In the world of Hollywood heavyweights, few shine as brightly – or as boldly – as Elie Samaha, the Lebanese-born producer, self-made entrepreneur, and real estate tycoon who has turned ambition into legacy. With several iconic Hollywood properties to his name, including the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars, Samaha’s empire spans cinemas, luxury hotels, and restaurants across the U.S. He has also produced over 50 star-studded films throughout the years. Today, Samaha stands as one of the most influential Arab-American figures in Hollywood – a bold visionary whose career has defied expectations and broken countless barriers.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, and raised in the United States, Samaha’s journey to success was anything but conventional. He got his first taste of showbiz glamour working at the legendary Studio 54 in New York, the infamous nightlife hotspot of the 1970s that attracted everyone from Andy Warhol to Mick Jagger. There, Samaha found himself absorbed in a world of glitz, charisma and high-stakes networking, quickly learning the ropes of the entertainment and hospitality industries.
In Hollywood, Samaha became known for his game-changing approach to filmmaking: producing the passion projects of A-list stars on lean budgets while still delivering box office success. Over the years, he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, including John Travolta, Kevin Spacey, Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis. His standout productions include The Pledge, Spartan, Rescue Dawn, Columbus Day, Breaking Brooklyn, Back on the Strip, and the cult classics The Whole Nine Yards and The Whole Ten Yards. With each film, Samaha solidified his reputation as a producer who gets things done smartly, stylishly, and successfully. Samaha’s influence also extends across the hospitality and real estate industries, with an impressive portfolio of iconic properties. From the famed TCL Chinese Theatre and the Fox and Ritz Theatres in Hollywood to luxurious hotels, restaurants and nightlife venues, his mark is etched into the very fabric of Los Angeles. He is the proud owner of the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood, the Yamashiro Japanese restaurant overlooking the Hollywood Hills, the Lebanese dining spots Laya, Lady Hawke, and Laila, as well as the popular Third Base Bar. He also owns the exclusive Two Bunch Palm Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, another nod to his refined eye for spaces that bring people together.
Most recently, Samaha added another crown jewel to his empire: The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the iconic home of the Oscars. With its 3,400-seat capacity and global recognition, The Dolby Theatre represents far more than a real estate investment; it symbolises Samaha’s full-circle moment in Hollywood, from outsider to insider, from dreamer to gatekeeper.
So when Enigma’s Farida Elserty met Samaha during his short visit to Cairo, their conversation felt timely and telling. Against the backdrop of the historic Cairo Marriott Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino, they discussed his iconic journey, his upcoming plans, and what drew him to Egypt.
It’s neither common nor easy to find yourself face to face with a Hollywood mogul in the middle of Cairo, but that’s exactly what happened when Elie Samaha stopped by our shoot location during a quick visit to the city. He showed up with full energy and good humour, cracking jokes, telling stories from his time in Hollywood, and chatting easily with everyone around him.
Despite his enormous success across film, hospitality, and real estate, Samaha’s modesty does not make him someone who is continuously chasing headlines. In fact, for nearly two decades, he avoided interviews altogether. “I’ve never been too concerned with the press,” he tells us matter-of-factly. “Especially during my time in the film business in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Hollywood is a competitive industry, and no matter how successful your movies are, there will always be people who say, ‘Oh, you did that because of this…’ I’ve never been bothered by what people say. I know who I am, what I stand for, and that’s what I teach my kids. I don’t need external validation.”
His strong self-confidence makes him so compelling. He doesn’t speak to impress; he speaks with purpose. “I didn’t give an interview for 15 or 20 years,” he continues. “The last time I was mentioned in the press was in 2010 when people speculated that I was going to turn the Chinese Theatre into a nightclub. But, here we are, and that theatre has grown into one of the most successful theatres in California, surpassing expectations.”
Samaha’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t paved with roses, but began with nightclubs and dry-cleaning. After his early days working at the legendary Studio 54 in New York, he made the move to Los Angeles in search of something that would keep him relevant and engaged. “I left New York and had the opportunity to work at some of the biggest clubs in the world, Studio 54,” he recalls. “But Studio 54 closed, and I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. So, I went into the dry-cleaning business, something I knew absolutely nothing about.”
That gamble paid off. Samaha built a local empire called Celebrity Cleaners, growing it to 20 locations before selling it and using the profits to venture into real estate. But his first major splash in LA came not through property or film, but it came from nightlife. “I started hosting private events around the city, then eventually opened my club, Roxbury. It became the most successful club in the world at the time. We even made a movie about it called A Night at the Roxbury.”
The Roxbury wasn’t just a hotspot; it was a cultural phenomenon. “The club lasted for 10 years and became iconic,” he says. “Everyone from Sylvester Stallone to Rod Stewart hung out there. The ’90s in LA were electric and everything on the Sunset Strip was alive with energy, and Roxbury was right at the centre of it.”
For Samaha, that magnetic pull of the Strip was always there. When Samaha transitioned into real estate, it was with the same instinct that had guided his earlier ventures. “When you come from Lebanon, and then move to New York and LA, Hollywood is this legendary place you hear about. Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard are global icons. I knew I had to invest in Hollywood and the Sunset Strip because these areas are irreplaceable.”
He credits his real estate philosophy to his mentor, the late business magnate Kirk Kerkorian. “He always said: Location, location, location. And there’s no better location than Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard.”
Unlike most developers who always go with the flow when building skyscrapers, Samaha has carved a name for himself by going in the opposite direction, restoring, reviving, and reinventing LA’s most iconic landmarks. “I am a big fan of architectural beauty and historic buildings,” he says. “While anyone can build a modern, glass-and-concrete structure, LA doesn’t have enough historic properties. That’s why I love preserving buildings like the Vogue Theatre, the Fox Theatre, and the Chinese Theatre. These are landmarks that deserve to be celebrated, not demolished.”
That mix of nostalgia and vision is at the heart of Samaha’s real estate philosophy. “We’ve preserved the Chinese Theatre, which is over 100 years old, and I take great pride in the legacy of these places,” he adds. “I also believe in blending the old with the new, like what we did with an art deco building on Sunset, where we added an office space above a Michelin-star restaurant. You can innovate while respecting history.”
His latest chapter? Turning the legendary Dolby Theatre into a cultural powerhouse. “The Dolby Theatre is an iconic property, and we knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he says. “The theatre, originally built as the Kodak Theatre, had been struggling for years. However, with my connections and my partner, Sherwin Jarol’s expertise, we were able to attract strategic partners like Live Nation and Lance Hendrick. Together, we’re revitalising the Dolby, bringing in over 230 shows a year. This was never done before.” Naturally, a major takeover like the Dolby Theatre doesn’t come without its share of whispers. So what happened? “There was a bit of history between the Dolby and the Chinese Theatre,” Samaha explains. “They had agreements that limited how many events could take place at the Dolby. But we came in with fresh energy and the right relationships. We partnered with Live Nation, Lance Hendrick, and others to change the game. We’re now bringing in 231 events next year. To put that in perspective, the Dolby’s busiest year ever had just 81. It’s going to be open every single day. The goal is simple: make Hollywood shine again and bring back the magic.”
Magic is exactly what he has in mind for Dolby’s next evolution. “We’re not just putting on shows, we’re crafting experiences,” he says. “When people come to the Dolby, they’ll feel like they’re part of Hollywood. There’ll be makeup stations, red carpet moments, and photo ops. It’s about stepping into the fantasy, like you’re at the Oscars yourself.”
And yes, the Oscars are staying—as Samaha has his way. “I’d never want to lose the Oscars. Not a chance,” he says firmly. “The Academy’s contract is up in four or five years, but by then, they’ll see what Sherwin and I have done. The Dolby will be more iconic than it’s ever been in its entire history.”
But Samaha’s ambitions don’t stop at reviving Hollywood’s golden age or transforming landmark venues—he’s also passionate about bridging cultures and showcasing global talent on America’s most iconic stages. That vision recently led to a landmark collaboration with Enigma Magazine & PR, a partnership set to change the face of Arab entertainment in the United States.
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for Enigma Magazine,” Samaha says warmly. “Yasmine Shihata and her team are like family to me. I trust them, and that means everything in this business.”
Samaha exploited every moment during his recent trip to Egypt. “While I was here, I asked Yasmine to help arrange some key meetings, specifically with artists we’re looking to bring to the Dolby and Chinese Theatres. The meetings they organised were incredible. I didn’t even get a chance to see the museum as I was working non-stop!”
The result? A wave of promising connections with some of the region’s biggest stars. “We’re now in a position where we can be selective, very selective,” Samaha explains. “We’re not just looking for 10 or 15 names to fill a programme. We want the right artists. Artists who are worthy of performing on the Dolby stage. The same stage that hosts the Oscars, the iHeart Music Awards, the ESPYs, and many more.”
This carefully curated vision is already in motion, with legendary names like Cat Stevens and Cyndi Lauper recently performing at the venue. “We’re looking for equally unique names from the Middle East. And Enigma Magazine has been instrumental in helping us identify exactly the kind of talent we’re after. They understand my taste and my vision perfectly.”
With plans to extend this initiative beyond Los Angeles to venues in New York, San Francisco, and beyond, Samaha’s mission is clear: to give Arab artists a world-class stage and to give Arab communities in the US a chance to experience their favourite stars like never before.
But for Samaha, building legacies isn’t confined to the stage or silver screen. His passion spills over into the culinary world, where he’s just as committed to curating unforgettable experiences. “We’re working on some exciting new projects,” he shares. “My partner, Sherwin, and I are giving a 360-degree makeover to the Dolby Theatre, and we’re also working on Yamashiro, a historic landmark that we’ve been transforming for the last decade. We’re expanding with restaurants across the country, and soon, we’ll be opening locations in San Diego, New York, Miami, and Dallas.” And at long last, Samaha is bringing his Lebanese roots into the spotlight. “I’ve always wanted to open a Lebanese restaurant, but it had to be done right,” he explains. “I was lucky to partner with a talented young chef, Charbel Hayek, who has won top honours on Top Chef. His cooking blew me away, and now we have three of the hottest Middle Eastern spots in LA, with plans to expand nationwide.”
Likewise, he’s already knee-deep in his next big adventure, but this time south of the border. “My friend Sherwin and I bought a hacienda in Mexico,” he reveals, eyes lighting up. “It’s 180 acres, with its distillery, tons of art… we’re launching our own tequila and vodka lines, and we even bought a bottling company. We’re calling the water brand Ishan, after my son.” For Samaha, business is always personal. “You bring your family into your deals—you support each other, you grow together,” he says. “To me, family is everything. Blood is thicker than water, and I trust my family more than anyone. My brother, my sister, we’re incredibly close. I wouldn’t be where I am without my sister, as she watches over everything I do. Her only complaint? That I do too much,” he laughs.
Back home in Los Angeles, Samaha is also making big moves—literally—on the Sunset Strip. “I’m very biased,” he grins. “The sweet spot? It’s where I’ve got real estate. My office is right across from Chateau Marmont, just 200 feet from Ian Schrager’s new project, and a hundred feet from the Frank Gehry-designed building at Crescent Heights. We’re converting my office into a boutique hotel with Jeff Beecher and Sherwin, and building a 150,000-square-foot tower right behind it.”
The ambitious project includes a mix of condominiums, apartments, a lush park, and towering digital billboards, something Samaha is particularly enthusiastic about. “People don’t realise it, but billboards on the Sunset Strip are now twice as expensive as Times Square or Piccadilly,” he explains. “Why? Because actors love to look at themselves. When they leave Beverly Hills heading east to Paramount, Netflix, or Warner Bros., they expect to see their face up there. If it’s not, they walk into the studio asking, ‘Where’s the ad for my movie?’”
And Samaha is more than happy to oblige. “Billboards? They’re the best business in the world,” he says. “I’ve got over 600 apartments, and I get calls every day—this plumbing’s broken, that light’s out. But with a billboard? Nothing needs to work. They just pay you.”
For Samaha, the journey from a young Lebanese immigrant to a powerhouse producer and real estate mogul in California was anything but easy. “It was extremely challenging. It still is,” he admits. “People sometimes criticise me or find it hard to believe that someone like me—Lebanese—could own such iconic properties.” But for him, doubt has never been a deterrent. “In Hollywood, making it as a producer is tough, but I’ve always believed that if I focus and work hard enough, I can achieve anything.” He recalls one of his most talked-about early ventures: financing Battlefield Earth with John Travolta. “Everyone said it couldn’t be done, but I gave John my word, and we made it happen.”
His values, however, were shaped long before Hollywood. “I always think about my mum and dad. The one thing they always taught me was to be kind,” he says. “My mum passed away at 86. She could have had anything she wanted from me, but all she asked was for me to build something for people who couldn’t afford three nurses like her.” True to his promise, Samaha built a 20-room care facility and is now expanding it.
Philanthropy has become an integral part of his life. From South Africa to Gaza and Ukraine, he supports causes that bring aid to the most vulnerable. “When I see what people are going through, I just feel I have to do something. These poor kids didn’t ask for any of this.”
When asked what advice he’d offer to those who feel the American dream is out of reach, Samaha’s answer is grounded in experience. “Whenever we make decisions for our investors, we rely on solid business models and transparent risk assessments. But the biggest life lesson I’ve learned is to only do deals you truly believe in. I operate on gut feeling. I’ve only been wrong twice in 50 years.”
But beyond business acumen, Samaha’s philosophy is simple: “It doesn’t cost anything extra to be nice, even to someone rude to you. It’s always better to be the nicer person. There’s a bigger power up there, and what goes around comes around.”
As our conversation draws to an end, Samaha reflects warmly on his recent visit to Egypt, a country close to his heart. “Well, I love Egypt. I’ve been here many, many times—it’s truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
This visit was particularly special as he attended the wedding of his friends’ daughter, held against the iconic backdrop of the Pyramids. “I must say, the Egyptian hospitality and celebration are remarkable. We stayed out until three in the morning.”
The following day provided a quieter moment to enjoy lunch with a view of the Pyramids. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he asserts.
Though his daughter couldn’t join him, busy with her studies, Elie kept her close through messages and photos. “She was supposed to fly out, but she’s studying and decided to stay back to focus on her finals. I’ve been teasing her by sending photos, and she keeps saying, ‘Dad, stop that!’”
Ms. Zhenya Samaha
The visit also gave him a chance to indulge in some of the finer things Egypt has to offer, the unmatched softness of local cotton, which he describes as “incredible,” to a nostalgic trip to the bustling Khan El Khalili souk, a place he hadn’t visited in 15 years.
And, naturally, food played a starring role. “There’s been a lot of eating, I must say! I had quail, which you can’t get away with eating in LA—and of course, lots of falafel.” Through these moments, Samaha’s deep connection to his Arab heritage shines clearly, reminding us that behind his global success lies a personal story rooted in family, tradition, and the warmth of home.
It is now obvious that Samaha’s visionary spirit and his ability to bridge cultures have made him a high-profile entrepreneur, embodying a remarkable blend of creativity, determination and business acumen.
Photography: Ahmed Mobarez
Location: Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino