Sue Mengers Quotes

Powerful Sue Mengers for Daily Growth

About Sue Mengers

Sue Mengers (March 7, 1934 – February 15, 2011) was an influential American talent agent, known as much for her flamboyant personality as for her groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry. Born to Jewish immigrants in Frankfurt, Germany, she emigrated with her family to the United States at the age of seven. Raised in New York City, Mengers developed a keen interest in show business from an early age, citing Bette Davis and Greta Garbo as early inspirations. After a series of jobs in various entertainment-related fields, including stints as a theater usher and a press agent for Broadway shows, Mengers landed a job at the William Morris Agency in 1960. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of Hollywood's most powerful agents by the late 1960s. Known for her brash style, extravagant clothing, and distinctive voice, Mengers was a larger-than-life figure who commanded attention wherever she went. Mengers represented many of the biggest stars of the era, including Barbra Streisand, Paul Newman, Jane Fonda, and Steve McQueen. She was instrumental in negotiating some of the most significant deals in Hollywood history, including Faye Dunaway's contract for the film "Network" and Newman's deal for "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." In 1975, Mengers left William Morris to start her own agency, Sue Mengers & Associates. Despite facing challenges in the competitive world of talent representation, she continued to represent top stars and maintain a high profile in Hollywood until her retirement in 1990. Throughout her career, Mengers was known for her blunt honesty, fierce loyalty to her clients, and unparalleled negotiating skills. Quotes attributed to Mengers, such as "Don't do deals when you're drunk; don't do deals when you're naked," reflect her no-nonsense approach to business and her ability to cut through the glamour and hype of Hollywood to get things done. Sue Mengers left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and remains a legendary figure in the world of talent representation.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Never underestimate the power of show business."

The quote by Sue Mengers, "Never underestimate the power of show business," highlights that the entertainment industry holds immense influence in shaping cultures, opinions, and societal trends. Its impact extends beyond mere entertainment; it has the potential to shape perceptions, create icons, drive conversations, and even influence politics and economics. This power comes from its ability to captivate audiences globally, making it an essential tool for storytelling, idea dissemination, and cultural exchange.


"I'm not in the deal-making business - I'm in the 'yes' business."

Sue Mengers, a renowned Hollywood agent, emphasizes that her role is more than just making deals; it's about saying "yes" to opportunities, ideas, and people. She implies that her focus is on fostering a positive, supportive environment where creativity flourishes and possibilities are embraced. This approach facilitates successful collaborations by encouraging an open-minded, affirmative attitude.


"You don't make deals with people you like. You make them with people you need."

This quote by Sue Mengers suggests that relationships, particularly business ones, are often driven not solely by personal affinity but by necessity or practicality. In other words, it implies that collaborations and alliances are forged when there is a mutual requirement or benefit to be gained, rather than merely because two parties enjoy each other's company. It underscores the idea that success in business often involves strategically partnering with individuals who can help achieve one's goals, even if they may not be personally likable.


"In this town, you can get anything you want if you just ask for it, but you have to know how to ask."

This quote by Sue Mengers suggests that in Hollywood, or any environment where power dynamics are significant, success is often contingent on not only what one wants, but also how they ask for it. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and navigating those power dynamics effectively to achieve one's goals.


"I'm not a career woman; I'm a career girl."

This quote suggests that Sue Mengers, a renowned talent agent in the Hollywood industry, did not view her professional life as merely a phase or step towards something else (a "career woman" often implies an eventual focus on family or domestic life). Instead, she saw herself as a dedicated and passionate "career girl," meaning someone who embraces and thrives in her career, regardless of its duration or future changes. It's a celebration of professional drive and ambition, particularly for women, while rejecting the notion that career success should be temporary or secondary to other aspects of life.


Stars are rare creatures, and not everyone can be one. But there isn't anyone on earth - not you, not me, not the girl next door - who wouldn't like to be a movie star holding up that gold statuette on Academy Award night.

- Sue Mengers

Door, Next, Movie, Movie Star

A powerful studio boss doesn't want to be bested by a woman, even in chess. And a successful agent steps on a lot of toes. You lose actors jobs so you can get them for your own clients.

- Sue Mengers

Boss, Studio, Agent, Steps

As an agent, I functioned like a guy. But the fact that I was a woman affected everything.

- Sue Mengers

Woman, Fact, Agent, Affected

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