Jack Valenti was the head of the Motion Picture Association of America. for 38 years. Before his time at MPAA, Valenti served as a special aide to President Lyndon Johnson. Recently released FBI files show that FBI, under its first director J. Edgar Hoover, investigated Valenti's sexuality and if he had a relationship with a male photographer. The FBI did not find any evidence confirming that Valenti, who was married, was gay.Washington Post: Valenti's Sexuality Was Topic For FBI (February 19, 2009)
Fast Facts:
- Born: September 5, 1921
- Died: April 26, 2007
- Married Mary Margaret Valenti in 1962
- Texas businessman before joining the Johnson administration
- Was the executive of an ad agency when offered a position as special aide to President Lyndon Johnson
- President of MPAA for 38 years
- Created the Film Rating System
- Lobbied for Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Life and Career
Jack Valenti was born in Houston, Texas. He attended the University of Houston for his B.A. and then Harvard University for his M.B.A.
He served as a fighter pilot during World War II and was decorated for his service. After the war, he served as a special assistant to President Lyndon Johnson but soon found his way into Hollywood, where he took up the position of president of the Motion Picture Association of America. One of his most influential innovations was the rating system that he devised. He spoke up strongly against the VCR, but contrary to his predictions, it proved to be a big profit booster for films.
He served on the MPAA for 38 years and retired in 2004.
Investigated by FBI
Recently released FBI files show that FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover, investigated Valenti's homosexuality because of rumors that he was gay. The investigation started in 1964, two years after Valenti got married. The investigation especially looked into if Valenti had a relationship with a male photographer. Johnson, who was a close personal friend of Valenti, first objected to the investigation, but then approved it. No evidence was found confirming the relationship or that Valenti was gay.Washington Post: Valenti's Sexuality Was Topic For FBI (February 19, 2009)
