Renowned public relations manager Howard Bragman, who had a decades-long career in the industry, has passed away at the age of 66. He died peacefully in his sleep on February 11 after a long battle with Leukemia.
Bragman was known for helping out celebrities in crisis. He was also a vocal advocate for LBGTQ rights. He worked in the PR scene for 40 years and co-founded the agency Bragman Nyman Cafarelli (BNC). Continue reading to know more about his life and career.
Public Relations Giant Howard Bragman Passes Away at 66
Bragman’s boyfriend, Mike Maimone, confirmed his death with a journal entry. “It is with our heaviest hearts we share that our dear Howard passed away peacefully in his sleep at 8:50 PM, tonight, February 11, 2023,” he wrote.
“The enormity of our shared loss can’t be overstated – Howard was a constant in so many of our lives and the brightest star in his wide constellation of friends and family,” Maimone continued.
Bragman’s close friend also announced the tragic news to the media, writing, “My dear old friend for the last 30 years passed away tonight. RIP Howard Bragman. LBGT warrior. Gentle giant. Wicked humor. Love you eternally. See you on the other side.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD presiden and CEO released a statement after the news broke out and said, “Howard Bragman was an industry leader who masterfully used the power of the press to create positive change and visibility for LGBTQ people.”
“Throughout his long career, he worked with many LGBTQ notables to ensure their coming out stories were treated with dignity and created impact for the entire community. His own visibility as an out executive, paired with a trademark humor and bold approach to public relations, made unforgettable marks on media, entertainment and public relations industries,” she added.
Bragman Worked for a Number of High Profile Clients
Bragman’s clients included the likes of Melissa Rivers, Cameron Diaz, Paula Abdul, Stevie Wonder, Joe Manganiello, Anna Kendrick, Sharon Osbourne, Monica Lewinsky, Terrence Howard, and Ricki Lake.
After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1978, he started working for Burson Marsteller Public Relations. In 1989, he founded BNC, which was taken over by Interpublic Group in 2001. He also worked as an Adjunct Professor in Public Relations at the University of Southern California for five years.
Bragman later ventured into crisis management and also helped closeted celebrities open up about their sexuality. He also made television appearances on shows like Larry King Live, Good Morning America, and Today.
As an LGBTQ rights activist, he established the Howard Bragman Coming Out Fund in 2021. Announcing the fund, he said, “As a fat, Jewish, gay kid in Flint, Michigan, I always felt like a Martian. This campus allows you to be yourself. It allows you to spread your wings in the way you want to spread your wings. I tell people, ‘Stay strong, even when it hurts.’”
“And, I promise, it hurts sometimes. But, there are places that will help you ease the pain sometimes. That’s what the Spectrum Center did. That’s what Michigan did. Coming out is this most personal of journeys, and it’s a challenging journey,” he continued.
May Howard Bragman’s soul rest in peace! Stay tuned for more news and updates.