Remembering Robin Fried: “A Tireless Spirit Who Saw the Joy in Everything”

Robin Fried was a celebrated and experienced representative for creative companies on the East Coast of America for over two decades. She co-founded the New York-based rep firm R2 NYC in 2002, along with her business partner Richard Fink, and worked at the company until her passing this summer. Prior to starting her own firm, she had spent 10 years as head of sales for MacGuffin Films in New York.

It was there, in the ‘90s, where Richard first worked with Robin, telling LBB, “We had a lot of history together. We probably could have completed each other's sentences, if you know what I mean.”

An original member of the Alliance of Independent Reps (AIR), Robin was “a big proponent of the rep getting the respect they deserved,” adds Richard. “The job is tough enough as is. She taught me about standing up for yourself. Reps have two sets of clients - the production companies they represent, where we are dealing with our EPs and directors, and the agency producers and creatives that we are trying to get business from. Robin was great at juggling both. Not easy!” 

“She was also very social in the business, much more than I was. She had years of long-standing agency relationships. I watched her support her family and raise a son who she was so very proud of. I will miss her and always remember her."

Following Robin’s passing, more colleagues, friends and family have shared their memories of Robin with LBB, paying tribute to the impact she had on the industry and the people she dedicated herself to.

Jake Blumenau

Robin’s son, creative director at Comcast

The first thing that comes to mind was a quote she had on her desk for as long as I can remember. 'Tough times never last, but tough people do'. She was a single mother and I was her only child, it was a strong connection. I hope I can be half as good a dad as she was a mom.

Ilene Silberman

Owner at Silberman Productions

Robin Fried was my neighbour and friend, as well as a fellow representative. Although we visited and shared taxis to AICP events, we did not talk about the business. We went to hear the Philharmonic [orchestra] perform in Central Park. The happy news is that I found a home for Robin's precious dog, Lola. I see Lola and remain connected to Robin. She is smiling from Heaven, knowing that Lola is so loved.

Donald O’Connor

Executive producer at Compulsive Pictures

Robin was a wonderful person to work with as well as a great friend. I was lucky enough to work with her for 10 years. She was a caring and loving person but also focused and dedicated to her job. I enjoyed her insight and how she dealt with clients and directors. I had a tremendous amount of respect for her not only in her work ethic but also in her personal life. Her ability to be at the top of her field but also raise her family as a single mom was something I truly admired. 

Yelena Hertzberg 

CEO and co-founder at FILMTRIBE

Robin Fried was one of our East Coast reps (along with Richard Fink from R2) for many years and we loved working with her. She wasn’t just a colleague, but a close friend. Over the years, we won lots of exciting jobs together, shared many family milestones and personal highs and lows. She was professional, yet friendly. Strong, yet sensitive. Serious, yet fun! She was a beautiful person, inside and out. She loved her family. She loved her job. She loved life. She will be sorely missed. 

Paul Riccio

Writer-director

The last time I spoke to Robin was on her birthday. She told me that regardless of how old she actually was, she always felt like she was still 17. That’s exactly how I’ll remember her - someone with a tireless spirit for life who saw the joy in everything. Robin was fun. She told the best stories. She made me laugh. She had a big, warm heart and was always there for you. Robin will be forever 17. I will miss her dearly.

Gloria Colangelo

Managing partner at Identity

Robin was one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Early in my career, fresh out of college, she became a true beacon of inspiration for me as a successful working mother. I was always in awe of how she managed to balance her career with motherhood, especially when, like clockwork, she would pause everything around 4pm to make sure Jake was safely off the bus and settled into his after-school routine. It was a beautiful example of love and dedication.

When I became a working mom myself, Robin's kindness extended even further. She would often send me sweet notes, reminding me how beautiful my boys were and encouraging me that I was doing a great job. Those words meant the world to me and helped me through challenging days.

May she rest in peace, and may her incredible impact on all of us continue to be remembered and cherished.

“On behalf of AIR I want to take this moment to send our deepest condolences to Robin's family and friends,” says Veronica Lombardo, co-founder and managing director of the Alliance of Independent Reps. “Robin believed from day one in the value of this community, supporting us every step of the way. Through our growing pains, Robin reached out behind the scenes to give support, encouragement and words of wisdom. I think I speak for all of the members of AIR in saying how important she was to us, some more personally, others more professionally. She will remain forever a part of our ad family.”