Shirley Hamilton - Site Memorial Online

 Shirley was something else!  I learned from her not to rely on my headshot alone...I came into the agency - musta been 20 some years ago - to check my file and add more hs/comps if necessary...it was threatening rain that day and I had ridden my bike..To her, I did not look like I had any business looking in those files!  She asked "whats your name?"  "Susan NIgh"  I said as spokeswomanly as I could muster underneath my bike- in- bad- weather apparel.  She disappeared into the back for a couple minutes.  When she returned, she had my headshot in her hand. "Never show up here unless you look like this!"....I was kinda terrified right then, but I listened and of course she was right.  After that, I'd drop by the agency 'lookin like my hs' and 9 out of 10 times I'd get a call for a booking or at least a casting the next day or 2....
Thanks, Shirley!! 

in 1973 i was a struggling actress in chicago. shirley booked me as an extra in THE STING, and i ended up working 5 days (boy, did i need that $).
but the audition process combined with the uncertainty of future bookings, was driving me crazy. so i asked shirley for a meeting. i remember she took me to lunch at the london house. i told her that i wanted to be in show business , but not as an actor. what should i do, i asked her. shirley didn't skip a beat and answered, " well, i need a file clerk at the agency if you're interested ". i accepted on the spot, started the next day, and within 3 months she moved me up to assistant, then agent in training. shirley literally gave me the foundation for me to build a career in the talent agent business. i have co-owned an agency in los angeles since 1981, and shirley and lynne have sent me many of their stellar clients for commercial representation when they move to l.a.
one more memory....the staff always knew when shirley arrived at the office each morning by the sound of her many charm bracelets!
i'll miss you, shirley....you were a class act and a loyal friend.

with love and appreciation,
pat brannon

There was nobody like Shirley. I remember back around 1976 meeting Shirley. She was very busy that day and I waited for her. She would periodically signal to me "Just a few more minutes'. She didn't have to . She was a very busy woman and I was a new actor recently graduated  from Loyola.

When I saw Shirley she ushered me into her office. She looked at me and said " I have something for you"

The next morning i auditioned for an Industrial film. Got it . and got my SAG card. 
All because of Shirley.

Wow. What a lady! She knew how to put it all together.

It was 1979 . I remember when I walked in to the office on recomendation from another actor. I came in with little tools or idea of getting started. I was only 19, a college freshman. Shirley sat me down and explained to me how to get pictures and headshots started, told me to bring them to her and she took me in. She is my stage mom...She asked me "are you ready to take the plunge" out came the pink contract.  I signed with you in 1992. All of you now continue with the professional but personal realationship with me that makes me proud to say,... Shirley Hamilton represents me. My thoughts and prayers are with you...... William Roberson
 

I remember so very many years ago going timidly up to the counter in Shirley's office to bring in my headshots for the first time.  She was at the back of the room but looked up as I was talking and walked over to me.  She not only put me at ease, but also got me a job the next day!

Her long and outstanding professional career is public record.  But the ability to combine that with the joy of life that sparkled in her eyes and filled her being is a gift she gave to each of us everytime we were with her.

When I came back into the biz in Chicago just a couple years ago I remember thinking how Lynne and Laurie and the whole "SH family" were still creating that atmosphere of caring and joy.  Quite a tribute to a great lady.

Bravo, Shirley.  You will be missed.

With love,
Kathleen McKeever