Michael Eisner was born on March 7, 1942, in Mount Kisco, New York. He grew up in a family with a strong legal background, as his father was a lawyer and a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development regional administrator. Eisner attended Denison University, where he graduated with an English degree in 1964.
After completing his education, Eisner embarked on a successful career in the entertainment industry. He held executive positions at NBC, CBS, and ABC, as well as other television networks. In 1976, he was named president and CEO of Paramount Pictures, where he was responsible for greenlighting hit films such as Saturday Night Fever, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the Star Trek film franchise.
Eisner's most notable role came when he became the chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. Initially, his leadership was praised for revitalizing the company and overseeing successful projects such as the establishment of Disney Channel and the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC, which brought networks like ESPN under the Disney umbrella.
However, as time went on, his reign over Disney became controversial. Roy E. Disney, son of co-founder Roy O. Disney and nephew of Walt Disney, actively campaigned for Eisner's ouster in 2003, citing dissatisfaction with his management style and decisions.
Eisner is a family man, having fathered three sons with his wife, Jane Breckenridge. Despite the challenges he faced in his professional life, he has remained committed to his family and has found joy in being a husband and father.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Eisner has also been involved in politics. He was a member of the Barack Obama for America organization, showing his support for the former President.
Michael Eisner's career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. His contributions to the entertainment industry are undeniable, as he has played a key role in shaping the landscape of television and film. Despite the challenges he faced during his time at Disney, his impact on the company and the industry as a whole is still felt today.