Literary Department achieved a significant milestone by securing a major book-to-film agreement for Scarlett, the sequel to Gone With the Wind. The year 2000 marked further growth with WMA’s purchase of The Writers Shop, led by Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, strengthening its literary representation capabilities.

Developments After 2000

In 2003, WMA broadened its international presence by inaugurating offices in both Miami Beach and Shanghai. By 2007, the agency enhanced its London music division by moving into the renowned Centre Point Tower, demonstrating a clear strategic emphasis on expanding its global reach.

That same year marked a pivotal change when George Lane, WMA's Senior Vice President and head of theatre, together with foreign rights agent Michael Cardonick, left to launch Creative Artists Agency’s New York branch and theatrical division.

Merger with Endeavor in 2009

On April 27, 2009, William Morris Agency combined forces with Endeavor Talent Agency, resulting in the creation of William Morris Endeavor. This merger was led by Endeavor’s Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, who assumed roles as Co-Chief Executives of the newly formed company. The consolidation led to nearly 100 layoffs among WMA staff and former board members, including Jim Wiatt, who had served as WMA president and board chairman.

Following the merger, WME centralized its operations by moving into Endeavor’s Beverly Hills headquarters located at 9601 Wilshire Boulevard. This relocation facilitated a more streamlined corporate framework and improved operational effectiveness.

Agent Training Program at WMA

Originating in the 1940s, the WMA Agent Training Program—commonly referred to as the "mailroom"—has earned a reputation for cultivating prominent leaders within the entertainment sector. Since the 1970s, this model has been adopted by numerous other talent agencies and studios, many of which are now managed by former mailroom alumni. Participants start their careers rotating through various departments beginning in the mailroom before progressing to assistant or coordinator positions.

Creative Artists Agency (CAA), founded in 1975 by ex-WMA trainees such as Michael Ovitz and Ronald Meyer, serves as a prime example of this program’s influence on industry leadership. David Geffen once characterized it as "The Harvard School of Show Business – only better," emphasizing its esteemed status and effective approach to talent development. Graduates from this program are widely recognized for their strategic acumen and significant impact on the entertainment marketplace.

Among notable alumni is Norman Brokaw, who began his career as a mailboy at age fifteen and later became chairman. The training program continues today at William Morris Endeavor and was thoroughly examined in David Rensin’s 2003 publication, The Mailroom: Hollywood History from the Bottom Up, highlighting its critical role in nurturing key executives and fostering company growth.