Publicist Howard Bragman Gets a Star-Studded Memorial Service

Pioneering Publicist Howard Bragman Gets a Star-Studded Memorial Service He Would’ve Loved Most

Howard Bragman — an architect of modern public relations and queer rights advocate who died last month — was celebrated by friends, family, and former clients in an emotional memorial on Sunday in Los Angeles.

A packed private park in North Hollywood adorned with string lights and a humble stage welcomed guests including Stevie Wonder, Lizzy Caplan, Melissa Rivers, Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft, and Bragman’s musician husband Mike Maimone. Industry types in attendance included Oscar winner and “The Woman King” producer Cathy Shulman, former Entertainment Weekly editor Jess Cagle, and former “Good Morning America” hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes. Bragman’s brother Adam and his client Don Lemon sent video tributes honoring the late executive.

Broadway producer Scott H. Mauro (“Bettlejuice”) played emcee for the event, and said his most important task was keeping on schedule as “Howard cared about pacing more than anything.” Luft, who knew Bragman for decades, sang a bittersweet cover of the jazz standard “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Wonder, who said Bragman’s professional advice was invaluable, sang his favorite song “God Bless The Child.” Maimone accompanied Wonder on keyboard, and also closed out the service with a cover of “Simply The Best” (in the indie style popularized by the gay romance at the heart of the series “Schitt’s Creek”).