Award-Winning Talent Agent Hugh Leon Talks Getting Started in Showbiz, Mentors and More

Hugh Leon didn’t originally set out to become a talent agent, but you wouldn’t know it from his track record. Leon, who recently received his fourth Heller Award for Best Adult Commercial Agent of the Year category, has been in the business for decades, nearly three of them at Coast to Coast Talent. He took time to answer 10 questions about his agent origins, how the role of a talent agent is changing and more.

1. Congrats on your 4th Heller Award! What inspired you to become a talent agent?

Thank you so much! To be honest, I didn’t set out to become a talent agent, it was more of a path I discovered along the way. I was a child actor, with much of my success rooted in commercials. After college, my acting dreams started to fizzle, and I was more focused on being a musician.

One day, I saw an ad for a talent agency internship in the UCLA newspaper and thought, “Why not see what happens behind the scenes?” Turns out, I had a knack for it. As much as I resisted, in the words of John Lennon, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Funny enough, the plan I didn’t make became my calling!

2. How did you get your start in the industry?

I started as a child actor in New York doing commercials, theater and some other gigs. Later, I became an intern in the commercial department at a Hollywood talent agency.

My background in the industry made the transition to the other side of the camera easier, though I’ll admit, stuffing headshots into envelopes every day wasn’t my life’s passion. Eventually, I built a commercial division at a theatrical agency before landing at Coast to Coast Talent, where I’ve been for over 28 years. (So much for “temporary” plans.)

3. Who were your mentors, and what advice did they give you that still resonates today?

While I relied heavily on my own experiences, I was fortunate to have a few people whose insights I valued greatly. Pam Sparks, a seasoned commercial agent at SBV, was one of those people. She reinforced what I already believed and practiced, that commercials aren’t just about “a look”; resumes and credits matter.
You want to be known for representing quality actors, not just types. Pam also championed the idea of “Make them read!” — a principle I’ve always followed. It’s crucial to ensure an actor can handle dialogue before offering representation.

Another mentor, Ron Singer, shared an invaluable piece of advice: “You have to like the people you represent. If you’re going to fight for their dreams, it’s important to genuinely like the people you’re fighting for.” That wisdom has stayed with me and continues to guide my choices.

Years ago, I was on set with one of my sports celebrity clients when I met a big-time showrunner/creator who left a lasting impression. He knew everyone’s name and was kind to everyone, including me. I told him how remarkable it was that someone in his position was so approachable, and he replied with something I’ll never forget: “I look at it this way: 1. Treat people how you’d like to be treated, and 2. The guy cleaning the bathroom today could be the studio head tomorrow. Never burn a bridge, and always be kind.”

I try my best to live by that philosophy every day.

4. How has the commercial industry changed since you started, and how do you stay ahead in today’s landscape?

When I started, everything was analog. We submitted hard-copy headshots and resumes attached with staples (yes, staples), and breakdowns came in at set hours. We had messengers to pick up submissions, and I could actually take a lunch break or attend events after work.

Those days are gone. Now, everything is online — 24/7, no boundaries. My inbox never sleeps. Staying ahead means keeping actors’ materials current and organized and reminding clients to do the same. If their profiles are polished, they stand out, even in a crowded, digital-first world.

5. What challenges do talent agents face today that weren’t an issue in the past?

Two words: work boundaries. They don’t exist anymore. Also, it used to be all about relationships and pitching, calling casting directors and building trust. Now, it’s emails, submission platforms and fewer personal interactions. It’s efficient but not nearly as fun.

6. How do you balance the needs of multiple clients and approach career growth for them?

It’s a juggling act, but I prioritize communication, organization and strategy.

Balancing clients means ensuring they trust my guidance and follow through on the strategies we put in place. Growth happens when the actors are open to hearing my advice, stay proactive and do the necessary work to position themselves for both immediate opportunities and long-term success. And yes, keeping all those profiles updated helps a lot, too!

7. What qualities do you look for in a client, and how do you build trust and rapport with them?

I want to work with actors who are as committed as I am. That means showing up, staying prepared and trusting me to do what I do best. Trust is earned on both sides — the more we book, the more we talk and the stronger the connection becomes.

It’s teamwork, plain and simple. Staying available, confirming auditions and prioritizing their career also goes a long way!

8. If you could represent any talent, past or present, who would it be and why?

Right now? Kevin Hart — he’s everywhere. Or Stephanie Courtney (aka Flo). Representing Flo since 2008 would have been the commercial jackpot. I’m always on the lookout for the next big campaign star. Of course, should the opportunity to work with Bruce Springsteen ever arise… although they say, never meet your heroes.

9. With technology (AI, streaming, etc.) evolving so rapidly, how do you see the role of talent agents changing in the next few years?

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, but only to a point. I see potential in how technology can support what we do.

That said, no AI can replace the emotional depth and authenticity real actors bring to the table. Likewise, they can’t replace the quality agents bring to submissions, pitches, and negotiations. SAG-AFTRA must stay vigilant, but I firmly believe humans will always outperform bots.

10. What are your New Year’s resolutions, both for yourself and for the clients you represent?

My resolutions are the same every year: work smarter, book more, and stay focused. Oh, and maybe sneak in an actual lunch break once in a while.