As Rotarians around the globe prepare to head for Los Angeles next month to “See the Stars!” many are hoping for a brush with Hollywood. If there’s one person who embodies the ties between Rotary and Hollywood, it’s Bernie Weitzman, a former vice president and general manager of Universal Studios Hollywood and a 20-year member of the Rotary Club of Universal City-Sunrise, which meets in the studio’s commissary. Weitzman has been in Hollywood for more than 40 years, working on TV series including I Love Lucy, Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, and Dallas. “I have a book full of stories to write and tell,” he says.

I joined Rotary because: I believe that Service Above Self should be the slogan for the entire world to follow. That’s why I joined 20 years ago, and I live that slogan every day of my life.

L.A. is a great place to visit because: It’s not only on the Pacific Ocean with great beaches; it’s also very near magnificent mountains and lakes for skiing, fishing, and hiking. It’s close to Las Vegas for the best gambling and entertainment in the world. Plus the wonderful museums, the L.A. Dodgers and Lakers and Kings for sports, and the most gorgeous people in the world.

Rotary meets Hollywood: We are working with District 5260 to present a party for 300 visiting Rotarians at Universal Studios on the evening of 16 June. There will be food and entertainment on the back lot at the beautiful Globe Theater.

When Rotarians visit our club: We have taken Rotarians from all over the world to Universal for our meetings, shown them the studio facilities, and provided historical information about the great movies and talented people associated with those studios, both past and present.

My favorite club project was: Helping put together the money and the opportunity to provide Ethiopia with three new dialysis machines to help people with diabetes.

A famous person I would like to meet is: Dwight Eisenhower, our former president. I served under him during World War II, but I never did meet him. He helped save the world. What could be more important? He lived and died for Service Above Self.

Married with kids? I am married to Barbara, and we have three children together: Douglas, Casey, and Jim.

The person who had the greatest impact on my life was: Desi Arnaz. He was a man of brilliance, talent, and generosity. He gave me and many others opportunities and help when it was needed. He gave the TV industry the best comedy series of all time.

Three words that best describe me: I love people.

If I could visit any Rotary club in the world it would be: Berlin, Germany. Why? To see how they have changed from 60 years ago, and what they have done to make this a better world. Hitler wanted to rid Germany of Rotary. He should have known better.