The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has opted for representation under the historic WME, a renowned agency that once managed icons like Marilyn Monroe and Clint Eastwood.
Contrary to her royal background, Meghan's focus won't be on acting in film and television; instead, her representatives will explore avenues in film and television production, brand partnerships, and overall business ventures.
Since relocating to Montecito, California, in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex garnered attention from various artist representation agencies. Exclusive reports from film-focused media outlet Variety reveal that Meghan Markle has officially signed with the prestigious WME, marking a significant move in her post-royal career.
Founded in 1898 as the William Morris Agency and later merging with Endeavor in 2009, WME has played a pivotal role in representing stars across the entertainment spectrum. From early clients like Charlie Chaplin and Mae West to signing Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, WME has been a stalwart in the entertainment industry. The agency's portfolio extends to music, having represented legendary acts like the Rolling Stones, Sonny & Cher, and the Beach Boys, as well as acclaimed actors such as Clint Eastwood, Barbra Streisand, Goldie Hawn, and Al Pacino.
Following the merger with Endeavor, Ari Emanuel, a co-founder of Endeavor, assumed the role of CEO. The agency expanded its reach beyond traditional talent representation to include directors like Guillermo del Toro, Baz Luhrmann, Danny Boyle, and Robert Rodríguez. Meghan Markle's team at WME is reported to include Ari Emanuel, Brad Slater (known for representing celebrity brands like Dwayne Johnson), and Jill Smoller (long-time agent for Serena Williams). The agency will also represent Archewell, the charitable foundation owned by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
While Meghan and Prince Harry have an existing deal with Netflix, Meghan's interest in film and television acting remains limited. Their Netflix documentary, recounting their journey from romance to departure from the British royal family, achieved record-breaking success. Despite a less successful follow-up project titled "Live to Lead," Meghan and Harry's agreement with Netflix is valued at over 100 million euros, providing significant support for their transition to life in the United States post-royalty.
