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Every good story always has a Boy Wonder who both astounds and annoys the veterans of life. ...Oh, it doesn't?? WELL IT SHOULD. The story of Hollywood has it's fair share of unusually young prodigies of all kinds - including youthful moguls!
1899-1936
Irving was born in Brooklyn with a congenital heart disease. The doctor's prognosis was that he wouldn't live past age 30. While his mother undoubtedly meant well, Mrs. Thalberg became controlling (to say the least) and overly strict with what her son could or couldn't do. Because of his delicate condition, he didn't play sports or run around with the other kids, he read A LOT. Because of various health problems, he wasn't able to attend school regularly, so Mrs. Thalberg hired tutors for him. Irving got a job as a shop clerk when he graduated high school, studying Spanish and typing on the side. After that, he got a job as a secretary at Universal Studios' New York office. Oh...here comes the Boy Wonder part...!
Well, Irving established himself as a VERY hard worker, in spite of his health - and in 1920 he traveled to Los Angeles as an assistant to Carl Laemmle. Carl was so impressed with Irving that he asked him to stay and keep an eye on Universal's West Coast studio. Six months later, Irving had become General Manager of Universal - at barely 20 years old! And some 20-year-olds complain about working a part-time job...Please. Being in such a powerful position at a young age sometimes worked against him, though! Gossip columnist Louella Parsons once arranged to interview Universal's new general manager, sight unseen. She was supposed to meet with "Mr. Thalberg" at a designated restaurant in Los Angeles and when Irving approached her, she thought it was a prank! "What's the joke? Where's the new general manager?" she asked. "I am," replied Irving.
Although he was a quiet man, he wasn't a "wimp" (which is what many people assume about quiet people!). This was evident when he had a run-in with director Erich Von Stroheim. The terror of the moguls. Anyway, Irving called Erich into his office and told him he had to stop shooting, as Erich had spent waaaay more than he was supposed to. Erich refused, and wound up threatening to punch Irving in the face! Irving remained cool, calm and collected, and held his ground. The film WAS halted, Irving had the existing footage edited and released it. "Foolish Wives" (1922). As if that wasn't bad enough, Erich had another spending extravaganza the next year (!) and by then Irving had had enough. He wrote a long letter of dismissal, called Erich into his office and handed him the letter. Get out, Erich.
Young Irving, 1924
In 1922, Irving met Louis B. Mayer through a mutual friend. Louis was considering hiring Irving for Metro-Goldwyn (which would become MGM), and he asked Irving for advice about a movie that was recently completed by one of his directors. Well, insightful, level-headed Irving had the right answer, and Louis told their mutual friend that if Irving wanted to work for him, he'd treat him like a son! Coming from Louis...that might not be a good thing. Just saying. A year later, Irving became vice president of MGM, working alongside Louis. The two were opposite in practically every way - Louis was older, Irving was younger. Louis was healthy and robust, Irving was frail and delicate. Louis was proud and melodramatic, Irving was quiet and humble. And yet - they were a dynamic duo!
ABOVE: On his wedding day with his bride, actress Norma Shearer (1927). They were said to be a very faithful, happy couple and they stayed married until Irving's death.
BELOW: Louis seeing the newlyweds off on their honeymoon
Irving had a one-track mind, and that track was nothing but the film industry. It was said that he rarely thought or talked of anything else! Because he was always so tied up with his various plans and projects, it often took a couple of DAYS for people to get in to see him at his office - after HE called the meeting! Sheesh, Irving. Get with it. It's said that about 5 years of planning went into each of the films Irving produced - perfectionism was his "signature". But even then...he was never satisfied with the end result! Irving frequently gave instructions to completely RESHOOT scenes - or add completely new ones! The Hollywood film community had a running joke that films weren't made at MGM...they were "remade"!
Well, around 1932, Irving felt that he, and he alone (not Louis) was responsible for MGM's success, and expected to paid accordingly. The head of MGM finally relented, and this put a strain on the "father-son" relationship of Irving and Louis. Irving, now a first-time father, went to the studio Christmas party. And he drank, and drank, and had a grand old time....and then he had a heart attack. Amazingly, Irving recovered! However, it was all rest and no work for a long time, so Louis asked his son-in-law to fill in for Irving during his time off. After some drama over the replacement, Irving went on a European vacation with his wife and friends. While in Europe, Louis and the MGM executives decided they had to move forward without Irving, who was taking much longer to recuperate than anticipated - and relieved him of his position as VP.
Irving's final resting place, Glendale, CA
When Irving returned from Europe, he became an independent producer at MGM, and his films were quite successful. Ever hear of Mutiny on the Bounty?? In 1936, Irving passed away after having a cold which turned into pneumonia. He was aware of his condition and knew he was in his last days. MGM employees wept openly on lot when they heard the news, and his funeral was attended by approximately 1500 mourners. Actor Wallace Beery piloted his own airplane and dropped flowers from the sky. Irving was survived by his wife and their 2 children, Irving Jr. and Katharine. To the Hollywood community, Irving was a symbol of hope, the second generation of Jewish moguls to continue their work. And their work still continues today!
For more on the incomparable Mr. Thalberg, we heartily recommend you check out this episode of the Hollywood Party Podcast! Our lovely friend Lauren did an excellent job researching Irving's life, and we gave it our official seal of approval! If we had a seal...which we don't...we need to get a seal, guys...
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