Episode
Dolores Robinson, Talent Agent | Trailblazing Hollywood Stories, Grit & Humor from a Living Legend
- Published
- Nov 10, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 4080
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Summary
From a Philadelphia classroom to Malibu boardrooms, trailblazer Dolores Robinson unspools a life of firsts, grit, and sly humor on this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence . The first Black female talent manager in film and television recounts launching LaVar Burton after Roots, guiding Martin Sheen post–Apocalypse Now, and negotiating a game-changing million-dollar payday for Michael Clarke Duncan . She shares candid memories of Al Pacino as a surprise “date,” insights on the Will Smith–Chris Rock fallout , and why football isn’t as important as baseball, as she cheers the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers for whom her grandson is employed in their clubhouse . Delores reflects on breaking color and gender barriers, building relationships across Hollywood’s power circles, and reinventing herself after setbacks , from single motherhood to starting at a receptionist’s desk. There are tender turns, too: a cross-country escape, a glass-ceiling award, and a family discovery through ancestry that reshaped her story. It’s a funny, human masterclass in resilience, representation, and saying yes to opportunity. Takeaways : Delores Robinson broke barriers as Hollywood’s first Black female talent manager. She helped launch LaVar Burton’s career post- Roots and sparked Reading Rainbow . Managed Martin Sheen and advocated fiercely for proper billing and opportunities. Negotiated a million-dollar deal for Michael Clarke Duncan on The Scorpion King . Shared insider perspective on the Will Smith–Chris Rock incident and its fallout. Personal journey from Philly teacher to Malibu, starting as a receptionist and rising fast. Family and community matter: Dodgers loyalty through her grandson’s clubhouse job; deep ties across Hollywood. Life lesso…