EXCLUSIVE: After three decades in the representation business, Judy Hofflund will be leaving showbiz on June 30. Hofflund, who has owned her management company The Hofflund Co. (previously Hofflund/Polone) for the past 18 years, has been quietly informing her longtime clients — who include Sally Field, Kenneth Branagh, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Kevin Kline — of her decision since the beginning of the year. In light of her departure, Hofflund Co. managers Becca Kovacik and Laura Berwick plan to keep the company together. I hear the duo explored different options, including joining another management company, but opted to stay and partner up in a new shingle. Most of Judy Hofflund’s clients have already committed to staying with Kovacik and Berwick, with the rest likely to follow.
Hofflund said she first considered quitting the business at the turn of the new millennium in 2000 but, with her daughters still in school, she put off her departure. With her younger daughter off to college this fall, Hofflund felt the time was right. “I figure I could travel and have some freedom,” Hofflund said. She already has an Italy road trip planned for this summer with her husband, top entertainment lawyer Tom Hansen. Hofflund also plans to spend more time away from Hollywood, at the family’s home in Jackson Hole, WY. After some time off to decompress from decades in the trenches of the entertainment business, “I’m going to focus on how I can give back,” Hofflund said. She is interested in mentoring college-aged girls.
Before launching her management company in 1995, Hofflund worked at CAA, InterTalent and UTA.
“With her daughters still in school, she put off her departure. With her younger daughter off to college this fall, Hofflund felt the time was right.” Why not quit your job and spend time with your children when they’re still young? Just a sad, sad state of screwed up priorities these days.
Because a high achieving working mom is a great role model for kids, especially daughters. And many very successful parents have been able to be there for their kids, attending after school activities, driving field trips and taking part in other in-school events, coaching sports teams, etc. And this is especially true if she had her own business, although I worked at two studios and my bosses were always open to such flexible arrangements.
Agree with original poster, I immediately thought the same thing. I do see the point of “husband of professional” as well. I think there is a fine line, especially when children are really young, before school activities and field trips begin. This is the most delicate time for a child and many times both parents are working. These children ultimately are being raised by nannies and other caretakers. In my opinion there is just no substitute for mom (or dad) being there for the day to day.
Because it’s not 1952.
Ah yes, 1952. When kids dressed up for school, were respectful to their teachers, didn’t plan mass shootings, had dinner with their parents every night, didn’t eat fast food because mom cooked it…yeah…you’re right. It isn’t 1952. How sad.
Look, it’s not sad that she’s retiring. Good for her. What’s sad, is that no one blinks an eye at her logic. Don’t be there when your kids need you the most…but to hell with being a high-achieving working woman when you can finally have no real responsibilities.
And the ONLY reason I’m posting this is to say to women that just because you CAN work, doesn’t mean you MUST. There are plenty of conflicted women out there. It’s OK to stay home with your children if you can afford to. That’s a big “if” – but not always in Hollywood where money is often less of an issue and power is.
Yes, 1952….when a woman couldn’t get a job if she wanted one, or open her own bank account, blacks couldn’t vote, or eat at Woolworth’s, or anywhere else, and your gay son could never admit to it. Yes, such a sweeter time. The only reason I’m posting this isn’t to say you ARE an idiot. That’s a big IF. Just to open your eyes to the possibility.
Not much of a point there. Just changing the issue from “raising kids” to racism and sexism of the 1950s. And you might want to check your facts about women getting jobs in the 1950s.
I don’t think that it is fair to jump to the conclusion that just because a mother works, she is not present. I am Charlotte, Judy’s youngest daughter, and I can honestly say that she never missed a single dance recital or day in carpool. She made the choice to work and I couldn’t be more proud of her and thank her for setting such an incredible example for me and my sister.
Judy is one of the most amazing and inspirational woman I have ever known! If you knew her, you would realize that anything is possible! She is an amazing mother, never missed any event, an amazing person and just by knowing her she makes you want to be a better person! She may have worked but her family always came first! Charlotte, don’t listen to anyone who doesn’t know your mom! The people who know her, know how incredible she is!
I don’t think that it is fair for you to assume that just because a mother works, she is not present for her children. I am Charlotte, Judy’s youngest daughter, and I can honestly say that she never missed a single dance recital or day in carpool. I couldn’t be more proud of the example that she set for my sister and me and wish that people could understand that situations like ours are entirely possible.
We do understand. I have a young daughter and am striving to set the same example as your mom has. Thank you for posting your voice.
And to those who are preaching, is it possible for you to have a generous thought, rather than a judgmental one, for someone you don’t even know? Try considering the possibility that what was being expressed is that this is an opportune time to make a life change. The routines have changed, so why not explore something new?
Good luck to her.
Yeah Charlotte, but what do you know about it compared to The Shayners? :)
Anyone who knows Judy wouldn’t judge her harshly for being a working mother. She is one of the most determined, dedicated and loyal people I have ever known who I am sure never negeglected anyone in her family. Good luck, Judy, and have a great time traveling Italy!!!
One of the all time best talent agent/managers. I expect her back after a year!
So funny that the people I really like in the business always seem to have desires beyond the business too. Judy has always been an incredibly hard worker since I met her at CAA. She was always there as a human being, love her.
This doesn’t surprise me in the least, she wants something new in her life and will be great at whatever she does. And don’t doubt that she’s a fantastic mom, she’s just earned time to not be servicing anyone but herself and her relationships for awhile. Go get ’em girl.
Judy is incredible. And perhaps instead of criticizing a woman who managed to balance career and family, you should commend her. I’ve met both Sophie and Charlotte, Judy and Tom’s daughters, and I couldn’t have been more impressed. Judy and Tom seem to have done just fine raising two lovely daughters while also succeeding incredibly in business. Maybe the sniping from the peanut gallery comes from a mother whose daughters didn’t both get into Georgetown. :)
I’m sorry, you’re right. Nothing speaks more to successful parenting than the college admissions process. This isn’t a personal attack on Judy. She may very well have been a wonderful mother. But it is a sad state of affairs nevertheless.
@shayners, thanks for setting women back a few decades with your nasty comments, especially given the fact that you don’t even know these people, so why speculate. “Sad state of affairs,” really? A bit sexist don’t you think? While she had children that were likely attending private schools, if something were to happen to her husband, who would take care of the family financially? I think your quip about a woman who clearly wanted to have a strong identity, a sense of purpose, and some self-love while being a mom shows that you, my friend, are judging through the lens of your own “sad state of affairs.”
Judy was my second agent — the agent I had for the longest time and through my most successful years. A wonderful person, a good friend and a great agent. I can remember when she was sweating about turning thirty. Yikes.
I wish I could quit with her. Congrats Judy.
I too did a double take and reread the sentence. It seemed topsy-turvy. Maybe her kids were lucky and got through it fine, but most children of Hollywood power couples suffer tremendously on the altar of their parents’ success. And often no one notices until the kids come apart later.
That said, Becca and Laura are incredible.
I am very happy for Judy, and equally happy for Laura and Becca who are fantastic, smart and diligent managers.
Good for all….
One of the best. You could always trust Judy to give you the straight story. Tenacious, passionate and one of the “good ones”. She will be missed. Congratulations to Laura and Becca.
Almost never post comments on this site since they tend to be so negative, but must add that Judy is one of the nicest, most professional people I’ve dealt with in the industry. More rare than outsiders realize – smart, classy and elegant person…
I am so happy for my sister! She is the best sister a brother could possibly have. She worked her ass of to achieve the success she attained. I am so glad that she retired when she did so she can enjoy time with her family. She has earned it and deserves it. I retired from the LAPD 3 years ago, living in Hawaii, and I see alot of road trips ahead! Love you Piude!
Lovely person, wish her the best…she’s earned it!
If you really don’t know her then don’t comment. I do and she was (is) one of the most attentive, caring and “present” moms I have ever seen. Having your own business, means u can set your own hours to make sure you don’t miss any milestones in your kids lives. Her girls are lovely, smart, responsible, and have a great sense of humor!!
I met Judy when I was a stay at home mom with both our daughters attending kindergarten. I can honestly say that she probably gave her two amazing daughters more attention than I did to my own two amazing kids. Not one event missed and always the host of every party, sleepover and play date! Rather than looking to tear down another female why not celebrate the fact that she reached the success that afforded her the ability to do it all and do it well. I am grateful for the amazing example she has set for my own daughter. And as far as relationships with all us “home” moms…sorry clients, there were many times she took my calls over yours.
wow, what a great article then posts which got intense and personal instantly. most exciting thing i’ve read in weeks. writing a script about two divorced parents getting together – or not- and this gave me a ton of ideas. i’m a divorced dad and you gotta work but am haunted by the little things I am missing…
I have never responded to a blog before, but I am saddened by the assumption of people like Shayners. Judy has been a friend of mine for thirteen years and she has been a role model for kids and working parents alike in our community. Through hard work and determination she has shown our community that you can have a business and raise a family too. I admit that it is hard to do, but thanks to people like Judy she has shown us that you can put your family first and still have a successful business. I know that Judy wants to mentor young girls who don’t have role models and how lucky those girls will be to have her! The only thing that I can say to Shayners is clearly you have too much time on your hands if you are blogging about people you don’t even know. Perhaps you could learn lessons from Judy and spend your time giving back to your community or even… let’s say… get a job.
Catherine
I’m late to comment on this, but the internet is forever so…
My first reaction to reading this post was sad (Judy’s leaving the business?) then happy (she’s headed to Italy and then loads of time in Jackson Hole!) then surprised (where’s the impressive send off?) and finally repulsion (see: comments section.)
Judy gave me my first job in the business. At 22 I had no experience in Hollywood, but plenty of experience working for men, most of them consciously or unconsciously viewing women as second class employees. Judy was the female role model I badly needed, and since she’s too modest to go into detail on her long, trailblazing career for this farewell piece, I’ll throw out a few things that impressed me. First, she didn’t just “work at” CAA, UTA and InterTalent. She was one of the first women to work in the mailroom at CAA (possibly THE first) and was then promoted to agent by Mike Ovitz. She FOUNDED InterTalent with Bill Block and David Greenblatt, and was later a PARTNER at UTA. She then formed her own management company with Gavin Polone and added producing to her resume, all while raising two kids. In fact, she told me her family was a primary motivator to work for herself — she set her hours, her meetings, and her travel to work around her family commitments. Her office had an entire nursery set up where the kids would come and play when they weren’t in school. She often took them with her when she traveled. The girls were the priority, no exception, ever. That was the inviolable rule in the office.
She also demonstrated a commitment to mentoring other women in the business — it’s no accident that she’s leaving her clients in the hands of two capable women (people who I only hear great things about.) It’s less and less common for women in the workplace to feel threatened by each other or to thwart each other’s successes, but that is in large part due to women like Judy. Years before it was de rigueur for women to help each other out, Judy made a conscious effort to hire, mentor, and promote smart, talented women. The business is better for it and women owe a lot to her example.
Working for Judy definitely left me with the impression that it’s very possible to have a family and a highly successful career, but more importantly that it’s hard, hard work that requires strict prioritization and dedication. I’m not writing any of this to defend her choices from internet trolls — she doesn’t need that — but rather as a coda to what should have been a round of cheers for an impressive career. She’s a fantastic role model for women and it’s not surprising that she’s considering mentoring as a second act. It’s a great fit for her, and her guidance will be an absolute gift to young women starting out. The best of luck to her!!
[As an aside, I’d suggest to “shayners” that his/her own (presumably stay-at-home) mother failed miserably to impart a long list of qualities to her child, among them empathy, humility, curiosity, openness, kindness, and plain old good manners. Or if she did try to teach her kid some values, her time was completely wasted.]