Martha Luttrell, Longtime ICM Talent Agent, Dies at 80

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As a lifelong gamer of the Hollywood blockbuster, I was saddened to hear about the passing of Martha Luttrell, a legendary figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of the most iconic names in film and music. Born on Halloween in Vancouver, she embodied the spirit of the spooky season with her unwavering determination and tenacity that would make even the toughest villains quiver.

80-year-old Martha Luttrell, a former talent agent at ICM who represented stars like Susan Sarandon, Sam Shepard, Waylon Jennings, Don Was, and Martin Campbell, has passed away.

On Monday, Luttrell passed away due to pancreatic cancer, as confirmed by a family representative, in the town of Calabasas, California.

For a quarter of a century, I’ve been fortunate to be part of the ICM family, representing some truly exceptional talents in the world of cinema. Among these are visionary directors like Paul Weiland, Mick Jackson, Julie Taymor, Tony Bill, and Jon Amiel; captivating actors such as Stephen Rea and Judy Davis; and remarkable filmmakers and conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert. It’s been a privilege to walk alongside these creative minds, helping them share their unique stories with the world.

Born on Halloween in 1944, Luttrell hailed from Vancouver. Her father, James, was a salesman, while her mother, Frances, worked as a realtor. From a young age, she harbored a desire to be part of the entertainment industry. Immediately after graduating from high school, she moved to Los Angeles with her cousin. One of her early career steps included working at Capitol Records, handling incoming calls.

In the 1970s, Luttrell moved to New York and began working under Mike Nichols, whom she referred to as a demanding yet nurturing figure. After collaborating with him on set for “The Day of the Dolphin” (1973), she returned to Los Angeles and served as an assistant to Bill Robinson at The Robinson Agency, where she picked up the skills needed to become an agent.

Eventually, Robinson brought her on as a partner at his talent agency, where they managed stars like Carol Burnett, James Garner, and Robert Duvall. In 1983, Robinson/Luttrell and Associates was bought by ICM.

When Martha started her profession, there weren’t many women in leadership roles within talent agencies, as highlighted by former ICM head Jeff Berg. However, Martha significantly altered this landscape, paving the way for more opportunities for women, leaving behind an impressive and impactful legacy.

Renowned for her unwavering dedication to those she advocated for, her discerning eye for quality, and her persistent negotiating skills, she held membership at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and once chaired the Academy’s agents committee.

Additionally, Luttrell was invited to join the consultative council for the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television, under the guidance of Gil Cates.

She possessed a residence in Aspen and chose to reside there upon departing from ICM, immersing herself in local community initiatives. Annually, she hosted a grand gathering to mark her October birthday, a festive event.

Among the survivors are her nephew, Peter, along with his spouse, Stephanie, and their duo of kids; her sisters’ daughters, Heather and Wendy; and her cherished goddaughter, Francesca.

Her life will be honored with a gathering at a later time. If you wish, contributions can be made to the Aspen Community Foundation in her name.

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2024-12-11 03:26