Hollywood Publicist Nancy Seltzer Dies At 79

Nancy Seltzer, a name that echoed through the corridors of Hollywood for decades, passed away this week in Los Angeles at the age of 79. The legendary publicist, whose career spanned both coasts and touched nearly every corner of the entertainment industry, died following a brief hospital stay, according to an announcement on Garth Brooks’ website. While the specific cause of death was not disclosed, her passing was confirmed by her firm, Nancy Seltzer & Associates, Inc., on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

For those in the know, Seltzer was far more than just a publicist—she was a force of nature, trusted by some of the world’s most famous personalities to guide their public images with a deft touch and unwavering loyalty. Her client roster reads like a who’s who of film, music, theater, and literature: Garth Brooks, Sean Connery, Danielle Steel, Joyce DiDonato, Placido Domingo, Whitney Houston, Julia Roberts, Bette Davis, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Ian McShane, Stana Katic, Annette Bening, Kathy Bates, and Tom Wilkinson, to name just a few. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seltzer’s influence spanned generations and genres, making her a pivotal figure behind the scenes.

Garth Brooks, the country music superstar she represented for many years, captured the sentiment of many in a statement released after her death: “Public relations is the hardest job in show business. She always handled every situation with the utmost class.” Brooks’ words, simple yet profound, reflect the deep respect Seltzer commanded among her clients, many of whom became close friends over the years.

Nancy Seltzer’s journey began in New York City, where she was born and where her career in public relations first took root. She quickly established herself as a straight shooter—direct, clear, and strategic, with a knack for protecting her clients’ interests without ever letting the media dictate the narrative. “She was known for her directness, clarity, and strategic savvy, believing firmly in working with the media without ever being controlled by it. Protecting her clients’ interests was always paramount,” her firm noted in a statement, as reported by Variety.

Eventually, Seltzer relocated to Los Angeles, bringing her keen instincts and hard-won experience to the heart of the film industry. There, she founded Nancy Seltzer & Associates, a boutique publicity firm with offices on both the East and West coasts. For decades, she operated “at the intersection of fame, media and power,” deftly steering the careers of high-profile figures and shaping the narratives around some of Hollywood’s most memorable films.

Her work behind the scenes at the Academy Awards became the stuff of legend. Seltzer served for many years as the head PR behind the Oscars red carpet, orchestrating the media frenzy with a cool head and an eye for detail. She held deep roots in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, ensuring that the glitz and glamour of Oscar night went off without a hitch—even when chaos threatened to break out. According to The Hollywood Reporter, her steady hand helped shepherd films like Amadeus, Misery, The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia, The Shawshank Redemption, and Dead Man Walking through their Academy Award campaigns, often against stiff competition.

But the Oscars were only part of Seltzer’s vast portfolio. Over the years, she lent her expertise to a dazzling array of films, from blockbusters to cult classics. Her credits include Pirates of the Caribbean, Breaking Away, All That Jazz, Splash, RoboCop, Spinal Tap, Jewel, Aliens, House of Games, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, When Harry Met Sally…, A Few Good Men, Scream, Scream 2, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Good Will Hunting, and Finding Forrester. As Variety pointed out, many of these films went on to win major awards or achieve box office success, a testament to Seltzer’s behind-the-scenes influence.

Her clients and colleagues remember her not just for her professional acumen, but for her extraordinary trustworthiness and loyalty. “Ms. Seltzer was particularly known for her extraordinary trust,” her company’s statement read. “She created long lasting friendships with people from all over the world to whom she was also wonderful, kind, caring and fiercely loyal.” It’s a rare combination in an industry often characterized by cutthroat competition and shifting alliances.

Despite her high-profile clientele and the glamour of Hollywood, Seltzer maintained a reputation for humility and discretion. She believed in the power of relationships, both personal and professional, and cultivated those bonds over decades. Her directness was legendary—she called things as she saw them, never sugarcoating the truth, and her clients valued her honesty even when it was tough to hear.

Beyond her work with celebrities and films, Seltzer’s influence extended to the broader entertainment world. She was deeply involved in the Academy, and her guidance was often sought by up-and-coming publicists eager to learn the ropes. Her firm, Nancy Seltzer & Associates, became a training ground for a new generation of PR professionals, many of whom have gone on to successful careers of their own.

In the wake of her passing, Nancy Seltzer & Associates, Inc. requested that those wishing to honor her memory consider making donations to the Tower Cancer Research Foundation. It’s a fitting tribute for a woman who spent her life supporting others—often from behind the scenes, but always with a fierce sense of purpose.

As Hollywood reflects on the legacy of Nancy Seltzer, it’s clear that her impact will be felt for years to come. She was, in the words of those who knew her best, a “tireless Hollywood fixture” whose blend of professionalism, integrity, and kindness set her apart in a business not always known for such qualities. The lights on the red carpet will shine a little less brightly without her steady hand, but the stories she helped tell—and the careers she shaped—will endure.