In Memoriam: Margaret Riley, Lighthouse Management Partner and ‘Bombshell’ Producer
Hollywood Loses a Respected Figure: Margaret Riley Passes Away at 58
Margaret Riley, the prominent agent, manager, and partner at Lighthouse Management & Media, and producer of the 2019 film Bombshell, has succumbed to ovarian cancer at the age of 58. The news of her passing was confirmed by her friends Lainie Becky and Matthew Weinberg.
A Career Dedicated to Elevating Artists
Riley’s impactful career spanned years of dedicated service to the entertainment industry. She began her journey as a talent/literary manager at Brillstein Entertainment Partners in 2006, transitioning to Lighthouse Management & Media in 2016 under the guidance of founder and CEO Aleen Keshishian.
Keshishian expressed the collective grief of the company, stating, “We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend Margaret Riley, who was a passionate advocate and champion for artists. We share our deepest condolences and love with her family, friends, and clients.”
Clients and Collaborations: A Stellar Roster
Riley’s roster boasted an array of influential figures, including actors Mark Ruffalo and Bridget Moynahan, CSI creator Anthony Zuiker, directors Susanna Fogel, Stella Meghie, and RJ Cutler, and acclaimed documentarian Joe Berlinger. She played a vital role in the careers of screenwriters like Charles Randolph, Ann Cherkis, Margaret Nagle, Matthew Carnahan, and Alex Tse.
Behind the Scenes: A Producer’s Touch
Not limited to talent management, Riley made her mark as a producer, contributing to notable projects. Her role in producing Bombshell (2019), a film addressing workplace safety for women, showcased her commitment to meaningful storytelling. Riley’s dedication was evident as she remarked, “This is about women not feeling safe at work and being minimized by men in many ways.”
Apart from Bombshell, Riley earned executive producer credits for films like Gray Matters (2006), Love & Other Drugs (2010), the 2020 Netflix series Ratched, and the 2021 Apple TV+ documentary Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry.
A Journey from Journalism to Hollywood
Riley’s journey began with a degree in journalism from the University of Kansas, leading her to pursue film studies at the AFI in Los Angeles. Her early career included roles at Virtual World Entertainment and New Line Cinema, contributing to the development of science-fiction properties into films.
Joining Industry Entertainment in 1995, Riley swiftly rose from an assistant role to manager. In 2002, she established her own company, Margaret Riley Management, later becoming part of Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
A Passion Beyond Hollywood: Advocacy and Nonprofit Work
Beyond her professional endeavors, Riley devoted herself to causes close to her heart. She served on the board of Proclaim Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to providing legal support to wrongfully convicted individuals.
Legacy and Personal Reflections
Riley’s impact extended beyond the industry, leaving an indelible mark on those she mentored. Friends and colleagues, Lainie Becky and Matthew Weinberg, reflected on her legacy, stating, “Professionally, Margaret devoted her life to making the voices of others a little more heard, and as a result, she helped people everywhere feel a little less alone.”
Her zest for life, love for extensive travel, rich spiritual exploration, affinity for the outdoors, and dedication to animal rescue defined Riley’s multifaceted personality. She leaves behind her children, daughter Dylan (14) and son Will (10), and her mother, Doris.
In remembering Margaret Riley, Hollywood acknowledges the loss of a compassionate advocate and luminary whose influence reached far beyond the silver screen.