Ari Emanuel’s Collision with Life: An Excerpt from ‘Roll the Calls’

In his upcoming memoir, Roll the Calls, set to be published by Knopf, Hollywood superagent Ari Emanuel shares his experiences in the highly competitive entertainment industry. One particularly intense moment recounted in the memoir involves him being hit by a truck.

Early summer 1994. I rise early, do a hard workout, go to the office. Roll calls for several hours…

Emanuel describes a typical day in early summer 1994. He starts his morning with a workout and begins work at his office, making numerous calls to address various challenges. After feeling exhausted and hungry, he heads to a local restaurant, Kate Mantilini’s, known for its omelets.

While enjoying his meal, Emanuel reads a script. As he leaves, his mind races with thoughts about his work tasks. Returning to the street corner where he previously observed fast-moving traffic, he stops at the curb. As the pedestrian signal turns to ‘WALK’, he begins crossing, only to be hit by a speeding black pickup truck.

Emanuel’s background in wrestling and physical confrontations did not prepare him for the impact of the truck. The collision flings him into the air, leading him to a moment of reflection on the unpredictability of life and his mortality. Emanuel recounts feelings of loneliness and fear as he worries about unfinished tasks and the potential of losing consciousness or worse.

He recalls that his parents taught him life is a relentless struggle, akin to gladiatorial combat, where one must be prepared for challenges. Emanuel laments wasted opportunities and realizes the importance of seizing the moment, acknowledging life’s finite nature.

For more insightful stories from Ari Emanuel’s life, interested readers can purchase Roll the Calls from Bookshop.org. The memoir is available in various formats, including hardcover, eBook, and audio, starting September 22.