How did Mervyn LeRoy get his start in show business?

Mervyn LeRoy’s entry into show business began after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, when he earned money selling newspapers. A customer eventually helped him secure an onstage role as a newsboy, which led to a career in vaudeville performing as the Singing Newsboy.1

In 1919, his cousin Jesse Lasky assisted him in obtaining a job folding costumes at Famous Players–Lasky. From that position, LeRoy advanced through roles as a lab technician and assistant cameraman. During this period, he also pursued a parallel career as an actor, playing juvenile roles in films between 1922 and 1924. After outgrowing those parts, he transitioned to writing gags for films before Warner Brothers signed him to direct in 1927.1