Diane Riley Dies: New York Theatrical Agent Was 52

Diane Riley, a noted New York theatrical agent and partner at Harden Curtis Kirsten Riley, died unexpectedly September 16, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, from complications following surgery. She was 52.

Riley had faced a series of health issues over the past year and a half when her condition worsened over recent months. Her death was announced by her family and agency. A celebration of life is planned for Friday afternoon, October 30, at New World Stages theater in Manhattan.

Riley began her career as an assistant company manager at Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut before working as a casting assistant at Carnahan Casting/Roundabout Theatre Company. In 1997, she joined Harden Curtis Associates as an assistant to founders Mary Harden and Nancy Curtis, rising through the ranks to become an agent. In 2017, she and fellow agent Michael Kirsten were named partners, and the company was renamed Harden Curtis Kirsten Riley.

Throughout her career, Riley represented an impressive roster of talent, including Lisa Emery, Curtiss Cook, Andy Mientus, Christiane Noll, and Thom Sesma. She was highly regarded in the theater community for her loyalty to clients, sharp wit, and larger-than-life personality.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and raised in Orlando, Florida, Riley was drawn to the performing arts from an early age. She attended Orlando’s Dr. Phillips High School, where her friends and classmates included future entertainers Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, DJ Khaled, and Luis Fonsi.

Riley served as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Talent Representatives (NATR). “Whether advocating for a client, mentoring a colleague, or sharing a laugh with friends, Riley brought an infectious energy and dry wit to everything she did,” her firm, Harden Curtis Kirsten Riley, said in a statement. “Her generosity of spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and legendary sense of humor made her a cherished presence in an industry she loved so deeply.”

She is survived by husband DJ McDermott, father Gary Riley, and brother Evan Riley.