In Hollywood, talent-representative partnerships often come and go. However, there are rare exceptions that endure throughout an entire career. One such partnership was between CSI creator Anthony Zuiker and his manager Margaret Riley. Unfortunately, this enduring bond was cut short on Tuesday, as Riley passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with ovarian cancer.
Back in 1998, Zuiker was working as a tram driver in Las Vegas. He was struggling to make it as a screenwriter, despite having written a movie script titled The Runner. Fortunately, producer Jim Garavente thought highly of Zuiker’s work and passed it on to Riley, who was then an aspiring manager at Addis Wechsler. It was on his 30th birthday, August 17, 1998, that Riley took a chance on Zuiker by signing him as her client.
Riley’s belief in Zuiker’s talent was unwavering. She took him to meet Hollywood agencies, ultimately landing him at CAA. There, he found representation with Joe Cohen and Scott Greenberg. However, Riley’s support went beyond just finding him an agent. She even introduced Zuiker to Kevin Yorn, who represented him for free for a year until he found his footing in the industry.
Zuiker fondly remembers those early days, living at the Hollywood Towers and relying on Riley’s kindness. She would bring him food from the deli across the street, ensuring that he had sustenance while pursuing his dreams. It was during this time that CSI began to take shape, eventually becoming a groundbreaking series for ABC and CBS, launching a billion-dollar franchise.
Riley played an integral role in Zuiker’s success, not just with CSI but also with the projects that followed. After starting her career at Addis Wechsler, she founded Margaret Riley Management in 2002, with Zuiker as one of her top clients. The company was later acquired by Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and Riley continued her management work there until 2016. She then joined Lighthouse Management and Media as a partner.
Throughout their professional journey together, Zuiker remained one of Riley’s most valued clients. Their partnership spanned over a quarter of a century, with Riley guiding his career with grace, patience, and love. She was known to be his toughest critic but always led with her heart. In her own words, she would often remind Zuiker, “Life is long.”
Margaret Riley’s premature passing has left a void in the entertainment industry and in the lives of those she touched. Zuiker reflects on her immense impact, noting that she not only gave him the gift of a long and successful career but also helped him find his voice as a storyteller.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of this remarkable talent manager, it is clear that Margaret Riley’s legacy will continue to inspire and shape the careers of future artists. Her dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in her clients will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of a strong talent-representative partnership.