Mitchell J Hamilburg opened the doors of the Hamilburg Agency in Los Angeles in 1930. He represented a number of Hollywood performers including Gene Autry, Deanna Durbin, and Bob Keeshan. After Mitchell died, his son, Michael Hamilburg, took over the business and built its literary division. Michael - known to all, affectionately,  as ‘Mike’ - ran his business as an independent agent, working for himself in offices around LA, his dining room table, and most notably, the trunk of his classic, silver, Volvo Station Wagon. Manuscripts trailed behind him wherever he went; his work was his identity. 

Mike was a devoted advocate for his clients. These included  The Doors’ Jim Morrison, writer-director Paul Schrader, baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Sens. George Mitchell and Edmund Muskie, White House Press Secretary George Reedy, columnist Jack Anderson, attorney Vincent Bugliosi and his cousin, novelist Clifford Irving. Mike also represented authors whose books were adapted into  movies, such as Mel Weinberg, whose story was the basis for the David O. Russel film, American Hustle. 

Mike was a Hollywood agent who never succumbed to that stereotype. His loyalty to his clients, authentic negotiating skills, exceptional work ethic, humor, and caring disposition paved the way for his success.

After Mike’s passing in 2016, his wife, Susan, continued running the business and carrying out the legacy. It then became his daughter Lucy’s dream to take on the family business. In 2021, that dream became a reality when Lucy Hamilburg reopened The Hamilburg Agency and continued its tradition of agenting as the third generation of Hamilburg agents. With a new focus and a new team, the agency will continue to operate with the same integrity, devotion, and inclusion, as it has for generations.

The current agents, Lucy and Halley, found their way back to Los Angeles and reconnected over their shared love of books.