Bernie Brillstein, dead at 77

People News

By Stone Martindale Aug 8, 2008, 16:50 GMT

Talent manager and producer Bernie Brillstein has died. He was 77. Bernie Brillstein - The Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel - Beverly Hills, Ca, USA © Myriam A. / PR Photos

Bernie Brillstein - The Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel - Beverly Hills, Ca, USA © Myriam A. / PR PhotosHis cause of death was due to complications stemming from double-bypass heart surgery in February, according to Variety.Brillstein began as an agent at William Morris Agency, then segued into his management company in the 1980s and in the '90s in partnership with Brad Grey, now chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. Brillstein repped many stars including Lorne Michaels, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler, Geena Davis, Martin Short, Jim Belushi, Dabney Coleman, Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller, Nicolas Cage, Rob Lowe and Jay Tarses.During the 1980s, the Brillstein Co. delved into TV production.With his partner Brad Grey in 1991, the Brillstein-Grey company produced "The Sopranos," "Just Shoot Me," "NewsRadio," "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher" and "The Larry Sanders Show." Together they produced Adam Sandler's "Happy Gilmore," Jim Carrey's "The Cable Guy" and "The Replacement Killers."Variety noted that he was born in 1931 in New York, and his uncle, Ziegfeld Follies comic Jack Pearl gave him his first into to show business. After graduating from New York U., he began working in the WMA mailroom in New York.

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West Express Messenger ServiceAug 8th, 2008 - 18:48:36

I asked Bernie one day what was your secret for all your success,he said 'I only deal with nice people,I choose people in my life based on their character not on financial gain.'
He treated all of us with kindness and never let us think he was better than us.In our line of work that was very rare.

Bernie Brillstein will be missed by all who knew him.He was a true 'CLASS ACT.'

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