Remembering Nancy Seltzer: Celebrated Hollywood Publicist Passes Away at 79
Nancy Seltzer, Respected Hollywood Publicist, Passes Away at 79
Nancy Seltzer, a renowned publicist in the entertainment industry and founder of Nancy Seltzer & Associates, died on January 28 in Los Angeles following a brief hospital stay. She was 79 years old.
Seltzer began her career in her native New York before relocating to Los Angeles, where she established her bi-coastal publicity firm over the last 45 years. Her agency represented a variety of high-profile talents in film, television, music, theater, and literature.
Throughout her career, Seltzer navigated challenges, including the recent pandemic and the dual Hollywood strikes in 2023, while remaining dedicated to her long-term employees. At the time of her passing, her firm was still operational.
Known for her loyalty and deep relationships with clients, Seltzer’s roster included notable figures such as Garth Brooks, Danielle Steel, Joyce DiDonato, Placido Domingo, and the late Sir Sean Connery. Over the years, she also worked with A-list stars including Bette Davis, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, and Whitney Houston.
“Public relations is the hardest job in show business,” Brooks stated on his website, reflecting on his friendship with Seltzer. “She always handled every situation with the utmost class.”
Seltzer maintained close ties with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, serving as the head publicist for the Oscars red carpet for many years. Her impressive portfolio included high-profile films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Silence of the Lambs, A Few Good Men, and The Shawshank Redemption. Notably, for several of these projects—including Amadeus and Misery—she managed their public relations campaigns from production through the Academy Awards.
“She will be remembered as a legend of Hollywood publicity, one who helped define the role and set a standard few will ever match,” reads her obituary.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Tower Cancer Research Foundation.
