Bernie Brillstein facts for kids

Bernard Jules Brillstein (born April 26, 1931 – died August 7, 2008) was an American producer and talent agent. He helped create many popular TV shows and movies.

He started his career in the 1950s at the William Morris Agency. Later, he began his own company. He then teamed up with Brad Grey to form Brillstein-Grey Entertainment. This company became one of the most important in Hollywood. Bernie Brillstein is known for producing shows like Hee Haw, The Muppet Show, and The Sopranos. He also produced hit films such as The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters, and Happy Gilmore.

Early Life

Bernie Brillstein was born into a Jewish family in Manhattan, New York. His parents were Moe and Matilda Brillstein. They lived with his uncle, Jack Pearl, who was a famous performer in vaudeville and on the radio. Bernie's father, Moe, helped build the Millinery Center Synagogue in New York City.

Amazing Career in Entertainment

Bernie Brillstein began his journey in show business in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency (WMA) in New York. He worked very hard and moved up to become a talent agent. A talent agent helps actors, writers, and directors find jobs. By the 1960s, he was managing and producing TV shows for the company. In 1964, he joined another company called Management III to keep managing talent. He even helped start a singing group called The Doodletown Pipers in the 1960s.

The Brillstein Company

Bernie moved to Los Angeles and started his own company, The Brillstein Company, in 1969. Here, he continued to manage famous people and create TV shows. He produced many popular TV hits. These included Hee Haw, The Muppet Show, and Saturday Night Live.

Bernie later became the manager for 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, and Paul Fusco, who was the voice and operator of ALF. He also produced other TV shows like ALF: The Animated Series and Normal Life. He was also the main producer for the cartoon show The Real Ghostbusters, which was based on the popular movie.

Brillstein-Grey Entertainment

In the 1980s, Bernie met Brad Grey at a TV event. In 1991, they formed a new company together called Brillstein-Grey Entertainment. This company helped create TV shows and movies, and it also managed talent. They were behind popular shows like NewsRadio, Just Shoot Me!, The Larry Sanders Show, and The Sopranos.

As an executive producer, Bernie Brillstein helped make many successful films. 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 Grey later sold his share in 2005. Bernie also represented comedian Nick Swardson for six years.

In 1999, Bernie Brillstein wrote a book about his life called Where Did I Go Right?: You're No One in Hollywood Unless Someone Wants You Dead. He wrote it with David Rensin. Two years later, on April 18, 2001, he received a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. His second book, The Little Stuff Matters Most, was published 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. In 1975, he married Deborah Ellen Koskoff. His last marriage was to Carrie Winston Brillstein in 1998, and they were married until he passed away.

Bernie Brillstein died on August 7, 2008, in a Los Angeles hospital. He was 77 years old. He passed away from a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bernie Brillstein is remembered as a very important person in Hollywood who helped many stars and created many beloved shows and movies.