For over six decades, Dick Guttman was an indispensable force in shaping the narrative of Hollywood. From the golden age to modern blockbusters, his influence touched an extraordinary array of talent, including Barbra Streisand, Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Gary Cooper, Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood, William Holden, Elizabeth Taylor, Gene Hackman, and Warren Beatty. Beyond individual stars, Guttman’s expertise extended to some of cinema's most acclaimed productions, such as Unforgiven, Dirty Harry, Bonnie and Clyde, Kramer Vs. Kramer, The King’s Speech, and The Artist.
Guttman’s journey in public relations began at the powerhouse agency Rogers & Cowan, where he got his start after studying film and psychology at UCLA. He honed his skills as a unit publicist in Europe, even meeting his wife of 70 years, Gisela, while working on Billy Wilder’s Love in the Afternoon in Paris. Upon returning to Los Angeles, he rejoined Rogers & Cowan before co-founding Guttman & Pam in 1971, which became one of the industry's preeminent publicity agencies for over two decades. In the early 1990s, he established Guttman Associates, continuing his legacy of representing top-tier talent and projects for more than 35 years from his Beverly Hills office.
His strategic vision wasn't limited to traditional celebrity PR. Guttman’s firm developed campaigns for major film studios, authors like Sidney Sheldon, and even iconic brands. Notably, he oversaw the launch of Movietime, which later evolved into E! Entertainment, and Baseline, one of the earliest comprehensive online databases for entertainment industry data. His diverse clientele also included Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, and even the introduction of Hello Kitty to the U.S. market, showcasing his unparalleled reach across the entertainment landscape and beyond.
A long-standing member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Guttman’s keen understanding of the industry and media made him a trusted advisor to generations of artists. His creative contributions weren't confined to publicity; he also had seven screenwriting credits to his name, including the 1963 film Back Door to Hell, starring Jack Nicholson. In 2015, he chronicled his illustrious career and the many colorful stories from Hollywood's inner circle in his autobiography, Starflacker.
Guttman and his wife, Gisela, shared a remarkable life together, residing in Malibu for over 50 years, even rebuilding after losing their home to a wildfire in 1993. They recently moved to Los Altos to be closer to family. He is survived by Gisela, their daughters Monika Guttman Robertson and Danielle Guttman Klein, granddaughters, a great-granddaughter, and a sister.
The firm he founded, Guttman Associates, will continue to operate under the leadership of his long-time colleagues Susan Madore and Rona Menashe, ensuring his legacy in Hollywood public relations endures. The family suggests donations to the Dick Guttman Memorial Fund at the Entertainment Industries Foundation in lieu of flowers, supporting philanthropic efforts within the creative community, including wildfire relief.