# Irving Thalberg

> American film producer (1899-1936)

**Wikidata**: [Q438472](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q438472)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Thalberg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irving-thalberg

## Summary
Irving Thalberg was an American film producer active during the early 20th century. He is best known for his work with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), where he served as a key creative force and production executive during the studio's golden age.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 30, 1899
- **Died**: September 14, 1936
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: University of Southern California
- **Known for**: Film production and screenwriting
- **Employer(s)**: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- **Field(s)**: Film industry (Producer, Screenwriter, Editor, Manager, Writer, Director)
- **Work Period**: 1921 – 1936

## Contributions
Irving Thalberg's career spanned various roles within the film industry, including producer, screenwriter, film editor, manager, writer, and director. He was affiliated with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), a company formed on April 17, 1924, through the merger of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Pictures Corporation. Thalberg is recognized for his significant influence on the studio's production standards and output.

## FAQs
**What was Irving Thalberg's role at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer?**
Irving Thalberg was a central figure at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, serving as a producer and production executive. He was instrumental in establishing the studio's high production values and managing its creative output during the classical Hollywood era.

**What awards or honors are associated with Irving Thalberg?**
Thalberg received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Additionally, the "Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award" was established in 1937 as a prestigious award named in his honor.

**What were Irving Thalberg's other professional roles besides producing?**
Beyond his primary identity as a film producer, Thalberg was also recognized as a screenwriter, film editor, manager, writer, and director.

## Why They Matter
Irving Thalberg is considered a pivotal figure in the history of American cinema, often referred to as the "boy wonder" of Hollywood. His work at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer helped define the studio system's golden age, setting benchmarks for film quality and production management. His legacy continues through the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, which honors creative producers whose body of work reflects consistently high quality.

## Notable For
- **Film Production**: Recognized as a prominent American film producer (1899–1936).
- **MGM Affiliation**: Key creative executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during its formative years.
- **Industry Legacy**: The "Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award," established in 1937, is named after him.
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- **Multi-faceted Career**: Credited roles include screenwriter, film editor, manager, writer, and director.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Irving Grant Thalberg, also known as Irving G. Thalberg, was born on May 30, 1899. He was a citizen of the United States. He attended the University of Southern California, a private university located in Los Angeles, California.

### Career at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Thalberg’s professional career in the film industry began around 1921 and continued until his death in 1936. He was primarily affiliated with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), an American film and television production and distribution company founded on April 17, 1924. MGM was formed through the merger of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Pictures Corporation, with founders Marcus Loew and Louis B. Mayer. Thalberg worked alongside other notable industry figures associated with the studio, including Joan Crawford, Lon Chaney, and Norma Shearer.

### Professional Roles and Identity
While primarily identified as a film producer, Thalberg's professional identity encompassed multiple roles within the industry. He was recognized as a screenwriter, film editor, manager, writer, and director. These roles highlight his comprehensive involvement in the filmmaking process, from writing and editing to managing production and directing creative works.

### Recognition and Legacy
Thalberg's contributions were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Following his death on September 14, 1936, the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award was created in 1937. This award is presented periodically by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to creative producers whose body of work reflects consistently high quality. The Academy itself was founded on May 11, 1927, and Thalberg's legacy remains closely tied to its history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. LIBRIS. 2018
4. The Peerage
5. [HOLLIS](https://id.lib.harvard.edu/alma/99156828460803941/catalog)
6. [Irving Thalberg - Hollywood Walk of Fame](https://walkoffame.com/irving-thalberg/)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. SNAC
11. Find a Grave
12. filmportal.de
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Roglo
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. www.acmi.net.au
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
18. The Movie Database