Jack Valenti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Valenti
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Jack Valenti
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| Born |
Jack Joseph Valenti
September 5, 1921 |
| Died | April 26, 2007 (aged 85) |
| Alma mater | University of Houston Harvard University |
| Occupation | President of the MPAA, Special Assistant to U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson |
Jack Joseph Valenti (born September 5, 1921 – died April 26, 2007) was a very important person in the American film industry. For 38 years, he led the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). He is best known for creating the MPAA film rating system. This system tells you if a movie is G, PG, PG-13, R, or NC-17. Valenti was also a powerful person who worked to protect copyrights, which means making sure creators get credit and control over their work.
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Early Life and Education
Jack Valenti was born in Houston, Texas, on September 5, 1921. During World War II, he was a pilot in the United States Army Air Force. He flew 51 combat missions in a B-25 bomber. He earned several awards for his bravery, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the war, Valenti went to the University of Houston. He graduated in 1946 with a business degree. He worked for the school newspaper and was president of the student government. Later, he even served on the university's board.
In 1948, he earned another degree from Harvard University. Then, he worked in advertising for an oil company. He helped them improve their sales by focusing on "cleanest restrooms" at gas stations.
In 1952, Valenti started his own advertising company. One of his first big clients was an oil company called Conoco. His company also started helping politicians. In 1956, he met Lyndon B. Johnson, who was a powerful leader in the Senate at the time.
Working in Politics
Jack Valenti was with President John F. Kennedy and Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. He was part of the presidential motorcade. After President Kennedy was assassinated, Valenti was present for Lyndon Johnson's swearing-in ceremony. This famous event happened aboard Air Force One.
Valenti then flew with the new president to Washington, D.C. He became a "special assistant" to President Johnson. This meant he was a close advisor. He even lived in the White House for the first two months of Johnson's presidency. Valenti greatly admired President Johnson, calling him "the most single dominating human being" he had ever met.
Leading the MPAA
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In 1966, Jack Valenti left his job at the White House. He became the president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This happened because Universal Studios chief Lew Wasserman asked him to, and President Johnson agreed. Valenti and Wasserman worked closely together. They helped shape how Hollywood movies were made and shown for many years.
After he retired from the MPAA, Valenti became involved in new technology companies. He advised them on media investments. He also supported causes related to his Italian-American background. He was a member of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) for over 20 years.
Death
Jack Valenti passed away on April 26, 2007. He died at his home in Washington, D.C., due to complications from a stroke. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His gravestone shows his military awards and his years as president of the MPAA.
After he died, the National Italian American Foundation created the NIAF Jack Valenti Institute. This institute helps Italian-American film students. Director Martin Scorsese helped launch the institute.
Legacy
Jack Valenti's book about his life, called This Time, This Place: My Life in War, the White House and Hollywood, was published shortly after he passed away in May 2007.
Honors and Awards
Valenti received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal for his service in the Army Air Force during World War II. These are important military awards.
In 1969, he received the Bronze Medallion. This is New York City's highest honor for a civilian. In 1985, he was given the French Légion d'Honneur, a very special award from France.
The University of Houston gave Valenti an honorary doctorate in 2002. This is a special degree given to honor someone's achievements. In 2003, he received the "Legend in Leadership Award" from the Yale School of Management.
In June 2005, the main building of the Motion Picture Association of America in Washington, D.C., was renamed the Jack Valenti Building. It is very close to the White House. Valenti kept an office there until he died.
In April 2008, the University of Houston renamed its School of Communication to the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication. This was done to honor him, as he was a famous graduate of the school.
Images for kids
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Jack Valenti in 1991
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Jack Valenti
See also
In Spanish: Jack Valenti para niños
