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Celebs need someone to keep them in line — that’s why managers exist

They’ve got personalities

A show-business story:

The galaxy is filled with shining stars. The earth has its fill of failing ones.

How’s Alec Baldwin with that story of a shooting while filming. “Today” host Matt Lauer out over sex scandals. Diddy in jail. Kim Kardashian’s jewel heist. Britney Spears fighting over management control. Wendy Williams unhappy over her conservatorship.

People ask why celebrities with big money, big fame need overseers. Theatrical tailors who custom-make headlines, decisions and fortunes for those with large incomes and in some cases less talent. Even young VIPs and people with ability have what’s called personal managers.

Why? The answer? Many have talent. So what? Someone has to merchandise it, nourish it, keep it going.

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I’m told such genies pocket up to 50%. Future big names require wardrobe, pictures, glamour buildup, a maybe new nose, instant culture, a “front,” acting lessons, financial assists, choices and other etceteras to launch them. When the manager invests his own coin, a sliding scale after a certain point is routine. Many, traveling with the talent they’re monitoring — and devoted to that one person — operate on a 50/50 basis.

Said one: “I make the choices, control money, make travel arrangements, secure hotel accommodations. I fight owners for proper billing and agents for proper salary. I’m the one who taught my person to walk off without waiting for applause so you leave others wondering and waiting. I helped select proper hair, clothes, style to give them distinction. I got connected to top couture houses. I make deals. I helped perfect my person’s attitude.”

Some, more arrogant than their stars, act as gatekeepers. Less friendly, less open, less chatty than their stars. They often won’t tell you anything. In olden days, Helen Noga, the trigger behind Johnny Mathis who was then a nothing, cornered an important agent and wouldn’t retreat until he handed her boy a booking.

Today’s mortality rate on a current star’s personal happiness can be high. It’s now financial people, hairdressers, couture experts, language tutors, deals to sell products, party arrangers, investment specialists, dog trainers, Realtors, agents in anything and everything, Botox and hair, weight and skin, Ozempic people and — always unwilling to name names or talk — divorce lawyers.

Are the principals always thankful? No. Once they Make It, the big names don’t always still follow orders blindly. They want “to assert my own individuality.” Or “the manager is stifling my creativity.” If his own way falls flat down the line, it’s still the ex-manager’s fault because they “didn’t give me confidence.”

Feelings are hurt, lawsuits begin, careers founder, situations develop, and comes the “I couldn’t go through it again” personality crash. The star takes the high road, the mentor maybe a lawyer.

As one put it: “If she still listens — great. If not, it’s Goodbye Charlie. I’m too old to put my whole life into somebody else.”

WOULD-BE star: “I have a wonderful ear. I can pick up anything.” Manager: “Great. Let’s see you pick up this piano.”

Only in New York, kids, only in New York.

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