Let me tell you about Norman Brokaw, a guy who didn’t just make waves in Hollywood—he created entire oceans. As a trailblazing talent agent at the legendary William Morris Agency, Brokaw wasn’t just some guy behind a desk. No, sir. He was the guy who helped shape the careers of some of the biggest stars in Tinseltown. But here’s the kicker: his journey to the top wasn’t exactly a straight line. It was more like a rollercoaster ride filled with twists, turns, and one unforgettable stop as Marilyn Monroe’s driver.
From Mailroom Clerk to Hollywood Power Player
It all started back in the early 1940s when Norman Brokaw stepped into the world of showbiz as a mailroom clerk. That’s right, folks, he began his career sorting letters, not rubbing elbows with the stars. But life has a funny way of surprising you, and Norman’s uncle, Johnny Hyde, gave him a golden opportunity: driving around one of Hollywood’s most dazzling stars, Marilyn Monroe. Now, this wasn’t just any job; it was the kind of gig that could either make or break you. And for Norman, it was the beginning of something extraordinary.
Joel Brokaw, Norman’s son and the author of Driving Marilyn: The Life and Times of Hollywood Agent Norman Brokaw, shares a hilarious story about Norman’s first meeting with Marilyn. “He went over to her house and was about to sit down on the sofa,” Joel recounts. “But before he could, everyone gasped and screamed at him not to sit there. Why? Because there was a plaster model of Marilyn’s new chin right where he was about to plop down. Talk about a memorable introduction!”
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Norman Steps Up as Johnny Hyde’s Health Declines
As Johnny Hyde’s health began to falter, Norman stepped up to the plate, taking on more responsibilities. This meant chauffeuring Marilyn to acting lessons, auditions, and meetings. One of those meetings would change Marilyn’s life forever. Norman brought her to a local television program called Lights, Camera, and Action. Afterward, they headed to the iconic Hollywood Brown Derby for a bite to eat. It wasn’t long before they were noticed by none other than William Frawley, the beloved Fred Mertz from I Love Lucy.
Frawley approached their table and said, “I’m having dinner with Joe D. He’d like to meet the young lady.” Now, Marilyn, who wasn’t exactly a baseball buff, had no idea who “Joe D” was. Norman had to explain that Joe DiMaggio was one of baseball’s greatest legends. Sure enough, Joe D himself called Norman later, asking for Marilyn’s phone number. That simple introduction sparked one of the most famous relationships in entertainment history.
Norman’s Career Takes Off
As Norman’s career soared, he climbed the ranks and eventually became an executive at the William Morris Agency. This put him in the unique position of working with some of the most legendary entertainers of all time, including Mary Tyler Moore, Clint Eastwood, and Elvis Presley. Joel recalls his father’s interactions with the King of Rock and Roll. “My dad met Elvis many times, but their business dealings were always separate,” he explains. “Colonel Parker was a force to be reckoned with. If he was on your side, you were thrilled. But sitting across the table from him during negotiations? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a picnic.”
Despite the endless stories Norman could have told, he remained humble and steadfast in his principles. Joel shares, “The hardest part was when my dad turned down a $1 million book deal. Writing about his life and clients would’ve gone against everything he believed in. As an agent, you’re the keeper of secrets, and breaking that trust wasn’t something he was willing to do.”
And that’s what made Norman Brokaw truly special. He had a strict code of ethics that guided everything he did. “We all know the tragic stories of Marilyn, Elvis, and Natalie Wood,” Joel adds. “But my dad wasn’t someone who meddled unless he was asked for help or saw something that could harm a client’s career. It wasn’t about him or losing a client—it was always about maintaining the relationship first.”
