Sandy Bresler, Longtime Agent Of Jack Nicholson And Founder Of Two Talent Agencies, Passes Away At 87

Sandy Bresler, Jack Nicholson's longtime agent, has died. Known for setting the gold standard in talent representation as expressed by his family, he leaves behind a rich legacy in Hollywood.

Published on Aug 02, 2024  |  09:36 AM IST |  68.8K
John Kelly/Facebook
Sandy Bresler With John Kelly (Credit: John Kelly/Facebook)

Sandy Bresler, known in Hollywood as three-time Oscar winner Jack Nicholson’s exclusive agent of more than sixty years, passed away at 87 on Thursday, August 1, in Santa Monica. He “established the gold standard for personally curated talent representation,” his family said in a statement announcing his demise.

Bresler first met Nicholson when they were both serving in the California Air National Guard. He began representing the actor in 1961 after joining as a secretary at the William Morris Agency a year earlier.

When Nicholson received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 1999 Golden Globes, he acknowledged Bresler in his acceptance speech, saying, “There is only one agent who has stayed with me, guided me, tolerated my tantrums, my operatic behavior and so forth.”

During his speech, the actor made a humorous comment about forgetting Sandy's name before shouting him out as his “pal and comrade in arms!”

Bresler’s client list also included actors Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Louise Linton, and more.

Born on January 20, 1937, Bresler was the son of Jerry Bresler, producer of such films as The Vikings (1958), Gidget Goes to Rome (1963), Casino Royale (1967), and an Oscar-winning 1943 short.

Throughout his career, Bresler established Bresler-Kelly & Associates with John Kelly, as well as Bresler, Wolff, Cota & Levington, later known as The Artists Agency, to better represent his clients. He also worked with CMA and ICM.

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He served on the board of the Association of Talent Agents for three decades and as ATA president for more than one.

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Following his demise, ATA executive director Karen Stuart commended Bresler’s instrumental role in advancing the interests of the members of the association and the talent management industry as a whole.

“Sandy was a mentor to many, and he leaves behind a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come,” she added.

Bresler is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy; his son, Eric; his daughter, Jennifer; and his two grandsons, Brandon and Jonah. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, at noon at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Sentinel's Avenue, LA, California.

ALSO READ: Jane Fonda Remembers Her ‘Friend And Neighbor’ Bob Newhart Following Actor’s Death At 94

FAQ

Who was Sandy Bresler?
Sandy Bresler was a prominent Hollywood talent agent, best known for his long-term representation of Jack Nicholson, with whom he worked for over sixty years.

When did Sandy Bresler pass away?
Sandy Bresler passed away on Thursday, August 1, at the age of 87.

What organizations was Sandy Bresler involved with?
Bresler served on the board of the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) for thirty years and was its president for more than one term.

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