LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Willette Murphy Klausner shines brightly in The
Inner Circle, celebrated as a Top Pinnacle Professional for her
groundbreaking contributions as a Trailblazer in Theater and Film
Production.
Ms. Klausner, a visionary leader in theater and film, has left
an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With over four
decades of remarkable career achievements, she has significantly
shaped the world of arts and entertainment. Based in Los Angeles, California, WMK Productions, Inc.
has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking productions, captivating
audiences worldwide.
Ms. Klausner worked her way through UCLA as a secretary to J. Fred Weston, chairman of the Business and
Finance department. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
economics, simultaneously making history as the first Black and
first female senior class president—a testament to her exceptional
leadership and unwavering determination.
During her time at UCLA, Ms.
Klausner broke barriers as the first Black model to grace the pages
of an American fashion magazine (Mademoiselle college issue). Her
unique journey continued after graduation as she ventured into the
corporate realm, shattering barriers as the first Black and first
female merchandising executive at Bloomingdale's, New York.
Following a brief stint in Copenhagen, where she worked as a model for
the renowned fashion designer Jean
Voigt, Ms. Klausner returned to Los Angeles. She briefly worked as a
statistical analyst at Carnation Company before embarking on her
extensive career in advertising/marketing research with Audience
Studies, Inc. As Vice President of West Coast Operations, she
collaborated with numerous national advertisers, including General
Motors, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson
& Johnson.
Subsequently, Ms. Klausner made history as the first female Vice
President, Marketing and Marketing Research for MCA Universal
Studios and the first female corporate vice president. She
orchestrated successful marketing campaigns for several blockbuster
films, including Jaws, Animal House, The Wiz, The Deer Hunter, The
Jerk, and The Blues Brothers.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Klausner has received
accolades and recognition for her exceptional achievements and
contributions. In 2022, she was honored with the prestigious
Lifetime Achievement Award from The Drama League, acknowledging her
enduring impact on the theater world. Her distinguished production
portfolio includes award-winning and critically acclaimed titles
such as "Hadestown," "MJ the Musical," "The Wiz," "Purlie
Victorious," "Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The
Temptations," "Three Mo' Tenors," "Cabaret – the Revival," "Devil
Wears Prada," and numerous other groundbreaking productions.
Currently, she is engaged in the development of a new staged
concert and several new musicals.
Ms. Klausner's unwavering commitment to her craft serves as a
wellspring of inspiration to countless individuals aspiring to
succeed in the entertainment industry. Her life philosophy, rooted
in the value of hard work instilled by her parents, has propelled
her to the pinnacle of success.
The Wall Street Journal has spotlighted Ms. Klausner's
remarkable journey and pioneering achievements, further solidifying
her status as a trailblazing luminary in the entertainment
industry.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Klausner holds deep
appreciation for her parents. Raised in Santa Barbara, her father, an acclaimed
caterer, and her mother who worked with him, instilled in her and
her sisters a love of food and belief in the rewards of hard work.
One sister, Harriet Murphy Parks,
founded Harriet's Cheesecakes, featured on the Food Network;
another, Margaret Ann Murphy,
pursued a distinguished international career in the US Department
of State, while the third, Kathleen Murphy
Jordan, rose to Vice President in an airport security
firm.
Since 1969, Ms. Klausner has been married to noted attorney and
co-founder of Reason Magazine and the Reason Foundation Manuel
Klauser. Together they have forged a legacy of accomplishment and
embarked on a lifetime of adventures. Alongside Julia Child, Kim and
Michael McCarty and Robert
Mondavi, the Klausner's are co-founding members of the
American Institute of Wine and Food. Renowned as "super foodies"
and "gastronauts," the couple has traveled to more than 50
countries in pursuit of their passion for excellent food and wine
and have invested in over 40 restaurants.
Contact: Katherine Green,
516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com
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SOURCE The Inner Circle