Marty Erlichman, the entertainment manager who discovered Barbra Streisand and managed her for more than six decades, died on Saturday of age-related causes. He was 97.
“To the world, he was a giant of Hollywood; to us, he was a deeply devoted and loving father, husband, grandfather, and rock,” Erlichman’s family wrote in a statement. “We feel his loss deeply but are endlessly proud of the life he lived and the indelible mark he left on the world.”
Over 60 years, Erlichman shaped Streisand’s career from New York nightclub singer to international star on stage and screen. He negotiated agreements and oversaw her career’s business side. He worked on her 2000 Millennium Concert, the 2006 to 2007 world tour, and executive produced her 1994 HBO special “Barbra: The Concert.”
“Although Marty lived a long and full life, nothing can prepare you for the reality of losing someone so dear,” Streisand said in a statement. “I truly thought he would live forever. In my eyes, he was simply indestructible—always by my side, through everything. He can never be replaced, and I will be forever grateful for his friendship, loyalty, and unwavering support.”
One of Erlichman’s other early successes in the entertainment business was as manager to the Irish folk group The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. His other clients included heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, record producer and songwriter Bob Crewe, 1960s pop group Gary Puckett & the Union Gap and comedian and actor Chevy Chase.
Erlichman also worked as a film producer. His credits include Streisand’s 1974 comedy “For Pete’s Sake,” the 1978 psychological thriller “Coma” directed by Michael Crichton and the 1983 romantic thriller “Breathless,” starring Richard Gere.
Erlichman was born Sept. 13, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York. He graduate from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife, Miko Mayama Erlichman; their son, J.J.; daughter-in-law, Talia; and four grandchildren. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation.
