Ruth Webb, 1918-2006

Ruth Webb, a talent agent who specialized in comebacks, died on December 4. Her client list included Gloria Swanson, Mickey Rooney, Tonya Harding, Phyllis Diller, and Divine Brown. She was also fond of raccoons.

There, in a cloud of white satin bedsheets, Ms. Webb tirelessly worked the phones, persuading and cajoling, often nursing a live baby raccoon from a bottle. Besides the live ones, which she tenderly rescued, Ms. Webb had more than 1,500 stuffed raccoons and countless raccoon figurines. It was her favorite animal. She also owned seven cats, a macaw and a live peacock.

Ruth Webb, 88; talent agent took on the once-famous and the infamous (LA Times)
Ruth Webb, Talent Agent Who Revived Flagging Careers, Is Dead at 88 (NY Times)
Broadway, Film and TV Talent Agent Ruth Webb Dies at 88 (Broadwayworld.tv)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dave Menke

For the sound of a raccoon trill, click here.