| rdfs:comment | - Bernie Brillstein was a Film Producer, Television Producer, Executive Producer, Talent Agent from New York City, New York.
- [1] - IMDb profile for Bernie Brillstein.
- Bernie Brillstein (1931-2008) was Jim Henson's manager and close friend throughout most of Henson's career. Brillstein was working as an agent in 1960 at the New York offices of William Morris Agency when he became Henson's first talent agent. At William Morris, Brillstein sold Rowlf the Dog (puppeteered by Henson) as a regular guest on The Jimmy Dean Show. When Brillstein left William Morris in 1964 to become a manager at Kummer and Associates, Henson followed him. Thus Brillstein transitioned from being Henson's agent to being his talent manager—a relationship that lasted until Henson's passing in 1990.
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| abstract | - Bernie Brillstein was a Film Producer, Television Producer, Executive Producer, Talent Agent from New York City, New York.
- [1] - IMDb profile for Bernie Brillstein.
- Bernie Brillstein (1931-2008) was Jim Henson's manager and close friend throughout most of Henson's career. Brillstein was working as an agent in 1960 at the New York offices of William Morris Agency when he became Henson's first talent agent. At William Morris, Brillstein sold Rowlf the Dog (puppeteered by Henson) as a regular guest on The Jimmy Dean Show. When Brillstein left William Morris in 1964 to become a manager at Kummer and Associates, Henson followed him. Thus Brillstein transitioned from being Henson's agent to being his talent manager—a relationship that lasted until Henson's passing in 1990. Brillstein secured many of the first season guest stars for The Muppet Show. In additon, Brillstein pushed for the merchandising of the Sesame Street Muppet characters, something Henson was reluctant to do until Brillstein convinced him that profits from the deal would allow Henson artistic freedom for the rest of his life. Brillstein has signed and developed such talents as John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Lorne Michaels, Alan Zweibel, Rob Lowe, Martin Short, John Larroquette, Bob Odenkirk, Wayne Brady, Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon, Adam Sandler, Dennis Miller, Molly Shannon and David Spade. Brillstein and David Lazer were responsible for Jim Henson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Brillstein's autobiography, Where Did I Go Right? You're No One in Hollywood Unless Someone Wants You Dead, captures many moments of behind-the-scenes dealings and personal stories associated with Henson and the Muppets. Although Brillstein also represented Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels and several cast members, Brillstein states in his memoir that including the Muppets in season 1 of the show was the idea of executives at NBC. The book also contains several photos with Henson and associates, as well as Brillstein's Muppet likeness.
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