Pamela M. Staton, a respected casting director, producer, and beloved member of the entertainment community, passed away on April 7, 2025.

Born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Pamela graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., where she studied Communications and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A lifelong Christian, she traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Most recently, she shared her faith with over 15,000 daily listeners through her podcast, Pray With Me: Let's Get These Blessings Started, which she proudly created and produced.

With more than 22 years of experience in casting, producing, talent management, and marketing, Pamela left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She began her career at NBC as an associate producer on The Charlie Rose Show and later joined The Walt Disney Company, where she worked as a Feature Promotions Coordinator on films such as Beauty and the Beast. At Touchstone, she served as Director of Development in Television for a year.  Pamela also worked at BET as a seasonal Talent Executive, helping to launch the iconic Comic View series in the 1990s.

Her decade-long tenure at Warner Bros. Studios in Marketing & Finance spanned blockbuster franchises including Space Jam, The Matrix films, and Harry Potter. She coordinated talent for major award shows including the Critics' Choice Awards, People's Choice Awards, Daytime Emmys, American Music Awards, and The Movieguide Awards.

In 2000, Pamela founded Pamela Staton Casting, which eventually blossomed into a thriving independent business. In 2017, she launched Jersey Jewel Productions and later joined the team at Keke Palmer's KEY-TV Network, which focuses on creating theatrical content for digital platforms.

Over the course of her career, Pamela cast 74 independent films, 29 of which received "Best Film" honors at prestigious festivals, including Cannes. Notable titles include Better Criminal, Let It Bleed, Sister's Keeper, Restraining Order, Street Boss, The 5th of July, Restitution, and All About You—a film that became the highest-selling DVD in the urban market.

Pamela was also deeply involved in professional organizations. She was an associate member of the Casting Society of America (CSA), the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS), Women in Film (WIF), and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). She served 13 years as a voting member for the Independent Spirit Awards, participated in the Image Awards nominations committee, and contributed to the Hollywood Black Film Festival.

When Pamela moved to Los Angeles 35 years ago, her first apartment was next door to then-rising star Will Smith. Known for her wit, generosity, and passion for the craft, she enjoyed writing, mentoring emerging talent, and teaching others how to navigate the industry. Her vibrant spirit and signature sayings—"In it to win it," "Nothing beats a failure but a try," and "To God be the glory"—captured the essence of her determined and faith-filled life.

Pamela came from a family of achievers. Her mother, Mabel Staton, represented the United States in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, as a long jumper. Pamela often credited her tenacity and drive to her strong family roots.

She is survived by her older sister Patricia, younger brother Rodman Jr., younger sister Paula, and dear friends Jaqueline Blaylock, Miriam Holden Jacobs, and Marilyn Anderson.

Pamela M. Staton's legacy lives on through the countless artists she inspired, the productions she shaped, and the hearts she touched.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held for Pamela on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at The Church of Good Shepherd, 504 N. Roxbury Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210.  Friends and colleagues are welcome.