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 lesson: seize opportunities, reject pity, and build relationships that open doors.

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