Margaret Doversola, a pioneering casting director who enabled many local actors find roles in the initial era of signature TV series and movies filmed in Hawaii, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 1, 2022. She was 78.
She was initially a secretary of the original producer of the Jack Lord-led “Hawaii Five-0.” But her work ethics weren’t unnoticed by Lord, who hired her as his personal assistant, and she was part of the unknown icons of “Five-0,” CBS’s first procedural to be filmed entirely in the islands. Doversola remained close to Lord, until his final days.
Though born in Manchester, England, she relocated with her family to Australia when she was 7, and later immigrated to Hawaii where she earned a degree at BYU-Hawaii, in 1966. She also briefly taught in Utah.
She eventually became assistant casting director for CBS’ second on-location show, “Magnum P.I.,” in 1980, working alongside Tom Selleck to secure island talent and faces for roles in episodic TV here.
Doversola was instrumental in recognizing and signing a string of actors for a variety of shows for more than three decades. She also conducted workshops for newbies in need of skills to survive a casting call.
Among her signees: Jason Momoa, Kelly Hu, Elizabeth Lindsey, Tia Carrere and Branscombe Richmond.
She was known to recognize a face, and enabled unknowns to do extra work, eventually landing them speaking roles. “Margaret was always incredibly positive and cheerful in our auditions,” said Julia Nickson, who went from Liberty House model to on-screen co-star in such vehicles as “Rambo First Blood, Part II,” and “Magnum.”
She rubbed shoulders with a retinue of actors who had film or TV projects here, including Jon Hamm, Carol Burnett, Richard Chamberlain, Ben Affleck, David Hasselhoff, Jim Nabors, Branden Fraser.
Doversola’s daughter, Lane Doversola, said her mom was someone “who loved all people and had a huge heart. My mom was always behind the scenes and instrumental in helping young local talents make their dreams come true landing big roles in Hollywood. However, in my life, she was my hero and the true shining star.”
Other actors shared reaction to Doversola’s passing.
Said actress Elizabeth Lindsey: “Margaret was a beacon for many. She guided our careers with an equal measure of tenacity and kindness… She saw potential in this country girl and gave me my wings to fly. Now it’s time for our beloved mentor and friend to take flight.”
“Margaret Doversola’s encouragement and support for me in her acting workshops inspired me to pursue my acting career at a young age,” said Matt Sato, of the “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D” Disney series filming its second season currently.
Jordan Segundo, TV anchor, actor and singer, said: “Margaret Doversola had an incredible spirit and was a big supporter of local talent. She will be missed.”
Nancy Bernal, entertainment manager, said, “She promoted professionalism and kindness in her acting workshops that she taught for both adults and children.”
Funeral services will be held on July 16, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she was an active member. The church is at 219 Lunalilo Home Road in Hawaii Kai. Visitation will be from 10 a.m., with services from 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life from 12:30 to 2 p.m. …
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So sad at Margaret’s passing. She was a brilliant advocate for local talent. She will sincerely be missed.
She was truly legendary, a supporter of local talent; she was the gateway to TV and film work for so many hopefuls.
Margret you are the greatest in this world. I will miss you so very much you made Life so Beautiful we always talked for many hours.I took you’r class’s and you gave me a start in Jake and the Fatman and so many more thru years. The world will never be the same, already miss you so much. You now sit at the right Hand of God.
Thanks for your reflections on Margaret; she was a pioneering resource in casting locals in TV and film projects here. And will be missed.