Jenne Casarotto Dies: Founder Of Leading British Talent Agency Was 77

Max Goldbart

Jenne Casarotto, who co-founded leading British talent agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates in 1989 and repped some of the nation’s greatest talents, died Thursday following complications from a short illness. She was 77.

Casarotto died “peacefully, according to a statement from the agency.

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Th 35-year-old outfit described its founder as a “visionary leader and a giant within the global entertainment industry,” saying, “With a career spanning over 50 years, Jenne was an award winning agent who was highly regarded throughout the world for her impeccable taste in writers and directors, unwavering dedication to her clients, and for her calm and creative leadership.”

Casarotto co-founded the London shop in 1989 with husband Giorgio and went on to represent some of the best-known and most successful writers, directors, playwrights, creatives and HODs in the business at an agency that has been at the forefront of the UK sector for years.

Casarotto’s enviable client list included J.G. Ballard, John Crowley, the Dahl estate, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Stephen Frears, Matteo Garrone, Christopher Hampton, David Hare, Nick Hornby, Bob Hoskins, Neil Gaiman, Terry Gilliam, Hilary Bevan Jones, Neil Jordan, David Leland, John Madden, Steve McQueen, Cynthia Payne, Neal Purvis, Martin Sherman, Shawn Slovo, Robert Wade, Tennessee Williams and David Yates.

Throughout an illustrious career, she won numerous awards and honors including from The British Independent Film Awards and the Women in Film & Television Awards. She was made a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the European Film Academy and served as a board member of Times Up UK. Earlier this year, she was honored with an Honorary Associate of the London Film School in a presentation made by former BBC director general Greg Dyke.

Casarotto is survived by husband Giorgio; her two sons, Mark and Daniel; three grandchildren; and her brother Martin Goodwin.

Many of those who were repped by her or worked with her paid tribute.

Casarotto Ramsay Head of Film & Television Jodi Shields called her a “giant among agents,” adding: “Her impeccable taste, her tough but fair approach and her love of the industry are values she has instilled in each of us at Casarotto. We will carry on her extraordinary legacy.”

The Queen director Frears, who has been her client for 45 years, said: “Her advice was always realistic, level-headed, clear and encouraging. She’s been a wonderful supportive friend. This is a terrible shock.”

12 Years a Slave auteur McQueen said she had played a “pivotal” role in his career and life. “In my last conversation with her I confessed my love to her, and she to me. I will always have her in my heart with every footstep I take.”

Shakespeare in Love director Madden described Casarotto as a “brilliant agent and an extraordinary human being — combining toughness with an immense warmth, navigating the choppy waters of our industry with canny skill.”

Mel Kenyon, Head of the Casarotto theatre department and her colleague of more than three decades, said on behalf of the board: “Jenne’s legacy will continue to live on within the DNA of Casarotto. The leadership team, board and brilliant agents she nurtured will continue to drive the agency which will remain a beacon of excellence and fierce independence.”

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