Who was Sandy Bresler? Actor Jack Nicholson’s longtime agent and spokesperson passes away at 87

Longtime Hollywood agent Sandy Bresler passed away on Thursday, August 1, at the age of 87, in Santa Monica. For more than 60 years, Bresler represented American actor and filmmaker Jack Nicholson.

Bresler was born on January 20, 1937. His father, Jerry Bresler, produced movies such as Casino Royale (1967), Gidget Goes to Rome (1963), The Vikings (1958), and a 1943 short film that won an Oscar— Heavenly Music.

In order to better represent his clients, Bresler founded Bresler-Kelly & Associates in 1983 alongside John Kelly. He also founded Bresler, Wolff, Cota & Livingston, which later came to be known as The Artists Agency.

He also worked with ICM and CMA. However, he was later fired from CMA by Freddie Fields. As per his relatives, who spoke with Deadline, Bresler was well-known for his lengthy, fruitful partnerships with his clients.

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Sandy Bresler started working as Jack Nicholson's agent in 1961

Sandy Bresler was a long-time agent (Image via Association of Talent Agents, Facebook / Rosa Blasi)

The statement given out by his family members announcing Sandy Bresler's passing stated that he had "established the gold standard for personally curated talent representation."

July 14, 1969— the day the Nicholson-starring film Easy Rider premiered— Bresler stated that he was the actor's "exclusive" representative. Moreover, Bresler announced the opening of Sandy Bresler & Associates with an advertisement in The Hollywood Reporter on the same day.

In 1960, he began working for William Morris as a secretary. While they were both members of the California Air National Guard, Bresler first met Nicholson. After working as a secretary at the William Morris Agency for a year, he started representing the actor in 1961.

Nicholson further honored Bresler when he accepted the Cecil B. DeMille award at the 1999 Golden Globes. Jack had said onstage:

“There is only one agent who has stayed with me, guided me, tolerated my tantrums, my operatic behavior and so forth.”

The actor then cracked a joke about forgetting Sandy's name during his address. Stating the same, he said,

“His name escapes me. Sandy Bresler, my pal and comrade in arms!”

In addition, Bresler presided over the Association of Talent Agents for more than ten years as its president and served on its board for about thirty years. He also belonged to the Motion Picture Academy.

An article published by Deadline on August 1 reported that Karen Stuart, the Executive Director of ATA, previously stated in a statement,

“Throughout Sandy’s remarkable tenure, as a friend and leader, he demonstrated unparalleled dedication and visionary leadership, guiding the association through a period of significant growth and transformation.”

She further stated,

“Under his stewardship, ATA expanded its reach and influence. Sandy’s unwavering commitment to the talent agency profession was instrumental in advancing the interests of our members and elevating the industry as a whole.”

She continued that Bresler had been a mentor to many, and that his impact would continue to be felt.

Actors Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Louise Linton, who is currently married to film executive and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and other notable stars were among Bresler's client list.

Bresler underwent a sextuple bypass in 2003.

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Bresler is survived by his twin grandchildren, Brandon and Jonah Galperson, as well as his wife of 58 years, Nancy, son Eric, and daughter Jennifer Galperson. Deadline further reported that the funeral will take place in Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, on Tuesday, August 6 at noon.

The cause of his death hasn’t been made public as of this writing.