Robert Rossi is the founder and president of Rossi Talent Management and recently made his return back to the Valley after many successful years in Los Angeles. Rossi has dedicated his time to developing careers of young talent to help them enter the world of TV and film. Learn about Robert Rossi…
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
First job: Teaching Summer High School cheerleading camps for the National Cheerleaders Association.
Favorite way to spend your free time in Arizona: Visiting Sedona. The natural beauty, energy and peacefulness is exactly what I need right now after living in the hustle and bustle of the LA scene for so many years.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment was and is my efforts that established the career of teen actor Daniel DiMaggio from “American Housewife.” I started representing him when he was 8 years old; he’s now 18. He has never had an agent, and he and I built our careers together. Now that he’s 18, through his success, he has many options that most others his age really don’t have.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: My biggest obstacle was having a “family” (parents and siblings) that not only didn’t understand me as a child or young adult but could not/were not able to support my efforts on any level in the entertainment business. That obstacle made me the strong and determined person that I am today, and has created an extended family that I cherish on a daily basis.
Someone who inspires you and why: I’m inspired every day when I listen to the music of the band Sade. Their words and music are classic and timeless. Sade the woman is probably the most kind, beautiful and gentle woman I have ever met!
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: My advice to anyone considering being a talent manager is to never, ever be afraid to say no on behalf of your client. There is more power in saying no to a role that isn’t the right fit for your client, rather than just saying yes and hoping for the best.
Favorite quote: “Grow wherever life puts you down.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: Usually people are surprised to find out that I have a degree in Deaf Studies and that I am fluent in American Sign Language.
What makes someone fabulous: Having a combination of kindness and drive…and a killer pair of shoes!