Howard Bragman, a public relations giant who helped guide all-star clients grappling with dilemmas while becoming a crisis PR expert and key advocate for the rights of the LBGTQ, has passed away. He was 66.
His death was confirmed as Hollywood Reporter by a source close to the family. It was also announced by his friend John Duran on Twitter on Saturday night.
“My dear old friend of the past 30 years passed away tonight. RIP Howard Bragman. LBGT Warrior. Gentle giant. Wicked humour. Love you forever. See you on the other side,” Duran tweeted.
If a Hollywood star is in trouble, Bragman is often on the call list to help. Most recently, he represented controversial talk show host Wendy Williams, but over the years his clients have also included Monica Lewinsky and Chaz Bono.
Bragman is also known for helping reclusive celebrities reveal their gender at a time when being “out” can destroy careers. Among the people he helped reveal their truth was Meredith Baxter, Family relationship star, who gave an interview after fearing the tabloids were about to reveal photos of her and her partner.
Notably, he was called on to help then-University of Missouri defense and NFL Draft top prospect Michael Sam with his decision to go public ahead of the 2014 draft. Coordinate historical announcements with major stores including The New York TimesESPN and outsideSports.
Bragman’s extensive experience in crisis situations has become so well known that he himself has become a celebrity, often mentioned in the media, including CHEAPto offer his expertise on celebrities caught in the crossfire.
He is one of the founders of the PR firm Bragman Nyman Cafarelli, which was acquired by Weber Shandwick Worldwide in 2001, merging it with PMK to become PMK-BNC. He went on to found the Fifteen Minutes PR company and then started La Brea Media. In 2011, he became vice president of Reputation.com.
