ABOUT ME!

Dolores Cantu: The Heart and Fire Behind Candu Management

My name is Dolores Cantu, and I am the unyielding force behind Candu Management, a Los Angeles-based talent agency I founded in 2001, born from a dream that refused to be dimmed. Over five decades ago, in 1972, I stepped onto the national stage as Miss Hospitality for Eastern Airlines during the Miss USA Pageant—a moment that launched a trailblazing career as an actress, entrepreneur, and one of Hollywood’s most trusted talent managers. My journey wasn’t handed to me; it was carved through grit, faith, and an unrelenting belief in the power of dreams. Every step has fueled my mission to transform lives in an industry that thrives on vision and resilience.

At Candu Management, we don’t just represent talent—we ignite their potential, forging performers who dominate stages, screens, and beyond. I challenge every artist to master the art of versatility, to become not only actors but directors, producers, and storytellers who command their own destinies in an ever-evolving industry. From crafting flawless self-tape auditions to dazzling on red carpets, our clients rise to meet the moment. Their triumphs light up screens in iconic productions like NCIS, Modern Family, Raven’s Home, Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story, Selena, Power Book IV: Force, Dora the Explorer, and The Winchesters. They lend their voices to animation, shine in commercials, grace print campaigns, and electrify audiences as theme park performers. Among them is Jearnest Corchado, an Imagen Award-winning actress and rising recording star whose ascent embodies the boundless opportunities we champion.

As we stand on the cusp of Candu Management’s 25th anniversary in 2026, my heart burns brighter than ever. This milestone isn’t just a celebration of years—it’s a testament to the countless dreams we’ve brought to life, the barriers we’ve shattered, and the stars we’ve lifted into the spotlight. I am more than a manager; I am a relentless advocate, a tireless cheerleader, and a believer in the spark that lives in every dreamer. At Candu Management, we don’t just build careers—we unleash legacies that inspire the world.

Join us in this extraordinary journey.