Introduction

Born and raised in Kobe, Japan; Lily was influenced early on by her mother, a successful entrepreneur who owned and operated a hotel, a fashion manufacturing company, and restaurants. From her, Lily learned the values of building lasting relationships and treating every individual with respect.  These principles along with her mother’s unforgettable message, “Go after your passion, work hard, and never give up,” continued to guide her both personally as well as professionally.

In 1968, Lily attended the University of Illinois Chicago on a full scholarship. While earning an Honors degree in Education, Lily juggled work as a legal secretary, model, and fitness instructor. Later, she taught in Niles, IL, before starting a family and launching the modeling and acting careers of her three daughters.

Motivated by her desire to create a fair, transparent, and supportive environment for talent and artists, Lily founded Lily’s Talent Agency in 1983. Over the past four decades, the agency has grown into one of Chicago’s premier agencies that is proudly union-franchised with SAG-AFTRA and Equity. Today, Lily’s Talent Agency represents artists across print, film, television, theatre, voice-over, and makeup.

In 2010, Lily extended her passion for mentorship and arts by founding the Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.), a non-profit 501 C3 organization that supported and mentored aspiring young performing artists throughout the Chicagoland area. The organization was  later renamed to Mentoring Artists Chicago (M.A.C.) and sadly closed its curtain in 2024.

 

MEET THE TEAM

Oliver Al is a licensed talent counselor and the Agency Director of Lily’s Talent. He graduated from Columbia College with a BA in Theatre, and has been with Lily's since 2005! Oliver oversees all projects, agents, and team member's work to assure success in every aspect of the departments.

Oliver attends talent showcases throughout the country to scout talent, speaks as a leader in this industry on various panels pertaining to the business, and acts on behalf of Lily as an advisor to talent to help them achieve success. His unending energy, industry experience, knowledge, and passion for this business continues to bring the most innovative ideas to the growth of the agency. According to Lily, Oliver is truly the "adopted son" she never had. 

Lania Rosengren is no stranger to the entertainment business, having been a model and talent since 1979, her modeling career spanning from infancy to adulthood. Lania has been with Lily's since 2010, acting as the Talent Payment Account Manager, and shares her industry knowledge as a speaker for the agency. Lania's strength in teaching and mentoring youth earned her the title of one of the top 5 science teachers in the nation and a position working for NASA.

Happy to be back home in Chicago as a mother to two sons, Lania brings her experience and knowledge of the industry as well as her educational mentorship background to Lily’s. Lania is also Lily's daughter!

Lily’s Talent Agency, is a proud union-franchised with SAG-AFTRA and Equity, representing talent of all ages, from infants to seniors across print, film, television, theatre, voice-over, make-up, and live event productions. Known for delivering excellence with a personal touch, the agency offers 24/7 availability, a fully equipped casting space, and a modern, spacious and welcoming environment. With a global network and an unwavering commitment to professionalism and care, Lily’s Talent Agency continues to set the industry standard.