On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Sandy Bresler, the lifelong agent and friend of Jack Nicholson, passed away at age 87 following a brief illness. Bresler’s career as Nicholson’s agent spanned over 60 years, during which he steered Nicholson to some of Hollywood’s most memorable roles.
According to family statements, Bresler died in Santa Monica, California. Bresler’s unwavering commitment to his clients and strategic talent management were key to shaping Nicholson’s successful career. They first crossed paths in the early 1960s while serving in the California Air National Guard and their professional association lasted more than six decades.
Nicholson has always held Bresler in high regard. During his acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 1999 Golden Globes, Nicholson humorously 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 started his career in 1960 as a secretary at the William Morris Agency and quickly rose through the ranks. By 1983, he had co-founded Bresler-Kelly & Associates, a boutique agency, and managed the careers of other notable Hollywood figures such as Judd Hirsch and Randy Quaid. In addition to his clientele, Bresler significantly contributed to the Association of Talent Agents (ATA), serving as its president for over a decade and working to extend its reach in Hollywood.
According to Karen Stuart, the executive director of the ATA, Bresler’s unwavering commitment to the talent agency profession was instrumental in advancing the interests of their members and enhancing the industry as a whole. She added that he served as a mentor to many and his lasting influence will continue to be felt.
In 2003, Bresler underwent a sextuple heart bypass operation, but his health struggles never hindered his professional commitments. His strong dedication to his clients and the entertainment industry remained unshaken even after the surgery, reflecting his resilience and professionalism.
In recent years, Nicholson, known for his performances in “The Shining” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” has mostly kept away from public appearances, stirring up concerns about his health among his fans. The 85-year-old actor, though often perceived as reclusive, has dismissed retirement rumors associated with health issues, but he hasn’t been active in the entertainment industry since 2010.
Bresler is survived by his wife, Nancy, of 58 years, their two children, Eric and Jennifer, and twin grandsons, Brandon and Jonah. His funeral service was conducted on August 6 at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.
