Shivangi Sinha
A manager plays a crucial role in an artist’s life by serving as both a strategist and a protector and ensuring their creative vision aligns with sustainable success. This is exactly how Stephanie Gold has stood by Gloria Gaynor for decades and provided unwavering support, especially during challenging times. Lifetime’s ‘I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story,’ produced under the Robin Roberts banner, beautifully brings this dynamic to the screen. Francesca Bianchi portrays Stephanie Gold and delivers a compelling and heartfelt performance that captures the depth of loyalty, courage, and determination that defined Gold’s role in Gaynor’s journey.
Stephanie Gold Became Gloria Gaynor’s Manager After the Latter’s Divorce
Stephanie Gold first crossed paths with Gloria Gaynor in the early 2000s and initially served as her assistant. At that time, Gaynor was on the verge of separating from her husband, Linwood Simon, who also managed her. When the divorce was finalized in 2005, Simon withdrew from his professional duties. Gaynor was left alone in the middle of her efforts to relaunch her career. Once a well-known disco artist, she was now focusing on gospel music, but the transition was challenging. Given her age, opportunities were scarce, and that’s when Gold stepped in to support her comeback.
In 2006, Gold became Gaynor’s agent and manager at Glolo Inc. She never once doubted the strength of her talent. She worked tirelessly to establish Gaynor as a gospel singer and, in 2015, began discussions with director Betsy Schechter about creating a documentary on the legendary artist’s life. This project eventually became ‘Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive,’ which was released in 2023 and propelled Gaynor back into the spotlight as it shed light on various aspects of her journey and challenges. At the time of the documentary’s release, Gold revealed that when she first took over as Gaynor’s manager, the singer was struggling financially and accused her former husband and manager of not handling her career fairly.
Stephanie Gold is Excelling as Gloria’s Manager Even Today
Stephanie Gold has been by Gloria Gaynor’s side through thick and thin. She has played a crucial role not just as her manager but as her closest friend and confidante. It was at her insistence that Gaynor underwent spinal surgery in 2019, which finally relieved her of the chronic pain she had endured for years. Beyond handling her career, Gold is a constant presence at Gaynor’s events, often seen backstage ensuring everything runs smoothly and offering support before performances. Whether coordinating logistics, handling press, or simply being there as a source of encouragement, she remains a steadfast figure in Gaynor’s life. Still working as an agent for Glolo LLC, Gold is listed as the primary booking contact for Gaynor’s events and continues to champion her legacy with full enthusiasm.
Gold now resides in New York, not far from her hometown of Levittown. Though she keeps her personal life private, she has a close-knit circle of friends who deeply care for and admire her. A passionate philanthropist, she has championed numerous causes over the years, organizing and participating in fundraisers for Alzheimer’s support, ALS research, animal rescue, and more. She also has a beloved pup named Parker, whom she adores. Gold lost her mother a couple of years ago, and she has tried her best to honor the legacy of both of her parents. She proudly calls herself the daughter of a veteran and celebrates the little aspects of their lives in her own way. Gaynor has often spoken about the deep bond she shares with Gold and expressed immense gratitude for her love and friendship. After decades together, the two remain inseparable and are committed to standing by each other for as long as life allows.
Read More: Irma Proctor: How Did Gloria Gaynor’s Sister Die? Who Killed Her?
