Nancy Seltzer, a highly respected and influential figure in Hollywood public relations who represented a long list of A-list talent and blockbuster films, has died at the age of 79. Seltzer passed away Wednesday in Los Angeles after a brief hospital stay. Her death was announced Thursday by Nancy Seltzer & Associates, Inc., the bi-coastal public relations firm she founded.
Seltzer was known for her unwavering dedication to her clients, her strategic savvy, and her direct and clear communication style. Her company's statement emphasized that she believed in working with the media without being controlled by it, always prioritizing her clients' interests. Garth Brooks, a long-time client, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Public relations is the hardest job in show business. She always handled every situation with the utmost class". He also noted that Seltzer "wore publicist black like a uniform and kept the focus exactly where she believed it belonged: on her clients".
Throughout her decades-long career, Seltzer represented a diverse array of high-profile figures across film, music, theater, and literature. Her client roster included actors such as Sean Connery, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp, Ian McKellen, Whitney Houston, Bette Davis, Annette Bening, Kathy Bates, and Tom Wilkinson. In the music world, she worked closely with Garth Brooks, Danielle Steel, Joyce DiDonato, and Placido Domingo.
Beyond personal publicity, Seltzer was a significant force behind the scenes of numerous acclaimed films. She played a key role in the publicity campaigns for films such as "Amadeus," "Silence of the Lambs," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "All That Jazz," "RoboCop," "Aliens," "When Harry Met Sally…," "Misery," "A Few Good Men," "Philadelphia," "The Shawshank Redemption," "Scream," "My Best Friend's Wedding," and "Good Will Hunting". Additionally, Seltzer oversaw PR for the Oscars red carpet for many years and had deep connections within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Born in New York City, Seltzer began her career there before relocating to Los Angeles. In 1978, she founded Nancy Seltzer & Associates, Inc., which expanded to include offices on both the West and East Coasts. Her firm became known for its dedication, integrity, and the strong relationships Seltzer cultivated with both clients and members of the media.
Seltzer was known for her extraordinary trustworthiness, kindness, caring nature, and fierce loyalty. Brooks also stated that Seltzer's "protective instincts were legendary — maternal, fierce, and unflinching" and that her "wisdom, earned through decades of experience, was unmatched". Her impact on the entertainment industry and the countless careers she helped shape will be remembered for years to come.
