Marvin Levy, the longtime adviser and publicist to legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, died April 7. He was 96.
Levy helped guide Spielberg to success with films like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler’s List,” “Lincoln” and more. He was one of the most respected marketing professionals in the film industry and the only PR rep to ever win an Honorary Academy Award.
“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 said in a statement. “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. When it came to handling the press, he had no peer. To the media and the world of exhibition, Marvin was the face of Amblin. We were opposite ends of the movie-making process. 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. He was creative, innovative and respected for his knowledge and honesty. 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.”
Outside of his work with Spielberg, Levy worked on the marketing campaigns of films like “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.”
Levy started his career in the late 1940s, first working on game shows before becoming a writer and assistant producer for early talk show hosts Tex and Jinx McCrary. He also held roles at MGM’s New York publicity office, PR agency Blowitz Thomas and Canton and Cinema Releasing.
While working as VP of advertising, publicity and promotion at Columbia Pictures, Levy first collaborated with Spielberg on “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Levy would soon leave Columbia to work with Spielberg exclusively at Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks Studios. After nearly a half-century in the industry, Levy retired in 2024.
Levy is survived by his wife, Carol Levy, their two sons, Don Levy and Doug Levy, and his two grandsons.
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