Hollywood publicist Gene Schwam dies at 96
Schwam co-founded Hanson & Schwam Public Relations in 1955 and represented Elvis Presley, Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards.
Gene Schwam, the veteran Hollywood publicist who represented Elvis Presley, Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards, died Friday in Los Angeles after a brief illness, according to Variety. He was 96.
Schwam co-founded Hanson & Schwam Public Relations with Adeline Hanson in 1955. The agency's first client was the Smith Bros. Fish Shanty restaurant, and its roster later grew to include Barbara Eden and Lenny Bruce alongside Presley, Andrews and Edwards.
Before starting the agency, Schwam worked for publicist Stanley Cowan at a salary of $35 a week.
Edwards, a longtime client and friend, based the neurotic publicist character in his film “S.O.B.” on Schwam.
In later years Schwam created Humanity 101, an initiative of Arizona State University's Project Humanities. He is survived by his wife Myrna, daughter Stephanie Schwam, stepchildren Adam, Greg and Linda London, and four grandchildren.
Quick answers
How old was Gene Schwam when he died?
He was 96.
Who did Gene Schwam represent?
His clients included Elvis Presley, Blake Edwards, Julie Andrews, Barbara Eden and Lenny Bruce.
When did Schwam found Hanson & Schwam Public Relations?
He co-founded the agency with Adeline Hanson in 1955.