Bernie Brillstein facts for kids

Bernard Jules Brillstein (born April 26, 1931 – died August 7, 2008) was a very important American producer for movies and TV shows. He also worked as a talent agent, helping actors and writers find jobs.

He started his career in the 1950s at a big company called the William Morris Agency. Later, he created his own company. He then teamed up with Brad Grey to form Brillstein-Grey Entertainment. This became one of the most powerful companies in Hollywood. It helped manage stars and create popular entertainment. Bernie Brillstein is famous for producing TV shows like Hee Haw, The Muppet Show, and The Sopranos. He also produced hit movies such as The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters, and Happy Gilmore.

Early Life and Family

Bernie Brillstein was born in Manhattan, a busy part of New York City. His family was Jewish. He lived with his parents, Moe and Matilda Brillstein. His uncle, Jack Pearl, a famous performer from vaudeville and radio, also lived with them. Vaudeville was a popular type of stage entertainment with many different acts. Bernie's father was a milliner, someone who makes or sells hats. He helped build the Millinery Center Synagogue, a special place of worship in Manhattan.

A Career in Entertainment

Bernie Brillstein started his journey in show business from the very bottom. He worked in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency (WMA) in New York. This is where he learned how the industry worked. He quickly moved up, becoming a talent agent. A talent agent helps actors, musicians, and other performers find work. By the 1960s, he was managing and producing TV shows for WMA. In 1964, he joined another company, Management III, to keep managing talent. He also helped start a singing group called The Doodletown Pipers in the 1960s.

Starting His Own Company

After moving to Los Angeles, Bernie Brillstein created The Brillstein Company in 1969. Here, he kept managing famous people and creating new TV shows. He produced many popular TV hits. These included Hee Haw, The Muppet Show, and Saturday Night Live.

Bernie also managed many stars from Saturday Night Live. These included Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, and Martin Short. He also managed Lorne Michaels, who created SNL. Bernie worked with Jim Henson, the creator of Muppets. He also managed Paul Fusco, who was the voice and puppeteer for ALF. He produced other TV shows like ALF: The Animated Series and Normal Life. He was also the producer for the cartoon series The Real Ghostbusters, which was based on the popular movie.

Partnering for Success

In the 1980s, Bernie met Brad Grey at a TV event. In 1991, they started a new company together called Brillstein-Grey Entertainment. This company created TV shows and movies. It also managed many talented people. They produced famous shows like NewsRadio, The Steve Harvey Show, Just Shoot Me!, The Larry Sanders Show, and The Sopranos.

As an executive producer, Bernie helped create many successful movies. These included The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters, Dragnet, Ghostbusters II, Happy Gilmore, and The Cable Guy. In 1996, Bernie sold his part of the company to Brad Grey. Brad had learned a lot from Bernie. Brad later sold his part of the company in 2005. Bernie also worked with actor Nick Swardson for several years.

Books and Recognition

Bernie Brillstein wrote a book about his life in 1999. It was called Where Did I Go Right?: You're No One in Hollywood Unless Someone Wants You Dead. He wrote it with David Rensin. In 2001, he received a special honor. He got a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a big award for people in entertainment. His second book, The Little Stuff Matters Most, came out in 2004. It was a funny collection of advice.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bernie Brillstein was married three times. He married Laura Smith in 1967. Later, in 1975, he married Deborah Ellen Koskoff. His third marriage was to Carrie Winston Brillstein in 1998. They were married until his death.

Bernie Brillstein passed away on August 7, 2008. He was 77 years old. He died in a Los Angeles hospital from a serious lung illness called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bernie Brillstein left behind a great legacy in Hollywood. He helped create many of the movies and TV shows we still enjoy today.

Film and Television Work

Bernie Brillstein helped create many movies and TV shows. Here is a list of some of his work. He was a producer for all films unless noted otherwise.

Movies He Produced

Television Shows He Produced

Other Television Roles