Legendary Publicist Marvin Levy Passes Away at 96
Marvin Levy, an iconic figure in the realm of public relations, passed away on Monday at the age of 96. Levy was renowned for his extensive career working alongside esteemed director Steven Spielberg, ultimately becoming the first publicist to be honored with an Academy Award. An announcement was made by a representative from Amblin, the production company co-founded by Spielberg.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Levy’s illustrious career began at MGM in New York before he moved to Hollywood, where he joined Columbia Pictures. His collaboration with Spielberg commenced with the groundbreaking film Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977. Levy earned a reputation as a “Spielberg Whisperer,”providing invaluable advice that would shape the filmmaker’s projects.
A Lasting Legacy in Film Promotion
During a tribute at the 2018 Governors Awards, actor Tom Hanks emphasized Levy’s pivotal role in promoting classic films such as E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Schindler’s List (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Lincoln (2012). Hanks affectionately remarked, “Now, all those movies are pretty damn good, but I don’t think any of us in this room would have bothered seeing them without the efforts of Marvin Levy.”
“The work has to be about showing up for something good; it has to have a purpose,” Levy shared during his Oscar acceptance speech. “The person who most taught me that is Steven Spielberg. He’s always treated me like a storyteller, and we are all storytellers in the public relations branch.”
Pioneering Honor for Publicists
Before Levy received his honorary Oscar, the Academy had recognized several presidents from the public relations sector, yet none had been awarded such accolades for their contributions. Scott Feinberg, an Awards Analyst for THR, noted that “the Academy could not have chosen a more perfect ceiling-breaker than Levy, who has practiced virtually every aspect of his profession.”
Tributes Pour In
Levy retired in July 2024. Reflecting on their decades together, Spielberg remarked, “To say that Marvin has been an integral part of my personal and professional life is an understatement.” In a heartfelt statement following Levy’s passing, Spielberg said:
“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… He was excited to figure out new and better ways to present films to audiences. As a result, he was the first and only publicist to receive an Academy Award.”
A Life Rich in Experience
Born on November 16, 1928, in New York City, Levy’s journey began with a degree from NYU in 1949. His early career saw him involved in various capacities, including being a researcher for a television quiz show, and later joining MGM’s advertising department. Under the mentorship of Howard Dietz, he contributed significantly to the publicity campaigns for classic films such as Gigi (1958) and Ben-Hur (1959).
Innovative Marketing Strategies
In the early 1960s, Levy transitioned to a PR firm where he was instrumental in promoting notable films like Charly (1968) and Walking Tall (1973). His innovative marketing approach revitalized Walking Tall after initial theatrical struggles, ultimately leading to its success as an indie film phenomenon.
Commitment to Social Causes
Levy was not only a pioneering publicist but also an advocate for social issues. He played a key role in getting celebrity activists, including Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier, involved in the historic March on Washington in 1963. His dedication to the field was recognized through numerous accolades, including the prestigious Les Mason Award in 1994.
Survivors and Final Arrangements
Levy is survived by his wife, Carol, their two sons, and grandsons. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday at Mount Sinai in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Feeding America or Canine Companions.
A Universal Impact
In his acceptance speech at the Governors Awards, Levy remarked on how challenging it was to describe his profession to friends outside the industry. “Most friends and relations really had no clue, so I could never explain the full range of what the job really entails. But at least now they know I got an Oscar for it,” he humorously conveyed. Marvin Levy’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, not just through the films he helped promote, but through the countless lives he touched in the industry.