Marvin Levy, Steven Spielberg’s longtime publicist, has died. He was 96.
Levy, a renowned marketing and communications executive, who received an honorary Oscar in 2018, died on April 7.
“Marvin’s passing is a huge loss for me and our industry writ large. There are many talented PR executives, but Marvin was one of a kind,” Spielberg said. “For over 50 years, he was a deeply loyal and exceptional collaborator who was respected and appreciated by all those who were lucky enough to learn from his counsel. When it came to handling the press, he had no peer.”
Spielberg continued, “To the media-and the world of exhibition, Marvin was the face of Amblin. We were opposite ends of the movie-making process. Every time I reached the end of production on a film, Marvin’s work had only begun. Through countless films, tv series, Amblin events, awards campaigns and our public relations strategy—this is where Marvin came alive. He loved his work—and was endlessly enthusiastic about our business. He was creative, innovative and respected for his knowledge and honesty. He was excited to figure how new and better ways to present films to audiences. As a result, he was the first and only publicist to receive an Academy Award.”
Spielberg credits Levy as part of the team responsible for the success of the films he worked on throughout the decades. Levy led promotional and awards campaigns for numerous of Spielberg’s own directorial works, including E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Munich, The Color Purple, Lincoln and Bridge of Spies. Other influential films Levy worked on include Back to the Future and its sequels, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Gigi, Ben-Hur, Taxi Driver, Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, Men in Black, Deep Impact, Shrek and Gladiator.
Levy retired in 2024, at the age of 95.
Levy is survived by his wife of 73 years, Carol, their two sons, Don and Doug and his two grandsons, Brian and Daniel. He was preceded in death by his sister Jane.
The funeral will be held at Mount Sinai on Friday, April 11th at 10 a.m.
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