Ep 38. Dawn Steel

Dawn Steel was one of the most influential women in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s. She was a trailblazer in the male-dominated industry of filmmaking, rising to the top ranks of several major studios. Her story is told in this episode of E! True Hollywood Story.

The episode begins by introducing us to Dawn Steel, who was born in New York City in 1946. She grew up in a Jewish family and was raised to be ambitious and determined. After attending Colgate University, she landed a job at Penthouse magazine, where she quickly climbed the ranks to become the managing editor. However, she knew that her true passion lay in the film industry, and she eventually left Penthouse to pursue her dream.

The episode then shows how Steel started at Paramount Pictures as a story editor, where she quickly proved her worth by championing successful films such as Flashdance and Beverly Hills Cop. She was promoted to vice president of production in 1983, making her one of the first women to hold such a high-ranking position in Hollywood. Her success continued at Paramount, where she oversaw the production of hits like Top Gun, Fatal Attraction, and Ghost.

However, Steel's career took a hit when she left Paramount in 1987 to become the president of Columbia Pictures. The studio was suffering from a string of box office flops, and Steel was brought in to turn things around. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to right the ship, and was fired after just two-and-a-half years on the job. The episode explores the reasons behind her dismissal, including clashes with upper management and criticism of her leadership style.

After leaving Columbia, Steel founded her own production company, Steel Pictures, which produced films like Cool Runnings and The Great White Hype. She continued to be a powerful force in Hollywood, and was known for her knack at identifying talented young filmmakers.

The episode also delves into Steel's personal life, including her marriage to film producer Charles Roven and the birth of their daughter. Despite her success in the industry, Steel struggled with health issues and battled breast cancer for many years. She passed away in 1997 at the age of 51.

Throughout the episode, we hear from friends, colleagues, and family members who share their memories of Steel and reflect on her legacy. We see footage of Steel herself, giving interviews and speaking at industry events. We also get a glimpse into the cutthroat world of Hollywood, where success often comes at a high price.

Overall, the episode paints a portrait of a strong, intelligent woman who made waves in an industry dominated by men. Despite facing setbacks and criticism, Steel never gave up on her dreams, and her impact on Hollywood can still be felt today.