Anecdotes

In "Hollywood Animal: A Memoir", Joe Eszterhas claims that Sherry Lansing, the boss of Paramount Pictures, asked him to issue a statement that he supported Paramount's hiring of William Friedkin as director for his Jade (1995) script. Friedkin was Lansing's husband, and she wanted protection from charges of nepotism. He issued the statement. In truth, Eszterhas did not want the former Oscar-winner, whom he considered a washed-up has-been, to direct the picture, but deferred to Lansing's wishes.

Became the first woman to head a major studio when she took control of 20th Century Fox in 1980.

Became chairperson of Paramount Pictures in 1992. Stepped down as chief executive officer in 2005.

Attended and graduated from the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (1962).

Received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University (1966) with a Major in Speech and a Minor in Drama. Was a member of the Sigma Delta Tau Sorority. She attended Northwestern with her future husband Michael L. Brownstein.

Received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 79th Academy Awards on December 16, 2006.

After marriage to Michael Brownstein they honeymooned in New York where they saw the musical Hello, Dolly! and Lansing tried out for the game show Password.

Was a background player on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

Appeared in ten episodes of Hugh Hefner's Playboy After Dark.

Her first job after moving to Los Angeles was as a substitute teacher in South Central LA where she taught English and math.

Has known Linda Gray since the beginning of their career as a struggling actresses and going to multiple auditions.

Appeared in a national shampoo commercial with then unknown Farrah Fawcett.

The first film she ever saw in a theater was Le Magicien d'Oz (1939) and she was terrified by the witch.

Acted in commercials for Max Factor and Ivory Snow.

She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on July 31, 1996.

Began her non-acting Hollywood career as a reader for producer Raymond Wagner in 1971.

Has two stepsons: Jackson Friedkin and Cedric Friedkin.

Met her producing partner Stanley Jaffe in 1975 at a dinner party hosted by producer Douglas S. Cramer and his gossip columnist wife Joyce Haber.

Is a member of the Regents of the University of California. She was appointed in March 1999 to a term expiring in March 2010.

Her first manager when she was an actress was Joe Wander.