Former superagent and current media executive Ari Emanuel has released a new memoir, “Roll the Calls,” offering an inside look at his decades-long career in the entertainment industry. The 432-page book, published on September 22, traces his journey from starting in the mailroom at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to becoming one of the most influential figures in entertainment and sports.
Emanuel co-wrote the memoir with J.R. Moehringer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for collaborating with Prince Harry on “Spare” and tennis champion Andre Agassi on “Open.” The title references the traditional agency practice of scheduling back-to-back phone calls, a routine that defined Emanuel’s relentless work ethic.
The narrative covers pivotal moments in business history, including the 1995 founding of Endeavor, its 2009 merger with William Morris Agency, and subsequent acquisitions of IMG and UFC. These moves led to the creation of TKO Group Holdings, which unites UFC and WWE under one roof. Emanuel currently serves as executive chair and CEO of TKO and executive chairman of WME Group.
Beyond business strategy, the book delves into Emanuel’s personal history, including his lifelong struggle with dyslexia and his upbringing in Chicago alongside his high-achieving brothers, Rahm and Zeke Emanuel. He also discusses how his combative personality influenced the character of Ari Gold on HBO’s “Entourage,” played by Jeremy Piven.
The memoir features candid accounts of professional feuds and collaborations. Emanuel writes about clashes with Jeffrey Katzenberg and Harvey Weinstein, as well as the process of signing high-profile clients such as Oprah Winfrey, Martin Scorsese, and Mark Wahlberg. He also addresses dropping Donald Trump as a client after Trump entered the White House and describes interactions with figures ranging from Barack Obama to Elon Musk.
Colorful anecdotes extend beyond corporate boardrooms. Emanuel recounts a 1990s incident where he was nearly struck by a truck in Los Angeles, an event he describes as a turning point in his approach to fear. He also recalls a tense confrontation between Larry David and Elon Musk at his 2022 wedding to fashion designer Sarah Staudinger.
Financial and corporate developments are also detailed, noting that UFC was acquired in a deal valued at approximately $4 billion in 2016. In 2023, UFC merged with WWE to form the publicly traded TKO Group Holdings, and Endeavor was taken private by Silver Lake in 2025.
Emanuel reflects on the psychological aspects of success, noting that the satisfaction derived from achieving goals is often fleeting. The book explores themes of anxiety, therapy, and family dynamics alongside the rage and competition that characterized his career ascent.
So Ari Gold was basically a caricature of Ari Emanuel himself? That explains why the character felt so terrifyingly real on screen.
Another memoir from a media mogul? I wonder how much of the Harvey Weinstein story is being held back to avoid legal trouble right now.
It is fascinating to see how Rahm Emanuel’s political career intersected with Ari’s Hollywood rise. The sibling dynamics must be intense.
The UFC-WWE merger is a massive shift in sports entertainment. Curious if Emanuel addresses the regulatory hurdles he faced during those negotiations.
Would love to know more about the Larry David and Elon Musk wedding standoff. That sounds absolutely chaotic and hilarious.