Steven Spielberg's former publicist Martin Levy passes away aged 96

JAWS director Steven Spielberg with his former publicist Marvin Levy who has died aged 96 (Image: FilmMagic)

Marvin Levy, the longtime advisor and publicist to acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, passed away on April 7 at the age of 96.

Throughout his career, Levy spearheaded marketing campaigns for numerous legendary films, including Jurassic Park, Taxi Driver, and Back to the Future. His professional relationship with Spielberg spanned more than 50 years.

In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Spielberg described Levy’s passing as a “huge loss.”
He said: “There are many PR executives, but Marvin was one of a kind.
"For over 50 years, he was a deeply loyal and exceptional collaborator who was respected and appreciated by all those who were lucky enough to learn from his counsel.”

Levy began his career in advertising in New York before making his way to Columbia Pictures in Hollywood. During the 2018 Governors Awards, Tom Hanks introduced Levy and highlighted his collaboration with Spielberg on films such as E.T., Schindler’s List, and Saving Private Ryan.

Hanks said: “Now, all those movies are pretty damn good, but I don’t think any of us in this room would have bothered seeing them without the efforts of Marvin Levy.”

In his own acceptance speech that evening, Levy shared: “The person who most taught me that is Steven Spielberg. He’s always treated me like a storyteller, and we are all storytellers in the public relations branch.”

Levy and Spielberg shared a strong, enduring partnership, with Spielberg often turning to Levy for guidance throughout his career. When Spielberg launched DreamWorks in 1994, Levy joined him in the new venture.

Levy officially retired in July 2024. At the time, Spielberg remarked: “To say that Marvin has been an integral part of my personal and professional life is an understatement.”

Reflecting further on their decades-long relationship in his recent statement, Spielberg said: “I am grateful for all our years together. Marvin never failed to make me laugh, he never stopped smiling. We will miss you, Marvin. You will always be in our hearts, and your memory will always make us smile.”