Jack Nicholson recently received sad news.
He was informed of the passing of Sandy Bresler, his agent and close friend of more than six decades, on August 1, 2024. Bresler, who was 87, passed away after a brief illness. His career as Nicholson’s agent saw him guide the actor through some of Hollywood’s most memorable roles.
Bresler’s family released a statement confirming his death in Santa Monica, California. Bresler was renowned for his commitment to his clients and his unique approach to talent management, which played a pivotal role in shaping Nicholson’s career. Their relationship began in the early 1960s while serving in the California Air National Guard and spanned over 60 years.
Bresler was a figure Nicholson regularly expressed admiration for. Accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 1999 Golden Globes, Nicholson jokingly said, “There is only one agent who has stayed with me, guided me, tolerated my tantrums, my operatic behavior and so forth. His name escapes me,” before affectionately adding, “Sandy Bresler, my pal, and comrade in arms.”
Bresler’s career began in 1960 as a secretary at the William Morris Agency and he quickly rose through the ranks. By 1983, he had co-founded Bresler-Kelly & Associates, a boutique agency, and was managing the careers of other notable Hollywood figures like Judd Hirsch and Randy Quaid. Bresler’s impact extended beyond his clients; he also served as the president of the Association of Talent Agents (ATA) for over a decade, contributing to its growth in Hollywood.
Karen Stuart, the ATA’s executive director, praised Bresler’s unwavering dedication to talent agency work, which she said was instrumental in advancing the interests of ATA members and enhancing the industry as a whole. She noted that he mentored many and his influence will be felt for years to come.
In 2003, Bresler underwent a sextuple heart bypass operation, but his health issues did not deter him from his work. His loyalty to his clients and the entertainment industry remained steadfast even post-surgery, a testament to his resilience and commitment to professionalism.
Recently, Nicholson has largely kept a low profile, raising concerns among his fans about his health. The 85-year-old actor, renowned for his roles in “The Shining” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” has been termed reclusive, leading to speculations about potential memory issues. However, Nicholson has refuted claims of retirement due to health issues, although he has been inactive in the entertainment industry since 2010.
Sandy Bresler is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy, their children, Eric and Jennifer, and twin grandsons, Brandon and Jonah. Bresler’s funeral took place on August 6 at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.
