Warren Cowan

Warren Cowan (March 13, 1921 – May 14, 2008) was a prominent American film industry publicist. From 1950 to 1992, he was a co-founder and named partner in Rogers & Cowan, the world's largest publicity firm; he established his own firm Cowan & Associates in 1994. At the time of his death, he was described as "one of Hollywood’s most powerful and innovative publicists", known for his creative use of independent publicity.

Early life

He was born to a Jewish family in New York City, the son of songwriter Rubey Cowan and Grace Cowan. He had one older brother, Stanley, who was also a songwriter. He attended Townsend Harris High School, a school for boys on the educational fast track. While attending the University of California, Los Angeles, Cowan majored in journalism and represented actress Linda Darnell. Cowan served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II for three years.

Career

In 1946, Cowan joined the firm established by Henry C. Rogers. In 1950, he became a partner in the firm, which then changed its name to Rogers & Cowan. He was named president in 1964. Rogers & Cowan became one of the largest entertainment public relations firm in the world handling not only entertainers but also high-tech manufacturers, athletes, publishers, movie studios and trade unions. Whenever he was asked to name his favorite client, Cowan's constant answer was always "the next one."

In 1950, Cowan staged the first celebrity charity-fundraiser, a golf tournament on behalf of motion picture director Frank Borzage. Rogers was the first agent to actively solicit public support for his client's nomination for an Academy Award, starting with Joan Crawford's performance in 1945's Mildred Pierce; she won Best Actress. In 1997, Cowan personally introduced Italian actor Roberto Benigni to his already famous American peers, all of them Cowan clients and Academy voters, on behalf of Miramax. Benigni and his picture, Life Is Beautiful, won three Oscars that year.

In 1988, Rogers & Cowan company was sold to Shandwick Plc., an English conglomerate. "It was the right move to make in some respects, but I found that I was doing too much that was administrative and too little that was creative," Cowan said. Cowan remained as chairman until 1992. In 1994,after a two-year non-competitive period, he launched a new company, Warren Cowan & Associates.

Personal life

Cowan was married five times, four of which ended in divorce including two to actress Barbara Rush. He had two daughters with his first wife, Hollywood columnist Ronnie Cowan (1926-1997): Bonnie Fleming and Linda Cowan (who was later killed by a drunk driver). He had one child with his second wife Barbara Rush, Fox News Channel reporter Claudia Cowan. His third wife was French actress Josette Banzet. His fourth wife - who he remained married to until his death - was Barbara Gilbert-Cowan, the mother of actresses Melissa Gilbert and Sara Gilbert and actor Jonathan Gilbert. He had eight grandchildren.

He died on May 14, 2008 of cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He is buried at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery.