Elaine Rich, Manager to Fran Drescher, Jennifer Jason Leigh and More, Dies at 81

Elaine Rich, personal manager to Fran Drescher, Peter Marc Jacobson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Donna Dixon, Sylvia Kristel, and many other stars of stage and screen, passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 81 on August 13th, due to a cardiac arrest.

Ms. Rich began her career as a publicist in New York, where she was the driving force behind many dynamic projects, most notably being the introduction of Bossa Nova to this country. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1976 with her husband, accomplished character actor Allan Rich, she began working for John Crosby & Associates. Mr. Crosby immediately recognized her multifaceted abilities, and she was given Jennifer Jason Leigh as her first client.

Ms. Rich's eye for talent, her encyclopedic knowledge of films and television, along with her uncanny critical instincts soon cultivated an ambitious cadre of young actors and actresses. Most notable among her clients were Fran Drescher and writer/producer Peter Marc Jacobson, whose talents she skillfully parlayed into the long-running show "The Nanny" as well as the recent series, "Happily Divorced."

She is survived by her husband Allan, daughter Marian, son David, and grandchildren Miles, Julia, and Ruby.

There will be a private memorial for friends and family. In her memory, donations may be made to Ms. Drescher's organization, Cancer Schmancer, by visiting www.cancerschmancer.org.