Lorrie Bartlett

hile Lorrie Bartlett might not be a familiar name to those outside the acting realm, she has emerged as one of Hollywood’s major players behind the scenes. Bartlett is the first Black person to head a major talent agency, and is responsible for the careers of rising and established actors and actresses across multiple genres.

Bartlett achieved her historic position back in March 2011 when she was named partner/co-head of talent for ICM Partners. ICM Partners is an international company based in Century City, Los Angeles with offices in New York, Washington, D.C. and London.

Among Barlett’s clients are actress Regina King, who just scored her first Emmy Award for her role in ABC’s American Crime drama. King also stars in HBO’s hit series, The Leftovers and with Bartlett’s guidance has expanded into directing gigs with ABC’s Scandal, the new Shondaland seriesThe Catch and BET’s Being Mary Jane.

Bartlett represents Zoe Saldana, who has starred in the Star Trek film reboot, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avatar. Golden Globe Award-winning Hollywood veteran Michael Keaton is a Bartlett client as well, currently starring in the critically acclaimed film, Spotlight.

Shameik Moore, an upcoming 20-year-old actor from Atlanta, Ga., also works with Bartlett. Moore had a breakout performance in the coming-of-age film, Dope and Alexandra Shipp, a 24-year-old actress out of Phoenix, Ariz. who played Aaliyah in the TV biopic is set to play the younger version of the super-heroine Storm in the upcoming XMen: Apocalypse. The role was popularized by Halle Berry.

Bartlett maintains a relatively low profile, but does so with a successful roster of talent.

In a recent interview, she said she admires Shonda Rhimes and believes in supporting the careers of other women in her grueling business.