The Man behind the Mirror, your biggest fan
So many of us have had or still have that little or larger than life itself dream to be somebody. Some one on the stage, films, in politics or just be an inspiration to everyone that we meet. Working in films and managing talent, at some point you meet the people behind the stars. The protectors of their talents. the moms, the friends, the agents and the mentors.
These are a few that I have come in contact with at various events in Hollywood. Sometimes labeled as the ever lasting Mama's boys for the men. But if you speak to them, they hold the label proudly and not deny it for a second. A badge of courage if you will. A bond between the talent like no other.
Justin Timberlake and his Mom Lynn Harless. She has been fearless managing his career, They have a company together called Just-In Time Entertainment
Leonardo DiCaprio and his Mom Immelin DiCaprio. A staunch supporter. "She is the only reason I'm able to do what I do"
Anne Hathaway and mom Kate Hathaway. She dedicated her Oscar from Les Miserables to her Mom who actually performed on Broadway the same role when Anne was 8
These are a few of the Moms that are there for them when no one else can be for them. The ones that no matter what will tell them and believe in their children so much that they dedicate their life to them. They see the talent before anyone else. They know that special spark that they hold onto is that dream that their kid has and never lets them let go.
Mentors and Talents management.
A few of the known, that I came across from my own mentor world.
Actor, painter, photographer Leonard Nimoy was a mentor to Canadian actress Kim Cattrall.
Stephen Speilberg, who counts Jerry Lewis as a mentor, says of him, "He taught me the importance of mentoring."
Madonna is a mentor to Gwyneth Paltrow.. and Actor Tom Cruise is a mentor to actor Jonathan Lipnicki.
Being a mentor, you take on great responsibility to the people that trust you with their secrets. A dream that sometimes feels so awkward to even speak its very name. Being a mentor myself for some talents that I can not say because of our agreements has and still to this very day been a defining chapter in so many of my endeavors. The luxury of being a mentor is you discover them, they do not discover you. There is with a doubt an instant bond. As you talk with them, you can feel that bigger than life sometimes goal.
Quite honestly you are surrounded by greatness. A secret that so many mentors, stage moms, talents agents share is that we have the very talents we want to promote, protect and sacrifice for in ourselves. Thats how we know it when we see it.
Performing in front of us. An honor to experience!
Many times asked who are, "How do you that know that", that you are so driven to be there to watch them move step by step closer?
The answer is really basic. We know who we are as people. We believe in ourselves. We have a connection either spiritually or have experienced the reality of believing. A faith that is larger than we are as people. Once you know that feeling, you have to teach it to the ones you believe in and never let go. Never give up!
One of the largest things I can share is the journey to get there, the experience itself is one of the largest gifts I receive and continue to do so daily. The experience, the movement itself has provided some amazing and star moments for myself.
You do this from the heart! No expectations! No accolades! The universe always want nothing else for us and the ones we believe but to be happy, simply happy.
There are no failures. Trying and taking steps toward the dreams is what makes us win. The side paths that we travel on our journeys is what makes life amazing. And so far its awesome.
So I leave this continuing chapter for me with a song