Marty Erlichman, the entertainment executive who discovered Barbra Streisand and managed her for more than 60 years, died Saturday of age-related causes. He was 97 years old.
“To the world he was a Hollywood giant; 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 immensely proud of the life he lived and the indelible mark he left on the world.”
For more than 60 years, Erlichman shaped Streisand’s career from New York nightclub singer to international star of stage and screen. He negotiated deals and oversaw the business side of his career. He worked on the 2000 Millennium Concert and the 2006-2007 world tour, and executive produced the 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 she would live forever. In my eyes, she was absolutely indestructible; she was always there for me, through everything. Her place can never be replaced, and I will be forever grateful for her friendship, loyalty, and unwavering support.”
Another of Erlichman’s early successes in the entertainment industry was as manager of Irish folk groups 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 filmmaker. 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 on September 13, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife, Miko Mayama Erlichman; sons JJ; daughter-in-law Talia; and four grandchildren. Donations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation.