Barbra Streisand has issued a heartfelt tribute to her late longtime manager, Martin Erlichman.
On Sunday, representatives for the family announced that Erlichman had passed away the day before due to age-related causes. He was 97.
“To the world, he stood as a giant in Hollywood; to us, he was a deeply devoted and loving father, husband, grandfather and rock,” they stated. “We feel his loss deeply but remain endlessly proud of the life he lived and the indelible mark he left on the world.”
Following the news, Streisand was among the first to honor Erlichman — the man who discovered her at the age of 19 and guided her career for more than six decades.
“Although Marty lived a long and full life, nothing can prepare you for the reality of losing someone so dear,” the 84-year-old star shared on Instagram. “I truly thought he would live forever. In my eyes, he was simply indestructible — always by my side, through everything. And we never even had a contract. Marty can never be replaced, and I will be forever grateful for his friendship, loyalty and unwavering support.”
Erlichman negotiated all of Streisand’s contracts and produced her Millennium Concert in 2000 and the 2006-2007 world tour.
He also served as an executive producer on her television specials, including the 1994 program Barbra: The Concert, for which he earned an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award.
Other high-profile clients included comedian Joan Rivers, boxer George Foreman, and actor Chevy Chase.
Erlichman is survived by his wife, Miko Mayama Erlichman, their son, and four grandchildren.
