In his memoir titled Roll the Calls, set to be released on Tuesday by Knopf, Hollywood superagent Ari Emanuel shares insights from his life in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry. Emanuel recounts intense moments of his career, including a shocking personal incident involving an unexpected encounter with a truck.
The excerpt begins in early summer 1994. Emanuel maintains a strict routine, starting his day with an intense workout. He spends hours managing various calls, addressing numerous issues, and finds himself exhausted and hungry.
“I head to Kate Mantilini’s for an omelet,” Emanuel writes. Located at the corner of Doheny and Wilshire, he observes the speed of passing cars. His concerns about the traffic become a haunting prelude to what happens next.
While walking back to the office after breakfast, a near-catastrophic event unfolds. As the WALK signal appears, Emanuel steps into the street and is struck by a black pickup truck. This moment has a profound impact, recalling the physical challenges he faced earlier in life.
Emanuel describes being tossed from the truck’s hood, feeling as if he is flying, only to land harshly on the ground. This experience prompts a mix of emotions, from fear to frustration at the interruption to his work. He reflects on life’s unpredictability and how he must stay vigilant, drawing parallels to the lessons learned from his parents about life’s constant battles.
In this moment of vulnerability, he considers how much he has let others and his own anxieties steer him away from fulfilling his life’s purpose. The incident reinforces the notion that life is not a dress rehearsal—a sentiment echoed by many, though few take it to heart.
The memoir, characterized by such candid and raw reflections, promises an engaging narrative for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Emanuel’s journey. The book is available in various formats, including hardcover, large print, eBook, and audio, beginning September 22.
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