THR's Women in Entertainment 2012: Power 100

Stern is the dealmaker at the helm of Lionsgate TV, where she has been integral in such shows as Nashville, Mad Men, Nurse Jackie and Charlie Sheen’s FX comedy Anger Management, which has been ordered for 100 episodes and has been sold into syndication.

Moment I knew I wanted to work in the business: When I learned that there was a business. Growing up in New York, you don’t know there’s such a thing as the “TV business.” I moved to L.A., and I learned that that’s actually a job and that people can really do that for a living.

When my relatives are confused about what I do, I tell them: Half of my relatives think I’m a producer, but they can’t figure out why I don’t get credit on any of the shows — they figure I’m a lousy producer. And the other half think I just watch TV all day.

Who gave me my first big break: The person who continues every day to give me a break: [Lionsgate CEO] Jon Feltheimer. I’ve been working for him since 1986.

Proudest moment this year: Anger Management.

Best advice I’ve ever gotten: It’s an old Yiddish expression from my father: “If three people tell you you’re drunk, lie down.” Sometimes you’re not always right.

My indulgence: There’s hardly any indulgence I don’t allow myself! But probably shoes.

Totally starstruck around: Shockingly, everyone. But the one person that I got tongue-tied around was Denzel Washington, whom I sat next to at a Lakers game.

Click here to read THR's complete Women in Entertainment list.