Marty Erlichman, Manager Who Built Barbra Streisand Career, Dies at 97

Marty Erlichman, the entertainment manager who discovered Barbra Streisand and guided her career for more than six decades, died on Saturday. He was 97, and the cause of death was listed as age related.

Erlichman’s influence on Streisand began in New York nightclubs and extended to her international status in film and television. He negotiated her contracts and handled the business aspects of her work for over 60 years. His professional role included overseeing her 2000 Millennium Concert and her world tour from 2006 to 2007. He also executive produced her 1994 HBO special, Barbra: The Concert.

Streisand acknowledged the loss in a written statement, describing Erlichman as indestructible and always by her side. She noted that she truly thought he would live forever and expressed gratitude for his friendship and unwavering support. Her family released a separate statement describing him as a loving father and a giant of Hollywood. They stated that they are proud of the indelible mark he left on the world.

Before his long tenure with Streisand, Erlichman managed the Irish folk group The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. His client list also included heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, record producer Bob Crewe, the 1960s pop group Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, and comedian Chevy Chase.

Erlichman also worked as a film producer. His production credits include the 1974 comedy For Pete’s Sake, the 1978 thriller Coma, and the 1983 romantic thriller Breathless, which starred Richard Gere. The film Coma was directed by Michael Crichton.

Born on Sept. 13, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Erlichman graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Miko Mayama Erlichman, his son J.J., his daughter-in-law Talia, and four grandchildren.

The family requested that donations be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the National Kidney Foundation.