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On Jack Valenti
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04/27/07 08:15 AM ET
The idea that Jack Valenti could die never crossed my mind.
I had only a very short career at the Motion Picture Association of America. Compared to Jack, it was only seconds. But by far, the brightest moment in my career there was a short conversation I had with Jack.
In his husky Texas accent, he said to me: “John, I wasn’t prepared to like you. But I do like you and I respect you.” That exchange was one of the proudest moments in my life.
Jack had that effect on almost everyone. Knowing Jack Valenti was knowing a true, living icon, who carried himself with great pride, great dignity and great class. Even if you disagreed with him on everything, meeting Jack made you feel good about being a human being.
Jack was a great role model. He treated everyone with respect, from the highest office holder to the humblest office worker.
Some will say that Jack Valenti was a throwback to a bygone era. But that bygone era was not the 20th century. It was from the age of Cicero.
We will not see another one like Jack Valenti. Many knew him better than me. But what I knew of him I respected and I liked, even when I disagreed with him.
Jack Valenti was truly one for the ages. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
I had only a very short career at the Motion Picture Association of America. Compared to Jack, it was only seconds. But by far, the brightest moment in my career there was a short conversation I had with Jack.
In his husky Texas accent, he said to me: “John, I wasn’t prepared to like you. But I do like you and I respect you.” That exchange was one of the proudest moments in my life.
Jack had that effect on almost everyone. Knowing Jack Valenti was knowing a true, living icon, who carried himself with great pride, great dignity and great class. Even if you disagreed with him on everything, meeting Jack made you feel good about being a human being.
Jack was a great role model. He treated everyone with respect, from the highest office holder to the humblest office worker.
Some will say that Jack Valenti was a throwback to a bygone era. But that bygone era was not the 20th century. It was from the age of Cicero.
We will not see another one like Jack Valenti. Many knew him better than me. But what I knew of him I respected and I liked, even when I disagreed with him.
Jack Valenti was truly one for the ages. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
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