Andrew Freedman Dies: Longtime News & Entertainment Publicist Was 67

Andrew Freedman, the news and entertainment publicist who ran the New York-based Andrew E. Freedman Public Relations for more than three decades, died February 8 following a cancer diagnosis last year. He was 67.

His death was announced by sons Al and Chris on the firm’s website.

“To us, he was our best friend, our biggest supporter, our inspiration, and our hero,” Al and Chris Freedman said of their father. “We’re thankful that he’s without pain and with our beloved mother, Patty, and our family dog Riley.”

Born on March 26, 1955, Freedman’s first major PR post came within the news division of NBC during the 1980s. He there handled media relations for programs including NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press and the Today Show, while overseeing press on the U.S. Russian Reykyavik and Geneva Summits, the Seoul Olympics and numerous presidential elections. 

During his time at NBC, Freedman served as spokesperson for such notable figures as Tom Brokaw, Connie Chung and Maria Shriver. He also served, prior to the launch of his own PR firm, as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Special Olympics International.

Freedman began his career in politics, having worked on both the Senate staff and presidential campaign staff of Ted Kennedy, and also over the years repped talents including Christopher McDonald and Margo Martindale, among many other actors, writers, musicians, choreographers and TV personalities.

A service in Freedman’s memory will take place on February 17 at New York City’s Plaza Community Jewish Chapel. The shiva will commence the same day.