Sandy Bresler, who served as Jack Nicholson‘s agent for more than 60 years, died Thursday in Santa Monica. He was 87.

Bresler founded the independent boutique agency Bresler-Kelly & Associates in 1983 with John Kelly.

He started out as a secretary at William Morris in 1960. Moving on to ICM, he left to establish Bresler, Wolff, Cota & Livingston, which was later known as the Artists Agency.

Bresler was known for his long relationships with his clients set the bar for personally curated talent representation.

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When Nicholson received the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes in 1999, he paid tribute to Bresler. “There is only one agent who has stayed with me, guided me, tolerated my tantrums, my operatic behavior and so forth,” Nicholson said onstage. “His name escapes me,” he joked, continuing, “Sandy Bresler, my pal and comrade in arms!”

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He served on the board of the Association of Talent Agents for almost three decades, and was president of the ATA for over a decade. He was also a lifelong member of the Motion Picture Academy.

“Throughout Sandy’s remarkable tenure, as a friend and leader, he demonstrated unparalleled dedication and visionary leadership, guiding the association through a period of significant growth and transformation,” said Karen Stuart, ATA’s Executive Director, in a statement.

“Under his stewardship, ATA expanded its reach and influence. Sandy’s unwavering commitment to the talent agency profession was instrumental in advancing the interests of our members and elevating the industry as a whole. Sandy was a mentor to many and he leaves behind a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.”

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy, son Eric, daughter Jennifer Galperson (Rob) and twin grandsons, Brandon and Jonah Galperson.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 6 at 12 noon at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045.

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