Talent Manager Gallin Tapped to Head Mirage
Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn on Wednesday hired longtime Hollywood talent manager and producer Sandy Gallin to head his Mirage Entertainment & Sports Inc. Gallin, whose career as a manager has included guiding the careers of such stars as Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Cher, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand and Mariah Carey, will set entertainment policies for Mirage Resorts, whose Las Vegas casino and hotel properties include the Mirage, Treasure Island and the Golden Nugget. Wynn’s next project is Bellagio, a Mediterranean-themed luxury hotel on the Las Vegas strip.
Jim Morey, Gallin’s partner in his personal-management company, will become chairman of Gallin-Morey Associates.
In 1985, Gallin teamed as a producer with Parton in Sandollar Productions. Among the films Gallin has produced include the Oscar-winning documentary “A Common Thread: Stories From the Quilt,” “Father of the Bride,” “Fly Away Home” and the hit TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Gallin said projects from the production company, whose deal with Walt Disney Co. expires soon, will be handled by other producers.
In an interview, Wynn said Gallin was suggested to him by mogul Barry Diller, a longtime friend of Gallin. Wynn said he envisions developing extensive entertainment such as live theater for Mirage’s Las Vegas properties, possibly even taking shows on the road.
“There’s nothing they do in New York that we can’t do just as well here,” Wynn said.
Gallin, who has done business with Wynn for two decades, said he was impressed with Wynn’s vision for entertainment at casino properties in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Mississippi. He added that Wynn also made an attractive offer.
“There are all forms of entertainment, and all forms of sports that are entertainment,” Gallin said. “The possibilities are endless. The only thing I had never envisioned was moving to Las Vegas. As far as developing and nurturing talent, producing shows and being a pioneer in entertainment, I think it’s just a natural evolution for me.”
