Steven Spielberg has paid tribute after the death of Oscar-winning publicist Marvin Levy.
Levy – who worked on campaigns for major films such as Taxi Driver and Kramer vs Kramer during his long career – died on Monday (7 April) at the age of 96. He passed away in Los Angeles.
The publicist was well-known in Tinseltown and was the first marketing or PR professional to win an honorary Oscar. He was given the gong in 2018 in recognition of his work.
Spielberg and Levy had collaborated many times, working together on massive films such as ET, Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List. The award-winning director said in a statement in The Hollywood Reporter: “Marvin’s passing is a huge loss for me and our industry writ large.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“There are many talented PR executives, but Marvin was one of a kind. 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.”
He went on: “When it came to handling the press, he had no peer.” He said that to the media and the world of exhibition, Marvin “was the face of Amblin”, which is the film production company Spielberg founded.
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(Image: Getty Images)
“We were opposite ends of the movie-making process,” the director continued. “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.
(Image: FilmMagic)
“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.”
The filmmaker said: “I am grateful for all our years together. Marvin never failed to make me laugh, he never stopped smiling.”
He signed off by saying how much the publicist would be missed. “We will miss you, Marvin,” said the star.
“You will always be in our hearts, and your memory will always make us smile.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
