Jenne Casarotto, Founder of Brit Talent Agency Casarotto, Dies at 77

Alex Ritman
·3 min read
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Jenne Casarotto, co-founder of the London agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates which represents some of the leading names working behind the camera, died on Feb. 29. She was 77.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jenne Casarotto, co-founder of Casarotto Ramsay & Associates,” said the company in a statement.

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With a career spanning more than 50 years, Casarotto co-founded Casarotto Ramsay & Associates alongside her husband Giorgio in 1989, helping re-shape the agency landscape. The company’s roster would grow to include many of the world’s best-known writers, directors, creatives, literary properties and heads of departments across film, theatre and television.

Among her list of clients over the years were 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.

“Jenne has been my agent for 45 years. Her advice was always realistic, level-headed, clear and encouraging. She’s been a wonderful supportive friend. This is a terrible shock,” said Frears.

“Jenne Casarotto was pivotal in my career and my life. She was my friend, and I loved her deeply,” said Steve McQueen. “In the 16 years that I have known her she was a tremendous support to me. 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.”

Added John Madden: “Jenne was unique. A brilliant agent and an extraordinary human being – combining toughness with an immense warmth, navigating the choppy waters of our industry with canny skill, and an unquestioning loyalty both to her clients and to the team of agents she nurtured and gathered around her. Her leadership, her understanding and her friendship were matchless.”

Across her career, Casarotto was honored for services to film by both the British Independent Film Awards and the Women in Film & Television Awards. She was made a member of BAFTA, AMPAS, the European Film Academy and served as a board member of Times Up U.K. Earlier this year, she was named an honorary associate of the London Film School in a presentation made by Greg Dyke.

“Jenne’s legacy will continue to live on within the DNA of Casarotto,” said Mel Kenyon, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates’ head of theatre and Casarotto’s colleague of more than 30 years, speaking on behalf of the company board. “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”

Casarotto, who passed away following complications as part of a short illness, is survived by her husband, Giorgio, their two sons, Mark, and Daniel, their three grandchildren and her brother Martin Goodwin.

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