Howard Bragman was a prominent publicist and crisis manager in the Hollywood entertainment industry. He founded several public relations companies, including Bragman Nyman Cafarelli (BNC), Fifteen Minutes Public Relations, and La Brea Media

Bragman is known for his expertise in handling public relations crises and for helping celebrities manage their public images, especially during personal or professional challenges.

He has also been involved in various media and television projects, serving as a consultant for ABC News on “Good Morning America,” the Public Relations Expert on HLN’s “Showbiz Tonight” and “Entertainment Tonight,” and as a regular contributor to “The Joy Behar Show.”

Bragman received numerous awards for his advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community and Jewish causes.

Howard Bragman’s life came to a close in 2023 following a battle with leukemia. Reflecting on his impactful legacy, Evan Nierman, Founder and CEO of Red Banyan, penned a heartfelt op-ed, “Howard Bragman Remembered: A Personal View of the Crisis PR Trailblazer.”

In his tribute, Nierman recalls his first meeting with Bragman in 2012, shortly after the launch of Red Banyan. The two were introduced by a mutual friend who founded his own boutique agency focusing on entertainment PR. Nierman recalls Bragman as a gracious, helpful, and invariably kind — qualities that left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.

Their professional paths crossed numerous times over the years, and they were able to collaborate on several public relations matters. At certain points, Nierman and Bragman even faced off against one another representing opposing parties in high-stakes Hollywood celebrity crises.

Through his work and numerous TV appearances, Howard Bragman has helped humanize the field of crisis communications, putting a face on the industry.

“Long before fictional fixer Olivia Pope gained fame on ABC’s political thriller “Scandal,” there was Howard Bragman, savior of celebrities and champion of LGBTQ rights,” Nierman notes.

He challenged the stereotypes of PR professionals as mere “spin doctors” and demonstrated that one can stay true to their principles in the face of public scrutiny.

As we remember Howard Bragman, let us celebrate his life as a blessing and his enduring legacy as an inspiration. He exemplified how combining professional acumen with a heartfelt commitment to community can lead to meaningful change and lasting impact.

His life’s work encourages us to pursue our passions and serve not only our clients but also the broader community around us.