Ari Emanuel, a prominent figure in the entertainment world, shares a personal and profound account in his memoir Roll the Calls, set to be released on Tuesday by Knopf. This memoir offers a glimpse into Emanuel’s experiences, including a notable incident where the everyday pressures of the industry culminated in a dramatic event. Below is an excerpt from the book that reveals a pivotal moment in his life.
A Day in 1994
In the early summer of 1994, Emanuel starts his day with a rigorous workout before heading to the office. His routine involves managing countless calls, addressing numerous issues, which leaves him exhausted and hungry. Seeking relief, he decides to visit Kate Mantilini’s, a restaurant he favors for breakfast, located at the corner of Doheny and Wilshire.
As Emanuel makes his way to the restaurant, he observes the speeding traffic. This prompts a fleeting thought of potential danger. Once at the restaurant, he enjoys an omelet while multitasking by reading a script. After a quick bite, he heads back to work, his mind occupied with various tasks.
The Unexpected Collision
Returning to the same intersection, he pauses again. He notes the vehicles speeding by just as before. When the WALK signal appears, he steps off the curb only to be hit by a black pickup truck. Emanuel’s past experiences with physical impact come rushing back, yet the force of the collision is unmatched. He describes the sensation of being lifted and flipped by the truck, ideas bouncing in his mind as he realizes he is about to experience a harsh landing.
This moment brings a torrent of emotions. Fear, solitude, and an overwhelming sense of things left undone flood Emanuel’s thoughts. Questions about carrying on his responsibilities strike him alongside a feeling of betrayal as he grapples with life’s seeming indifference.
Reflections on Life
Despite the accident, Emanuel recognizes a clearer understanding of life’s brevity and unpredictability. He reflects on his own hesitations and the times he allowed external pressures and his own anxiety to detour him from his goals. Realization dawns that life is not perpetual practice; it demands immediate and decisive action.
This excerpt from Roll the Calls presents Emanuel’s realization that many, despite acknowledging life’s urgency, fail to act. This moment of vulnerability and insight forms the core of Emanuel’s narrative, pushing readers to introspect about their own lives and choices.
The memoir Roll the Calls by Ari Emanuel, rich with personal anecdotes and reflections, will be available in various formats starting September 22.
Excerpted from “Roll the Calls” by Ari Emanuel. Copyright © 2026 by Ari Emanuel. Excerpted by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.