The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Marvin Levy, a titan of publicity and Steven Spielberg’s longtime publicist, who passed away at the age of 96. Levy’s death, announced on April 8th, marks the end of an era spanning over five decades of shaping the public image of some of cinema’s greatest films.
Spielberg himself paid tribute, calling Levy “one of a kind” and emphasizing his deep loyalty and exceptional collaborative spirit. He highlighted Levy’s unparalleled skill in handling the press and his crucial role in the success of countless Amblin and DreamWorks productions. The director noted that while Spielberg’s work ended at the completion of a film, Levy’s had only just begun, orchestrating brilliant promotional campaigns and awards strategies.
Levy’s impressive career wasn’t limited to Spielberg’s films. His contributions extended to a vast array of iconic movies, including *Back to the Future*, *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*, *Gigi*, *Ben-Hur*, *Taxi Driver*, *Kramer vs. Kramer*, *Sophie’s Choice*, *Men in Black*, *Deep Impact*, *Shrek*, and *Gladiator*. Remarkably, five of the films he worked on went on to win Best Picture Oscars. His work on Spielberg’s own films, such as *E.T.*, *Jurassic Park*, *Schindler’s List*, *Saving Private Ryan*, *Munich*, *The Color Purple*, *Lincoln*, and *Bridge of Spies*, cemented his legendary status.
Beyond his extraordinary achievements in the film industry, Levy’s contributions extended to the Academy itself. He served on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for an impressive 23 years, notably as Chairman of the Public Relations Branch. His dedication and expertise earned him the Academy Award itself in 2018, a testament to his exemplary career and the impact he had on bringing films to global audiences. He also received the Publicists’ Guild’s highest honor, the Les Mason Award, in 1994. His philanthropic endeavors included supporting the Shoah Foundation, Righteous Persons Foundation, and Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Levy’s journey began in New York City in 1928. His early experience in communications during his Air Force service laid the foundation for his future success. He transitioned into entertainment in the late 1940s, working on game shows and talk shows before joining MGM and several prominent film PR agencies. His work at Columbia Pictures as VP of Advertising, Publicity, & Promotion brought him into contact with Spielberg on *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* in 1977, leading to a long and fruitful partnership. He retired in 2024 at the age of 95.
Marvin Levy is survived by his wife Carol, their two sons Don and Doug, and two grandsons, Brian and Daniel. He was preceded in death by his sister Jane. A funeral service will be held at Mount Sinai on Friday, April 11th at 10 a.m. His legacy as a brilliant publicist and a kind human being will continue to inspire generations to come.
