WMA’s Frank Rio Dies

Legendary agent Frank Rio, who represented Bob Hope for more than 50 years, died at his home in Tarzana, Calif., February 3rd following a brief illness.

Rio, 80, also represented stars including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Johnny Mathis and Barbra Streisand, to name a few.

He started his entertainment career in vaudeville as a member of The Rio Brothers with his father, Eddie, and uncle, Larry.

His career as an agent started at Associated Booking Corporation with Joe Glazer, and included stints with International Famous Agency and International Creative Management.

Rio left ICM to form Regency Artists with Richard Rosenberg and Freddie Dale.

Regency Artists merged with Triad Artists and, eventually, William Morris Agency, where Rio worked until his retirement around 1996.

A funeral mass will be held the morning of February 10th at St. Cyril Catholic Church in Encino, Calif.