Introduction
Jay Bernstein (June 7, 1937 – April 30, 2006) was an American producer and manager to actors, such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Michael Landon, and to actresses, such as Farrah Fawcett and Suzanne Somers.
Career
Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Bernstein moved to California after graduating from Pomona College. He worked in the mail room of the William Morris Agency before working for Rogers & Cowan, the industry's largest PR company, founded by Henry Rogers and Warren Cowan. Bernstein founded his own agency in 1962 and later produced the television series Bring 'Em Back Alive, Mike Hammer, and Houston Knights. He also produced several television movies and the film Nothing Personal (1980) starring Suzanne Somers. In 2005,Bernstein had obtained the rights from the City of Los Angeles to produce a brand new prime time TV series entitled Public Defender, based on the true criminal cases from the Los Angeles Public Defender's office from years past.
Personal life
Bernstein also discovered the 21-year-old European model-turned-actress and entrepreneur Simona Fusco.
Death
On Sunday, April 30, 2006, Bernstein died at age 68 after suffering a stroke. He was survived by his only child, Amber Bernstein.
Additional information
- "Jay Bernstein, Starmaker", of E! True Hollywood Story 2000 TV Episode