Manager Shep Gordon counts some of the most famous people in the world, like Michael Douglas and Sammy Hagar, among his best of friends. However, his name is mostly unknown to people outside of the entertainment business. That is, until now. Actor Mike Myers, another close pal of Shep’s, took a two-year hiatus from being in front of the camera to work on the documentary Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, a poignant and entertaining tribute to the prolific manager. (You can read our review of it here.)
Shep has mostly retired from managing, although he still works with Alice Cooper, who was his first client close to 45 years ago and remains his dearest friend. Over the years, Shep had high-profile clients such as Luther Vandross, Frankie Valli, Blondie, Raquel Welch, and celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck. The stories he shares in Supermensch, as well as the various tale his A-list buddies tell, must be heard to be believed.
We recently got the opportunity to speak briefly with the legendary Shep Gordon about why he decided to do the film, what his parents thought of his success, and the one celebrity who turned his management down.
Check it out below, and enjoy!
WGTC: When did Mike Myers approach you to make a film about your life?
Shep Gordon: About seven or eight years ago, he came and asked me if I would do it. I always said no. I sort of had a change of heart. I ended up in the hospital and had surgery. Sort of feeling sorry for myself and a little medicated, I said yes.
WGTC: The stories you tell in this documentary, they sound unbelievable, but they aren’t. You befriended some of the biggest names in entertainment. Were you ever interested in telling these stories in some form, like a memoir or autobiography?
Shep Gordon: For me, I was always happy to tell the stories. I was just always worried about fame. I never wanted to have to deal with all the issues that fame brings. So I always thought that someday maybe I’d write a memoir or do something, but [the documentary] certainly accelerated the pace. And, it was such a great time telling this history of our culture.
