Rensin and Brillstein

LA Observed author David Rensin was on a book tour-vacation when Hollywood manager and producer Bernie Brillstein died, but I for one have been anticipating David's reaction. He helped Brillstein write the 1999 memoir, “Where Did I Go Right: You’re No One in Hollywood Unless Someone Wants You Dead.” They followed up a few years ago with “The Little Stuff Matters Most: 50 Rules from 50 Years of Trying to Make a Living." Well, David is back and remembers his friend in an exclusive piece at Native Intelligence. Excerpt:

Doing the first book was a Hollywood education for me, a master class taught by the master. And for Bernie it was a way to confront the depression and find his place after a divorce that included him selling his half of the company to Brad Grey and “no longer being king.”

And then it was a rebirth. Great reviews. Much love. A new wife that was, finally, the right match. ("One out of four. I'm batting .250" he'd say. "Very respectable.") And the book was acknowledged as a mile wide and more than the standard inch-deep package of Hollywood glad-handing and self-aggrandizement. Bernie let it all hang out, including starting the book with a story about going to the proctologist in 1955. That he began there let readers know they were in for a ride. And even better, instead of being humiliated at opening his eyes from a cold sweat and discovering his mother, father, aunt, and uncle unexpectedly appearing in the doctor’s office while he was lying sideways on the exam table, pants off, knees to his chest , tube up his ass – he went back to the office and told everyone. That was Bernie. If you have a great story, tell it.

Good day at Native Intelligence: Adrienne Crew spots an entrepreneurial tribute to Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac in the Crenshaw area.