Jack Valenti's proven achievements as a leader in the movie industry and his outstanding vision have earned him a prominent place in Hollywood's history. In his current position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Mr. Valenti has presided over tremendous worldwide changes in the industry. New technologies, the rise in importance of international markets, and the tyranny of piracy have radically changed the landscape of the American film and television industry. It is Mr. Valenti's duty and challenge to lead the confrontation with these global dangers, problems and opportunities, a job he has performed vigorously for 36 years.

Born in Houston, Texas, Mr. Valenti was the youngest high school graduate in the city, graduating at age 15. He began work as an office boy with the Humble Oil Company (now Exxon). As a young pilot in the Army Air Corps in World War II, Lieutenant Valenti flew 51 combat missions as the pilot-commander of a B-25 attack bomber with the 12th Air Force in Italy. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four clusters, the Distinguished Unit Citation with one cluster, and the European Theater Ribbon with four battle stars.

Mr. Valenti graduated with a B.A. from the University of Houston (doing all his undergraduate work at night, working during the day), and from Harvard University with an M.B.A. In 1952, he co-founded the advertising and political consulting agency of Weekley & Valenti. In 1955 he met the man who would have the largest impact on his life, then Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Lyndon B. Johnson. Mr. Valenti's agency was in charge of the press during the visit of President Kennedy and Vice President Johnson to Texas. Mr. Valenti was in the motorcade in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Within hours of the murder of John F. Kennedy, Mr. Valenti was on Air Force One flying back to Washington, D.C., the first newly hired special assistant to the new President. On June 1, 1966, Mr. Valenti resigned his White House post to become the third leader of MPAA, a position he has held now for 36 years.

Mr. Valenti has written four books, three non-fiction works, The Bitter Taste of Glory, A Very Human President, Speak Up With Confidence,, and the political novel, Protect and Defend.. He has written numerous essays for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Reader's Digest, Atlantic Monthly, Newsweek, and other publications.

France awarded Mr. Valenti its highly prized Legion d'Honneur, the French Legion of Honor. He has been awarded his own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. He has been named a Life Member of the Directors Guild of America.

Jack Valenti and his wife, Mary Margaret, live in Washington and Los Angeles. They have three children: Courtenay, John and Alexandra.

Credit: hollywoodawards.com