Literary Agent & Producer Dies at 81
Sherry Robb, a prominent literary agent and talent manager who shaped countless careers across five decades in Hollywood, has died at 81. Robb’s influence is indelible,as she championed the work of Ronald D. Moore and Betty White, among many others. Her work shepherding Robert Graysmith’s “Zodiac” to publication further cemented her legacy. News Directory 3 is here to keep you abreast of these kinds of impactful stories. Robb’s commitment to her clients and dedication to nurturing new talent left an undeniable mark. A memorial service is set for June 9 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. What lasting impact will Robb’s work have on the future of entertainment?
Sherry Robb, Talent Manager Who Shaped Careers, Dies at 81
Updated May 31, 2025
Sherry Robb, whose multifaceted career as a literary agent, talent manager, and producer spanned five decades in publishing, television, and film, died Feb. 14. She was 81.
Robb had battled congestive heart disease for 20 years. A memorial service is planned for 1:30 p.m. on June 9 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Among her achievements, Robb played a key role in bringing Robert Graysmith’s true-crime book, “Zodiac,” to publication in 1986.The book, about the unsolved serial murders in San Francisco during the late 1960s, served as the inspiration for David Fincher’s 2007 film “Zodiac,” which starred Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey jr., and Mark Ruffalo.
Robb also helped launch Ronald D. Moore’s screenwriting career,selling his first two scripts to Paramount. Moore is known for his work on “Battlestar Galactica” and “Star Trek: deep Space Nine.” Her keen eye for talent and dedication to her clients defined her influential role in Hollywood.
An idea Robb conceived while listening to Betty White discuss how her pets aided her recovery from the loss of her husband, Allen Ludden, led to the 1983 book “Pet Love,” which launched White’s literary career. Robb guided White and many other first-time authors, shaping their literary endeavors.
She also guided Mary Wilson’s 1986 autobiography,”dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme,” which became a best-selling music memoir.Robb’s influence extended to over 100 first-time authors, showcasing her dedication to nurturing new talent.
Before her career as a talent manager, Robb earned a bachelor’s degree from Whittier College and a master’s degree in social work from Smith College. She worked as a therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and taught at Boston State College, Tufts University, and the University of Massachusetts.
After five years with a major publishing company in New York City, she partnered with Bart Andrews, author of a 1976 book about “I Love Lucy,” to establish the Andrews & Robb Agency in 1981. She later founded her own businesses, AFH talent Agency in 1989 and The Robb Co. in 2003, focusing on representing actors and writers.
In 2020, Robb co-founded Robb Squad Film Co. with director Marc Martinez and produced the 2024 film “The Memory in My Heart,” providing a platform for her talent roster.Her commitment to her clients and the industry was widely recognized.
Robb was inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame in 2019. She also served as a judge for UCLA’s Script competition Showcase and consulted for USC’s film masters program.
What’s next
A memorial service celebrating Robb’s life and career will be held June 9 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, honoring her lasting impact on the entertainment industry.