Mark Schlegel

Mark Schlegel was a talent agent who represented film, television and theater performers for more than three decades.

Born in Peoria, Illinois, Schlegel earned a communications degree from DePauw University, in Indiana, in 1981.

After completing his studies, Schlegel moved to New York City, where he got his start at the Mitch Leigh Company, producers of the Broadway show, The King and I, starring Tony and Oscar winner Yul Brynner. Brynner reportedly saw so much potential in Schlegel that Brynner recommended Schlegel as an assistant to his longtime agent, Robert Lantz. Lantz proved to be a valued mentor who taught Schlegel the importance of personal attention to clients, among other essential aspects of the job.

Schlegel went on to work as an agent at Ambrosio/Mortimer & Associates, J. Michael Bloom and APA.


He then became a partner at the Cornerstone Talent Agency, where, alongside partner Steve Stone, his clients included Dominic Chianese, Kassie Depaiva, Deborah Headwall, Neal Huff, Peter Friedman, Brandon Flynn, Terrence Mann, Jefferson Mays, Marin Mazzie, Clark Middleton, Bryce Pinkham, Lois Smith, Daniel Sunjata and Lillias White.

Over the span of his career, Schlegel also spent time representing Steve Buscemi, Viola Davis, Jeff Goldblum, David Harbour, Samuel L. Jackson, LaChanze, Debra Messing, Denis O'Hare, Molly Ringwald, Thomas Everett Scott and Michael Stuhlbarg.


Known for his ability to discover emerging talent, Schlegel often traveled long distances to see new performers. In addition, he was a frequent speaker at colleges and universities, including the Yale School of Drama and Rutgers. He would also sit in on acting classes, offering constructive critiques to students to provide insight into both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry.

Schlegel died on August 13, 2017, in Oradell, New Jersey. He was 57.