Where Did Trevor Engelson Go To College?
Trevor Engelson is an American film producer and talent manager who is best known for being the first husband of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Engelson attended college in Southern California and began his career working in the entertainment industry shortly after graduating.
In this article, we will explore Engelson’s educational background and the path that led him to become a successful Hollywood producer.
Where Did Trevor Engelson Go To College?
Trevor Engelson attended the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles for college. USC is a highly regarded private research university that is ranked among the top universities in the United States.
Engelson enrolled at USC in the mid-1990s after graduating from Great Neck North High School in New York. He majored in Film and Television Production at USC’s prestigious School of Cinematic Arts. The School of Cinematic Arts, commonly known as “Cinema School,” is one of the top film schools in the world.
During his time at USC, Engelson took courses in film and TV production, screenwriting, editing, cinematography, and other related subjects. He gained hands-on experience producing student films and TV programs at the school.
Engelson graduated from USC in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Television Production. His education at such a prestigious film school paved the way for his future career in the entertainment industry.
Early Career After College
After graduating from USC in 1998, Trevor Engelson jumped right into his Hollywood career. He started out working in production and talent management roles.
Production Jobs
Engelson’s first job after college was as a production assistant on the film Remember the Titans starring Denzel Washington. This entry-level job provided valuable experience and allowed him to make connections in the industry.
After that, Engelson worked his way up to associate producer on films including Hearts in Atlantis in 2001 and Almost Famous in 2000. He continued gaining experience that would prove useful when he later produced his own films.
Talent Management
In the early 2000s, Engelson transitioned into talent management, founding the Trevor Engelson Management company. He began managing up-and-coming actors, helping guide their careers.
Some of the notable actors he managed included:
- Scott Eastwood
- Kristoffer Polaha
- Jewel Staite
Through his talent management work, Engelson made many long-lasting industry connections that served him well as he later produced films featuring high-profile actors.
Marriage to Meghan Markle
One of Trevor Engelson’s most famous connections was his marriage to Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex. Engelson and Markle dated for 6 years before getting engaged in 2010.
They married on September 10, 2011 at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in an intimate beachfront ceremony. Their marriage lasted two years before ending in divorce in August 2013 citing “irreconcilable differences.”
During their relationship, Engelson helped nurture Markle’s acting career. He produced the film Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson, which featured Markle in a small role in 2010.
The connection with Markle put Engelson in the global spotlight after she married Prince Harry in 2018. Their relationship represented an important chapter in his life during his rise in Hollywood.
Transition to Film Producer
After building up experience in production and management, Trevor Engelson shifted his focus to producing full-length movies in the mid-2000s.
Early Producing Credits
Engelson’s early producing credits included:
- Keeping Up with the Steins (2006) – independent comedy starring Jeremy Piven
- License to Wed (2007) – romantic comedy with Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, and John Krasinski
- All About Steve (2009) – romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock that won the Razzie Award for Worst Picture
These initial producing efforts gave Engelson the opportunity to hone his skills and work with notable actors. While the films had varying degrees of success, they marked an important transition in his career.
Breakout with Remember Me
Trevor Engelson’s breakout hit as a producer came with the 2010 romantic drama Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson. The film opened #1 at the box office and earned over $56 million worldwide.
Remember Me marked a major accomplishment for Engelson as sole producer on a film with a $16 million budget. Its success helped establish him as a formidable Hollywood producer.
Further Projects
After Remember Me, Engelson went on to produce several more films including:
- License to Wed (2013) – comedy starring Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, and John Krasinski
- Snowden (2016) – biopic on NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden directed by Oliver Stone
- I Feel Pretty (2018) – comedy starring Amy Schumer that grossed over $94 million
He also delved into producing documentaries including:
- Under the Gun (2016) – documentary on gun violence in America
- Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee (2016) – documentary on tech pioneer John McAfee
Through these diverse projects, Engelson displayed his versatility and business savvy as a successful Hollywood producer.
Ongoing Career and Projects
Trevor Engelson continues to work as a prolific film and TV producer in recent years. Some of his notable recent projects include:
- Heathers (2018) – TV series adaptation of the 1980s cult film
- The Romanoffs (2018) – anthology series on Amazon Prime from Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner
- The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022) – coming-of-age TV series on Amazon Prime
He also expanded into sports documentaries, producing:
- Big Game: The NFL in Dangerous Times (2021) – documentary series on the NFL’s controversies
- 144 (2022) – documentary about WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes
As of 2023, Engelson maintains a busy producing career across film and television. He has several announced upcoming projects in the works:
- Field of Dreams series – TV adaptation of the classic baseball film
- Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story – true crime drama starring Candice Bergen
With over 25 producer credits to his name at just 50 years old, Trevor Engelson has clearly demonstrated success across a range of films and TV genres. His USC film education paved the way for his prolific Hollywood career that continues today.
Trevor Engelson’s Net Worth
Given Trevor Engelson’s successful career producing numerous major films and TV shows, he has amassed an impressive net worth.
According to celebrity net worth sites, Trevor Engelson’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2023.
The majority of Engelson’s wealth comes from his work as a producer. Successful films he has produced such as Remember Me, Snowden, and I Feel Pretty have made substantial profits at the box office. Engelson likely earned several million dollars alone from backend points on these films.
TV series like The Romanoffs and Heathers have also contributed significantly to Engelson’s fortune. As a producer, he takes an ownership stake and earns ongoing royalties from these properties.
In addition to film and TV income, Engelson earned money earlier in his career from talent management commissions and fees. His profitable marriage and subsequent divorce settlement from Meghan Markle may have provided a boost to his net worth as well.
Still active in his Hollywood career, Trevor Engelson continues to add to his personal fortune. With a number of upcoming projects in the pipeline, his shrewd producing skills should ensure his net worth keeps rising in years to come.
Trevor Engelson’s Legacy and Impact
Although still in the prime of his career, Trevor Engelson has already left a significant impact through his work as a producer in film and television. Here are some of the key ways Engelson has made his mark on Hollywood so far:
Launching Major Stars
As a talent manager early in his career, Engelson helped discover and boost the careers of several performers who later became major stars. His guidance and connections helped provide a platform for now-famous talents like Scott Eastwood and Kristoffer Polaha to break through.
Memorable Films and Shows
Engelson’s producer credits include a range of memorable films and TV series that have resonated with audiences. Movies such as Remember Me, Snowden, and I Feel Pretty made a mark on the cinematic landscape. His TV work on series like The Romanoffs and Heathers put him at the forefront of contemporary television.
Behind-the-Scenes Power Player
While not a celebrity name himself, Engelson has made himself an influential behind-the-scenes power player in Hollywood through his prolific producing work across film and TV. His reputation and business savvy provide the ability to raise financing and attach high-profile talents to projects.
Meghan Markle Connection
Although brief, Engelson’s marriage to Meghan Markle linked him to one of the most famous celebrities in the world. This relationship keeps him in the public eye years later despite their quiet divorce.
USC Alumni Success Story
As a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts film program, Trevor Engelson represents a success story for the prestigious school. His career serves as an aspirational example for future USC film students.
With many more active years ahead, Trevor Engelson has the potential to further enhance his Hollywood legacy and impact through his ongoing work as an innovative producer.
Conclusion
In summary, Trevor Engelson’s college experience at the University of Southern California’s renowned film school provided an ideal foundation to launch his decades-long career in entertainment. After honing his skills in production and talent management in the early 2000s, Engelson successfully transitioned into working as a prolific film and television producer.
His standout projects such as Remember Me and Snowden have demonstrated his ability to deliver major commercial hits and critically acclaimed work alike. Though known briefly as the first husband of Meghan Markle, Engelson has made his own name in Hollywood through the success and influence of his diverse producing credits.
With an estimated $10 million net worth and more projects on the horizon, Trevor Engelson remains a power player in the industry. His continued work promises to further cement his lasting impact and legacy in Hollywood for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trevor Engelson’s Education and Career
Where did Trevor Engelson go to college?
Trevor Engelson attended the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles for college. He graduated from USC in 1998 with a BA in Film and Television Production.
What did Trevor Engelson study in college?
Engelson studied Film and TV Production at USC’s renowned School of Cinematic Arts. He took courses in areas like screenwriting, editing, cinematography, and other film/TV subjects.
How did Trevor Engelson’s college help his career?
Attending the prestigious USC film school gave Engelson the hands-on training and connections that helped him break into producing and managing talent in Hollywood shortly after graduating.
What was Trevor Engelson’s first job after college?
Engelson’s first role after USC was working as a production assistant on the film Remember the Titans in 2000. This helped him get his foot in the door in Hollywood.
When did Trevor Engelson get his start in producing?
Engelson’s first producing credits came in the mid-2000s with films like Keeping Up with the Steins (2006). His breakout hit as producer was Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson in 2010.
What are some of Trevor Engelson’s biggest projects?
Some of Engelson’s most notable projects have included Remember Me, Snowden, I Feel Pretty, Heathers, and The Romanoffs. He also produced the documentary Under the Gun.
How much is Trevor Engelson worth?
According to reports, Trevor Engelson’s current net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. The bulk of his wealth comes from his successful Hollywood producing career.
Is Trevor Engelson still married to Meghan Markle?
No, Engelson and Markle divorced in 2013 after two years of marriage. Engelson was Markle’s first husband prior to her marriage to Prince Harry.
Does Trevor Engelson have any projects coming up?
Yes, Engelson has multiple upcoming projects in the works including a Field of Dreams TV series, a film called Suitcase Killer, and other TV and movie productions.
