A legacy left behind: Hollywood legend and Steven Spielberg’s right-hand man passes away at 96
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The curtains have closed on the life of a true Hollywood maestro.
Marvin Levy, the esteemed publicist who lent his voice to shape the narratives of cinematic history alongside Steven Spielberg, has passed away at the age of 96.
His departure leaves behind a legacy that is as indelible as the films he helped bring to the limelight.
Marvin Levy: The Man Who Brought Magic to the Silver Screen
Marvin Levy's journey through the golden age of cinema was nothing short of extraordinary.
For more than four decades, Levy's craftsmanship in public relations helped to elevate movies from mere flickers on a screen to cultural touchstones that captivated audiences worldwide.
His partnership with Spielberg, spanning over four decades, was the stuff of Hollywood movies.
Together, they created more than just films–they crafted experiences that defined generations.
Levy's strategic mind was behind the successful campaigns of blockbusters such as Taxi Driver, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Back to the Future, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, and Gladiator, to name a few.
Levy passed away on Monday in Los Angeles, with loved ones by his side, according to a statement from Amblin Entertainment released Wednesday. No cause of death was disclosed.
“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 shared in a statement. “I am grateful for all our years together. Marvin never failed to make me laugh, he never stopped smiling. We will miss you Marvin. You will always be in our hearts and your memory will always make us smile.”
A Trailblazer in His Field
In 2018, Levy's unparalleled contributions to the industry were recognized in a manner befitting his impact.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded him an honorary Oscar, marking him as the first and only publicist to receive such an honor.
“It was way out of left field for me. I couldn’t have imagined it,” Levy shared with The Associated Press in 2018. “It’s not like I could say ‘Gee, I’d love to get that one day.’ It was not on my to-do list.”
The Early Years: A New York Tale
Born on November 16, 1928, in Manhattan, Levy's New York upbringing was the prologue to his storied career. His education at New York University honed his natural talent with words, a skill that would later become his trademark in the industry.
Levy's early foray into television, writing questions for a quiz show, may have ended abruptly because of the “big ticket” question asked too early, but it was merely a detour on his path to greatness.
His first publicity job at MGM in New York laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Working on campaigns for classics like Gigi and Ben-Hur, Levy quickly realized his potential and the need to venture beyond the confines of his initial role.
The Spielberg Era and Beyond
Levy's move to California marked the beginning of his ascent to the pinnacle of Hollywood publicity.
Levy eventually connected with iconic publicists Arthur Canton and Bill Blowitz, which led him to a position at Columbia Pictures and a move to California.
It was there that he began collaborating with Spielberg, who had just come off the success of Jaws.
At first, he was assigned exclusively to focus on Close Encounters. By 1982, Levy had joined Spielberg full time—a decision he never second-guessed. Levy's dedication to Spielberg's vision was unwavering, and his influence extended well into his retirement in 2024.
Despite the highs, Levy also experienced the lows that come with a life in show business.
The loss of Saving Private Ryan to Shakespeare in Love for the best picture at the 71st Academy Awards was a particularly poignant moment. “That was the toughest night of my life in terms of the business,” Levy said.
Still, he managed to keep a composed front at the Governor's Ball that evening.
Source: Oscars / Youtube.
A Storyteller at Heart
When Levy received an honorary Oscar in 2018, Tom Hanks presented the award and remarked that it takes, “Something of a storyteller to get an audience hooked on the story without giving away the story.”
Levy was a master of anticipation, a conjurer of curiosity, and a guardian of the cinematic experience. He remained loyal to Spielberg and Amblin Entertainment until his full retirement in 2024. His passion for the work never faded.
“How lucky can you be? I mean it,” he said in 2018. “We work for the best filmmaker around.”
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Carol, their sons Don and Doug, and grandsons Brian and Daniel.
Also read: Another star brings light to the skies as Hollywood’s Mr. Everyman passes away at 95
Have you been touched by the films he championed? Do you have memories of the way his work influenced your experience of Hollywood's greatest hits? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below!
Marvin Levy, the esteemed publicist who lent his voice to shape the narratives of cinematic history alongside Steven Spielberg, has passed away at the age of 96.
His departure leaves behind a legacy that is as indelible as the films he helped bring to the limelight.
Marvin Levy: The Man Who Brought Magic to the Silver Screen
Marvin Levy's journey through the golden age of cinema was nothing short of extraordinary.
For more than four decades, Levy's craftsmanship in public relations helped to elevate movies from mere flickers on a screen to cultural touchstones that captivated audiences worldwide.
His partnership with Spielberg, spanning over four decades, was the stuff of Hollywood movies.
Together, they created more than just films–they crafted experiences that defined generations.
Marvin Levy, Steven Spielberg's publicist of over 40 years and Oscar recipient, passed away at 96. Image source: Oscars / Youtube.
Levy's strategic mind was behind the successful campaigns of blockbusters such as Taxi Driver, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Back to the Future, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, and Gladiator, to name a few.
Levy passed away on Monday in Los Angeles, with loved ones by his side, according to a statement from Amblin Entertainment released Wednesday. No cause of death was disclosed.
“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 shared in a statement. “I am grateful for all our years together. Marvin never failed to make me laugh, he never stopped smiling. We will miss you Marvin. You will always be in our hearts and your memory will always make us smile.”
A Trailblazer in His Field
In 2018, Levy's unparalleled contributions to the industry were recognized in a manner befitting his impact.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded him an honorary Oscar, marking him as the first and only publicist to receive such an honor.
“It was way out of left field for me. I couldn’t have imagined it,” Levy shared with The Associated Press in 2018. “It’s not like I could say ‘Gee, I’d love to get that one day.’ It was not on my to-do list.”
The Early Years: A New York Tale
Born on November 16, 1928, in Manhattan, Levy's New York upbringing was the prologue to his storied career. His education at New York University honed his natural talent with words, a skill that would later become his trademark in the industry.
Levy's early foray into television, writing questions for a quiz show, may have ended abruptly because of the “big ticket” question asked too early, but it was merely a detour on his path to greatness.
Levy's death was announced by Amblin Entertainment and occurred in Los Angeles with no cause given. Image source: Real News / Youtube.
His first publicity job at MGM in New York laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Working on campaigns for classics like Gigi and Ben-Hur, Levy quickly realized his potential and the need to venture beyond the confines of his initial role.
The Spielberg Era and Beyond
Levy's move to California marked the beginning of his ascent to the pinnacle of Hollywood publicity.
Levy eventually connected with iconic publicists Arthur Canton and Bill Blowitz, which led him to a position at Columbia Pictures and a move to California.
It was there that he began collaborating with Spielberg, who had just come off the success of Jaws.
At first, he was assigned exclusively to focus on Close Encounters. By 1982, Levy had joined Spielberg full time—a decision he never second-guessed. Levy's dedication to Spielberg's vision was unwavering, and his influence extended well into his retirement in 2024.
Despite the highs, Levy also experienced the lows that come with a life in show business.
The loss of Saving Private Ryan to Shakespeare in Love for the best picture at the 71st Academy Awards was a particularly poignant moment. “That was the toughest night of my life in terms of the business,” Levy said.
Still, he managed to keep a composed front at the Governor's Ball that evening.
Source: Oscars / Youtube.
A Storyteller at Heart
When Levy received an honorary Oscar in 2018, Tom Hanks presented the award and remarked that it takes, “Something of a storyteller to get an audience hooked on the story without giving away the story.”
Levy was a master of anticipation, a conjurer of curiosity, and a guardian of the cinematic experience. He remained loyal to Spielberg and Amblin Entertainment until his full retirement in 2024. His passion for the work never faded.
“How lucky can you be? I mean it,” he said in 2018. “We work for the best filmmaker around.”
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Carol, their sons Don and Doug, and grandsons Brian and Daniel.
Also read: Another star brings light to the skies as Hollywood’s Mr. Everyman passes away at 95
Have you been touched by the films he championed? Do you have memories of the way his work influenced your experience of Hollywood's greatest hits? Share your thoughts and tributes in the comments below!
