Elie Samaha

THE LEBANESE ENTREPRENEUR TAKING OVER HOLLYWOOD

Elie Samaha is a self-made entrepreneur and a prominent figure in Hollywood, recognised as one of the biggest Arab names in the entertainment industry. With an impressive career spanning over 30 years and more than 50 movie-production credits to his name, Samaha has become a true Arab-American success story. In the heart of West Hollywood, at his Kimpton La Peer Hotel, Enigma Magazine’s Founder & CEO, Yasmine Shihata, sat down with Samaha to discuss his remarkable journey, business philosophies, and the impact of his heritage.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Samaha immigrated to the United States, and went on to have a substantial impact in entertainment, hospitality and real estate industries. Samaha’s journey into the entertainment world began when he first worked at the legendary Studio 54 in New York, a hotspot for the rich and famous during the 1970s. This early exposure to the entertainment industry’s elite, helped form his sizeable network and understanding of the hospitality business.

Yasmine Shihata, Elie Samaha & Sherwin Jarol

In the film industry, Samaha Became known for his innovative approach to film production, specialising in producing the passion projects of A-list stars. Samaha worked with several leading men such as John Travolta, Kevin Spacey, Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis, and became known for producing star vehicles at reduced costs compared to major studios. His notable films include The Pledge, Columbus Day, Spartan, The Whole Nine Yards, The Whole Ten Yards, Rescue Dawn, Pandas, Breaking Brooklyn, and Back on the Strip.

Dwayne Johnson & Elie Samaha

In addition to his achievements in film, Samaha is also a prolific real estate developer with several iconic properties in California, including the TCL Chinese theatre, the Vogue theater, the Fox theater and the Ritz theater in Hollywood. His diverse portfolio also includes numerous hotels, restaurants and nightclubs across the United States, including the famous two Bunch Palm Resort and Spa in Palm Springs. In Los Angelos, Samaha owns the Kimpton La Peer Hotel, the famous Yamashiro Japanese restaurant, the Lebanese restaurants Laya, Lady Hawke and Laila, the third Base Bar, among many others.

Mr. Donald Kushner, Ms. Alwyn Kushner, Ben Stiller & Elie Samaha

Samaha most recently acquired the prestigious Dolby theatre in Hollywood, the home of the Oscars, with its 3400-seat capacity. This marks a significant milestone in Samaha’s career, further cementing his status as a major player in Hollywood’s real estate and entertainment sectors.

I’d love to start by talking about your incredible entrepreneurial journey. There’s so much written about you, but I’ve never come across an interview where you dive into your story.
I’ve never been too concerned with the press. Especially during my time in the film business in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Hollywood is a very competitive industry, and no matter how successful your movies are, there will always be people who say, “Oh, you did that because of this…” So, I’ve never been bothered by what people say. I know who I am, what I stand for, and what I teach my kids. I don’t need external validation.

I didn’t give an interview for 15-20 years. 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.

When I first entered Hollywood, people would ask me, “How will you know you’re a successful producer?” And I’d always say, “You never know. You just do it because you love it.” I’ve always loved movies, especially action films, and that passion led me to make the films I wanted to watch.

Kimpton La Peer Hotel

Let’s step back a little further. What was the catalyst that pushed you to move to Hollywood? Was it always a dream to live the Hollywood lifestyle?
I left New York and had the opportunity to work at some of the biggest clubs in the world, but Studio 54 closed and I wanted to do something in LA that would keep me relevant. When I arrived in LA, I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do.

So, I decided to go into the dry-cleaning business, a field I knew nothing about. I built an empire with it called Celebrity Cleaners. We grew to 20 locations, sold it, and used the money to invest in real estate.

That’s incredible. So, what was your first major success in LA?
In the early ‘80s, LA wasn’t exactly easy for newcomers. I didn’t come here planning to be an actor, director, or producer. I started hosting private events at different clubs and homes around the city, then eventually built my own club called Roxbury. It became the most successful club in the world at the time. We even made a movie about it—A Night at the Roxbury.

The club lasted for 10 years and became iconic. It was a hotspot where everyone from Sylvester Stallone to Rod Stewart hung out. The ‘90s in LA were electric—everything on the Sunset Strip was alive with energy, and the Roxbury was at the centre of it all.
And from there, your career and investments in real estate started to flourish. What was your strategy with the properties you invested in, especially in West Hollywood?
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. When I moved to LA, I knew I had to invest in Hollywood and the Sunset Strip because these areas are irreplaceable.

It’s all about location. My mentor, Kirk Kerkorian, always said, “Location, location, location.” There’s no better location than Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard.

Roxbury Club

And your strategy has been centred around owning iconic properties, which has really set you apart.
Absolutely. I’m a big fan of architectural beauty and historic buildings. 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.
For example, we’ve preserved the Chinese Theatre, which is over 100 years old, and I take great pride in the legacy of these places. 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.

TCL Chinese Theater

What’s next for you?
We’re working on some exciting new projects. My partner Sherwin Jarol 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.

We’re also diving deeper into the world of Lebanese cuisine. I’ve always wanted to open a Lebanese restaurant, but it had to be done right. 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.

Yamashiro Hollywood

Is there one thing that drives you to keep pushing forward?
It’s about creating something meaningful and leaving a lasting legacy. I love working with talented people, whether it’s in the restaurant business or in real estate. There’s always something new to build, whether it’s a brand, a property, or an experience.

Sherwin Jarol
& Elie Samaha

Sherwin, it’s an honour to have you join us as well. Let’s dive into your journey. Elie, could you start by telling us about how you and Sherwin first met?
Samaha: Sherwin and I crossed paths about 15 years ago in New York. We had both invested in a restaurant and we were there for the opening, and that’s where we first connected. From the start, I knew Sherwin was someone special.

Jarol: I met Elie at the bar, and at first, I wasn’t sure if I could believe everything he was telling me. He was mentioning big names in Hollywood, people I didn’t know as I came from the real estate world. But after spending some time with him, I realised that everything he was saying was true. I ended up spending a week with him in California, seeing first-hand how connected he was in Hollywood. And from there, we started working together on a deal.

Sherwin, you come from a background in real estate. What made you decide to dive into the entertainment world with Elie?
Jarol: I started in the real estate business and built up a huge portfolio over the years. But when I met Elie, I was introduced to the movie business in a way I never imagined. It was a transition for me, but also an exciting one. There’s something magical about Hollywood—the glamour, the energy, and the opportunities. Elie has a unique way of blending real estate with entertainment, and I wanted to be part of that.

Elie Samaha, Gary Oldman & Christopher Nolan

Let’s talk about one of your most exciting recent projects—the Dolby Theatre. Elie, can you tell us how this opportunity came about?
Samaha: The Dolby Theatre is an iconic property, and we knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The theatre, originally built as the Kodak Theatre, had been struggling for years. But with my connections and Sherwin’s expertise, we were able to bring in 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.

Jarol: It’s been an incredible journey. The Dolby was sort of an orphan in Hollywood, not getting the attention it deserved. But by partnering with Live Nation and other entities, we’ve been able to breathe new life into it. The Dolby will now host more shows than ever before, and we’ve even started doing Hollywood tours that take people through the Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, and more. We want to make the Dolby Theatre the place to be in Hollywood.

Dolby Theatre

There’s been some talk about the controversy surrounding your acquisition of the Dolby Theatre. Can you share the real story behind that?
Samaha: There was a bit of a history between the Dolby Theatre and the Chinese Theatre. The two had agreements that restricted how many events could take place at the Dolby. But we came in and leveraged our connections. We brought in Live Nation, Lance Hendrick, and other partners to create a massive wave of new shows. We’re bringing in 231 events next year, a far cry from the 81 events the Dolby had in its busiest year. The Dolby will be open every day for business. Our goal is to make Hollywood thrive again, bringing back the magic it had in its golden days.

What’s next for your ventures, particularly with the Dolby Theatre?
Samaha: We’re taking the Dolby to a whole new level. When visitors come, they’ll experience more than just a show—they’ll be immersed in the Hollywood magic. We’re adding things like a makeup station, where guests can get ready and walk the red carpet, feeling like they’re at the Oscars. It’s all about creating an experience.

We’re also working closely with Hollywood to bring back the glamorous days of the ‘40s and ‘50s. The Chinese Theatre, Dolby, and all our properties will work together to create a seamless experience. We want to make Hollywood a place where people can truly feel the magic of the movies.

Elie Samaha & Super Sako,
aka Sarkis Balasanyan

And I assume the Oscars will continue to be at the Dolby.
Samaha: We love to have the Oscars. There’s no question. I would never want to lose it. You know, their contract is over in four or five years. What’s going to happen to the Academy is they’re going to realise what Sherwin and I are going to do with the Dolby. And the place is going to be more iconic than it’s ever been in its whole life.

So, now that the Dolby deal is complete, what is next for you guys?
Jarol: My friend Elie and I bought a hacienda in Mexico, where we’re starting a tequila company.
Samaha: We bought a 180-acre hacienda and it has a distillery and it has tons of art. We bought a bottling company in Mexico as well. We’re doing tequila, and vodka. We’re doing our own water, Ishan, after my son’s name.

You bring your family into different deals and you all support each other and invest together, which is really amazing and inspiring.
Samaha: Well, it’s very important because, to me, family is blood. That’s the closest – blood is thicker than water. So, I trust my family more than anything. My brother, sister and I are very close. I don’t think I’ll be what I am without my sister. She’s amazing. She watches everything I do. The only thing she complains about is I do too much.

Jarol: And I keep retiring and he says, “This is the last deal.” I get a call the next day. “You know what? We’re going to buy this property and we’re going to do this.”

Where on the Sunset Strip do you think is a sweet spot?

Samaha: I’m very prejudiced. It’s going to be where my real estate is, where my office is. Right across the street from Chateau Marmont and only 200 feet away east of the new project that Ian Schrager is doing. Plus, Frank Gehry designed the property on Crescent Heights, which is 100 feet east of us. I’m converting my office building into a boutique hotel with Jeff Beecher and Sherwin. And we’re building a 150,000-square-foot tower behind where my office is.

So, it’s going to be condominiums and apartments, plus a park in front and a huge digital sign. The property next to it, the body shop that he just invested in with me, we are doing a huge digital sign and we’re putting a couple of big pieces of art.

Today, the Sunset Strip billboards are twice as expensive as Times Square in New York or Piccadilly in London. And the reason for that is what? Actors love to look at themselves. So, when they leave Beverly Hills and they’re going east to Paramount, Netflix, and Warner Brothers, all the billboards have to have their picture. If they’re not on the billboard, they’re going to get to the studio and say, “How come we don’t have any advertising for my movie?”

Lady Hawk Restaurant

So, do you mean that part of investing in the Sunset Strip is about the billboards?
Samaha: The billboards are the main business for us on the Strip. Because we have 10 billboards there. They’re the best business in the world. I have over 600 apartments. You get calls from this guy, the plumbing doesn’t work, the light doesn’t work, this doesn’t work. A billboard, nothing has to work. They pay you.

Is there one property left now you both have eyes on?
Jarol: We’re opening up restaurants all over the country. Elie and I have invested in a lot of different things. We invested in a startup company called events.com. It’s going to go public within the next six months. But they’re going to be in competition with Ticketmaster. They have unbelievable technology. What Elie is doing is bringing events to that company to build up the company to make it even bigger.

Samaha: We believed in them. I invest in people. So, they’re very, very good operators. We did the first festival in San Diego. The Wonder Front, 75,000 people. We just bought another festival in Temecula. It’s the Wine Kite Festival. We have Liberty Theater in New York. It’s under construction. It’s going to open up by the end of next year. It’s Broadway 4D. It’s a huge project for me that I’m going to license all around.

We’re looking at our water company to be a national company because it has to do with my son’s autism, and I want to give back. So, with every bottle sold, we’re going to give back to help kids who are less fortunate than my kid is. And just teaching my kids how to give back is really, really important. I want them to learn and I want them to understand there are less fortunate people in life and they have to learn how to be able to give back and make other people’s life better.

That’s really super important to me. The deals, they come and go. There’s always going to be deals. Our liquor company that we’re building is probably going to be one of the largest companies in liquor because we have so many friends that will buy that liquor. And the same thing with the Hacienda. It’s going to be one of the sexiest places to go to in Mexico, and stay there. There’re 18 rooms. It’s going to be an experience. You’re going to see how they make the tequila.

Billy Zane, Stephen Lang,
Julie Landau & Elie Samaha

Tell us more about your partnership and the amazing trust between you.
Jarol: He asks me for money, and I say, “Where do you want it?”. We haven’t made money on everything, but we’ve made money more than we haven’t. Everybody goes into business to make money, of course. Anybody who says they’ve only made money is lying. In my business, probably have done billions in transactions throughout my career. I would love to say every property I bought was a home run.

But the people trust us. And that’s the most important thing. When they see my name on an offering, they know I’m honest. I’ve been in business for a long time. I tell the truth, and we do the best we can to have a successful project. Same with Elie.

Samaha: It’s the same for me. It’s the same people I’ve done business with for the last, I don’t know, 10, 15, 20 years. I just pick up the phone and say, “This is the deal we’re doing.” You’re always going to read things about people who are very envious, and very competitive. They don’t understand how could a Lebanese guy own these properties. If you work really, really hard. I teach my kids one thing: I don’t want them to set their dreams where the moon is. I want it to be way above the moon, because if they get to the moon, they’re doing really well. So, it’s very important to set your dreams very, very high and work very very hard.

Elie, you started your career as a young Lebanese man coming to California. What challenges did you face because of your background?
Samaha: It was extremely challenging. It still is. People sometimes criticise me or express disbelief that someone like me—Lebanese—could own such iconic properties. But I’ve faced challenges before, and I’ve always pushed through. 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. When I financed Battlefield Earth with John Travolta, everyone said it couldn’t be done, but I gave John my word, and we made it happen.

I always think about my mum and my dad. The one thing they always taught me was just to be kind. My mum passed away at 86. She could have gotten anything she asked me for, but she asked me for one thing: “to build something for people who can’t afford three nurses like me.” And I built this house, which has 20 rooms, and now I’m going to add another 20 rooms. I get involved in lots of charity work—stuff in South Africa, Gaza, and Ukraine. When I watch what people are going through in Ukraine and Gaza, I feel bad for those who don’t even have a meal to eat. Diseases are ravaging these places. These poor kids didn’t ask for that. I just try to teach my kids to be better human beings because what goes around comes around.

Jarol: I feel the same way. On my tombstone, all I want it to say is, “There lies a nice guy who never cheated anyone.”

Laya Restaurant

Let’s end the interview by talking about your life lessons. For those people watching who might believe the American dream is no longer available.
Samaha: Whenever we’re making decisions for our investors, we use business models. We let them know what the risk is. The one life lesson I’ve learned is just to do deals that you believe in. I operate on gut feeling. I’ve been wrong twice in 50 years in business. But more importantly, what I teach my kids is that it doesn’t cost any more to be nice, even to somebody who’s rude to you. It’s always better to be a nice person because it doesn’t pay to be belligerent. You always want to be the better person. I believe there’s a bigger power up there helping us.

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. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that vision, hard work and perseverance, can turn dreams into reality, inspiring generations to come.