Notable Hollywood publicist, Mickey Cottrell, known for his unwavering support of independent cinema and his ventures into acting and production, has died at the age of 79.
Reports confirm that Cottrell passed away on January 1, 2024, at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California.
Born on September 4, 1944, in Springfield, Illinois, Cottrell began his career in publicity at Landmark Theaters in 1982, marking the start of his journey in the film industry, which was filled with remarkable achievements and collaborations.
In 1989, Cottrell co-established Cottrell and Lindeman Associates, and in 2002, he initiated Mickey Cottrell Film Publicity, reinforcing his standing in the field.
Cottrell’s proficiency in publicity played a significant role in the promotion of a variety of films, including significant titles such as “Earth Girls Are Easy,” “The Quiet American,” “Weekend,” “I Am Divine,” “One False Move,” “Blood and Concrete,” “Streetwise,” “Ballets Russes,” “Salt,” and “Querelle.”
Aside from his work in publicity, Cottrell worked with several respected independent filmmakers. These partnerships included projects with Andrew Haigh, Phillip Noyce for “Dead Calm,” Wim Wenders for “Wings of Desire,” Percy Adlon for “Bagdad Cafe,” Ira Sachs for “Keep the Lights On,” Jonathan Caouette for “Tarnation,” and notably, extensive work with Gus Van Sant, contributing significantly to “Drugstore Cowboy,” “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” and “My Own Private Idaho.”
In “My Own Private Idaho,” he took on the dual roles of handling publicity and showcasing his acting skills, playing Daddy Carroll opposite Keanu Reeves and the late River Phoenix.
His acting career included roles in films like “Ed Wood,” “Volcano,” “Jolene,” “I Do,” and “Shortbus,” as well as television appearances in episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Voyager.” His talents also extended to producing, with credits in “Chain of Desire” (1992) and “Shelf Life” (1993).
Cottrell’s sister, Suzy Cottrell, confirmed his death and shared a touching tribute on Facebook, honoring her brother’s life and his impact on those around him.
Prior to his death, Cottrell experienced health issues, including a major stroke in 2016. He lived with his sister in Arkansas after his stroke and then moved back to Los Angeles in 2019.
Survived by his sisters Suzy and Gigi, nephew Jeremy Allen, and great-nephew Gregory Allen, Cottrell’s legacy lives on.
Plans for a memorial service are yet to be announced, to honor a life and career dedicated to the art of film.
