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Don Buchwald, Howard Stern’s ‘superagent’ and founder of namesake agency, dies at 88

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Don Buchwald, Howard Stern's 'superagent' and founder of namesake agency, dies at 88

As a lifelong fan and admirer of the entertainment industry, I can confidently say that Don Buchwald was a true legend who left an indelible mark on both coasts. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he rose through the ranks to found one of the most successful talent agencies in the business, Buchwald.

Don Buchwald, the founder of the bicoastal talent agency Buchwald, passed away on July 22 in the Berkshires area of Massachusetts. This was confirmed by an agency representative. He was 88 years old. In a significant career milestone, he represented Howard Stern during groundbreaking contract negotiations with Sirius XM.

Buchwald died peacefully at home surrounded by his immediate family.

“Julia Buchwald, president of the West Coast office at Don’s agency, stated via email to The Times on Wednesday, ‘Don was a pioneer in our industry.’ In discussions about his negotiation methods, he frequently expressed, ‘My goal is to depart the negotiating table as friends, even better than when we initially met.'”

“Inside the office, Don nurtured a sense of positivity that resonated deeply with staff, clients, and professional contacts. His unwavering loyalty was undeniable. She went on to say, ‘No one can fill Don Buchwald’s shoes, but we will honor his memory and carry forward his benevolent business style.’ “

Donald Henry Buchwald, born on May 13, 1936, in Brooklyn, was the son of Solomon and Nellie Buchwald. Being the youngest among five siblings, he later graduated from the theater program at Brooklyn College. This educational institution held a special place in his heart, which he consistently supported throughout his life.

In 1977, he established the talent agency Buchwald and Associates, initially concentrating on theater and broadcast representation in New York. Since then, the agency, now known as just Buchwald, has expanded into a multi-faceted operation with offices on both coasts and over 130 employees.

As a dedicated cinephile reminiscing about my professional past, let me share a fascinating tale: One of the most memorable figures I had the pleasure to work with was Howard Stern. In 2004, together we orchestrated a groundbreaking agreement worth half a billion dollars over five years with Sirius Satellite Radio (now Sirius XM). This daring shift from traditional radio to satellite broadcasting not only liberated him from the watchful eye of the Federal Communications Commission but also paved the way for future podcast deals that would redefine the industry.

Approximately one year following the debut of Stern’s radio show, Stern and Buchwald received 82.9 million Sirius XM shares as a performance-based bonus linked to their extraordinary success in surpassing subscriber growth projections. Frequently, Stern referred to Buchwald as his “highly accomplished agent.”

“In 2007, a securities analyst informed the Los Angeles Times that Howard Stern is receiving an extraordinary, immense, unprecedented amount of money. However, it’s worth noting that Sirius XM Radio will ultimately profit from the Howard Stern deal, and so will its shareholders.”

Distinguished individuals such as Kathleen Turner, Ralph Macchio, Djimon Hounsou, Adam Goldberg, Billy Ray Cyrus, Simon Rex, and Gina Yashere are among those who have also been represented by Buchwald.

Buchwald remained loyal to his former university by sitting on the Brooklyn College board for many years. During this time, he introduced a mentorship program funded by sponsors to give students experience in the entertainment sector. Moreover, the stage where he debuted performance is now part of a theater named after him. Alongside the college’s business school, Buchwald played a role in creating and fostering an entrepreneurship program. He was also among the initial backers of its graduate film school.

Over a span of 59 years, Don Buchwald and his wife Maggie were devoted admirers and regular attendees at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in the beautiful Berkshires. An avid collector, Don gathered art from various trips around the world, even maintaining a home in Paris for excursions. In his senior years, he transformed into an ardent storyteller and “passionate” singer, taking up poetry writing as well. He would delight friends and family members by sharing these poetic creations of his.

Buchwald leaves behind his wife, as well as daughters Julia and Laura, who is a writer, grandchildren Sebastian and Scarlett Gatta, son-in-law Bryan Smith, numerous nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Virginia Buchwald, Marian Michel, and Barbara Haldeman, and brother-in-law Ed Haldeman. He was preceded in death by his siblings Nathaniel Buchwald, Alex Buchwald, Greta Hogan, and Charles Buchwald.

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2024-08-01 03:02

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