Community Highlights: Meet Jackie Reid of Lil Angels Unlimited

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Reid.

Hi Jackie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I started in the Entertainment industry when my daughter was a baby. I signed her with a management company who sent her out for film and television and commercial work. When she was five years old, her manager unfortunately passed away. I had some knowledge of the business and some connections at that point so I decided to rep her myself. Eventually, other parents in the industry saw her success and asked me to manage their children. Then strangers started asking and I soon realized that recognizing talent was my superpower and making kids dreams come true was my passion! So in 1992, I officially launched Lil Angels Unlimited, a talent management company for kids. In the last 30 years, we have proudly repped thousands of kids, successfully expanded into adult actors, became bi-coastal and have employed many great people in our office. I have been recognized as an expert in my field by Backstage which is the industry’s leading publication and I wrote monthly articles for them for 7 years. I absolutely love what I do because I provide opportunities for actors of all ages to reach their fullest potential.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The past five years have been a significant challenge for our industry. Between the ten-month pandemic shutdown and the five-month Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023, the recovery process has been slow. It has been heartbreaking to see so many agencies close and so many industry professionals—from agents and managers to below-the-line crew members, lose their jobs.

Despite these hurdles, we have been incredibly fortunate to weather the storm and I am happy to say that we are going strong.

As you know, we’re big fans of Lil Angels Unlimited. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the core of what I do is finding talent and really helping them grow. I work with actors across film, television, theater, and voiceover. For me, it’s not only about discovering new talent. It’s about nurturing, guiding and supporting them so that they can build confidence, understand the industry, and be prepared when opportunities come their way. I also facilitate these opportunities by bringing in auditions and making sure that they are getting in front of the right people. I’ve had the privilege of seeing talent book roles in film, television, land theater productions, and build real momentum in their careers. It is incredibly rewarding to watch that evolution! It’s very hand-on and very personal. I’m invested in their growth not just their bookings.
What makes us different is how accessible we are. We host free open calls where anyone can come in, audition, and get honest feedback. No gatekeeping, no pressure, just real conversations about where they are and what it’s going to take to get where they want to go.
I am passionate about supporting neurodiverse talent, which is personal for me because I’m neurodiverse myself. I care deeply about making sure people with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, learning differences, and more feel seen, supported, and like they truly belong in this industry—not just on the sidelines, but front and center. I’ve also had the opportunity to speak on panels like “Neurodiversity and the Professional Child Actor,” where we’re pushing for real change and a more inclusive, accessible industry.

What I’m most proud of overall is the impact. Watching someone go from unsure and overwhelmed to confident and prepared is incredible. But my absolute favorite moment is making that call…telling a child or an adult actor they booked the job. There’s always this pause, like they can’t quite believe it… and then it hits. The excitement, the laughter, sometimes tears. Parents crying in the background, actors screaming, saying “really?!” over and over. It’s pure, real joy and being a small part of that moment is something I never take for granted and I’m so grateful to be a part of.

At the end of the day, I just want people to feel like they’re not alone in this—and that they can pursue this path with the right information, the right support, and a real shot at something bigger.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve learned I do my best when I have a balance between staying inspired and actually giving myself space to unplug. I’m a big fiction reader, especially authors like Stephen King and Jodi Picoult. I love getting lost in a good story! It’s
one of the ways I can fully shut my brain off while still feeling creative.
When I’m not reading, I’m usually listening to true crime podcasts. That’s kind of my guilty pleasure and my way of disconnecting from work for a bit.
I also love stand-up comedy, which is a huge part of my life. It keeps me sharp and reminds me not to take everything too seriously. Being on stage teaches you a lot… how to connect with people, think on your feet, and just be present in the moment, and that carries over into everything I do.
At the end of the day, I don’t think you can pour into others if you don’t have things that refill you too… for me that’s my kids, books, true crime, and a mic—my version of self-care!

Pricing:

• We work strictly on commission. If you don’t work, we don’t get paid.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: LilAngelsTalent

Image Credits
Photographer: Guido Venitucci