Marvin Levy, a veteran marketing and communications executive and longtime spokesperson for Steven Spielberg, passed away Tuesday (April 7). He was 96 years old.
In a 70-year career, Levy has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most influential public relations executives. In 2018 he became the first and only marketing or PR professional to win an honorary Oscar.
In a statement Tuesday evening, Spielberg said, “Marvin’s death is a huge loss for me and our industry is a massive writing. There are many talented PR executives, but Marvin was kind of one.”
Spielberg said, “For over 50 years, he was a very loyal and exceptional collaborator, and was respected and appreciated by all those who could learn from his lawyers. When it comes to dealing with the press, he had no peer.”
For the complete statement, scroll down to the bottom
Levy was born in New York on November 16th, 1928 to Max R and Edna Levy. After joining NYU’s ROTC program, he worked in communications with the Air Force and served in advertising and public relations for two years at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan.
Levy began his entertainment career in the late 1940s, first working on a game show with Robert G. Jennings, and then worked as a writer and assistant producer for talk shows Pioneer Tex and Jinx McClary. He played a role at MGM’s New York Public Relations Office, followed by major film PR agencies Blowitz Thomas and Canton, followed by a subsequent film “Release” that took him to California.
It was during Columbia Pictures’ vice president of advertising, promotion and promotion that first worked closely with Spielberg in 1977 science fiction. The third kind of close encounter. The pair formed a professional and personal bond that lasted nearly half a century as Levy left Columbia and worked together solely at Spielberg, first at Amblin Entertainment and later at DreamWorks Studios.
The veteran led a promotion and awards campaign, including many of Spielberg’s directorial works. et, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Save Private Ryan, Munich, Color purple, Lincolnand Spy Bridge.
He worked on it again Return to the future Franchise, The person who built Roger Rabbit, Benhau, Taxi driver, Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, Black man, Shrekand Gladiator.
Levy retired in 2024 at the age of 95. In addition to the Academy Awards, he won a public relations officer in 1994 (which merged with the International Director of Cinematography Guild in 2002). He was an avid supporter of the Shore Foundation, the Yoshito Foundation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Levy is survived by his 73-year-old wife, Carol, two sons Don and Doug, and two grandchildren, Brian and Daniel. He was preceded in death by his sister Jane.
The funeral will be held on Friday (April 11th) at 10am at Mount Sinai, Los Angeles.
Steven Spielberg’s full statement:
“Marvin’s death is a huge loss for me and our industry is a big writing. There are many talented PR executives, but Marvin was kind of one. For over 50 years, he was respected, respected, respected, respected, respected, respected, respected, respected, respected, respected, for over 50 years by those fortunate enough to handle his advice.
“We were on the other side of the filmmaking process. Every time we reached the end of the film’s production, Marvin’s work began.
He loved his work and was endlessly enthusiastic about our business. He was creative, innovative and respected for his knowledge and integrity. He was excited to understand new and better ways to present a film to the audience. As a result, he was the first and only public relations officer to win an Academy Award.
He was likewise dedicated to his beloved wife, Carol, 73-year-old, and their children, Don and Doug, and grandchildren Daniel and Brian.
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