Louisiana native Brian Edwards, who received an Honorary Satellite in May of this year, has spent 30 years among some of the brightest names in show business. It’s been a long process of building relationships and reputations along the way. However, when Edwards began his career as Donna Summer’s Executive Assistant, his future in entertainment already had a serious sheen to it.
The legendary singer’s recent passing was among the most difficult times for this long-time publicist, as he fielded round-the-clock not only media queries in the wake of it all. Edwards said, “it was the single hardest thing I’ve ever had to do not only in my career, but in my life as well.” Today, he also remains very close to family matters as well for the survivors. ‘Survivors’ also include her millions and millions of fans worldwide. That Brian Edwards was trusted early on by a major star of the music world has struck a chord with many others whom he now counts as friends and clients.
Vanessa Williams’ bond goes back to her Miss America years, when she met Brian in Atlantic City, and moved on from pageant era to full-fledged diva to respected actress in film and television.
“Everyone reading this program book will understand when I say the most treasured gift we could hope for in this business is loyalty,” Williams said. “Having known him since 1983, I can assure you that loyalty is what truly defines Brian Edwards.” Vanessa’s passion for Brian’s skills and talents are mirrored by his passion for the business.
“As far back as I can remember,” Edwards recalled, “I always wanted to have a career in show business – as a performer, writer, Public Relations rep, producer – it didn’t matter, whatever door opened first. Luckily, I was able to work in all those areas and more. My icons were: Joan Rivers, Donna Summer, Olivia Newton-John, Betty White and Farrah Fawcett were among my favorites and I’ve worked with all of them on various projects over the years.”
Cut to a couple of decades later and Joan Rivers now has a few things to say about Brian Edwards (gulp), and these are all good things! “Brian and I go back over 25 years,” Rivers said. “We’ve worked together on numerous projects but most importantly I consider him a part of my family. Every good adjective I could ever think of would always go right before his name. I was thrilled to hear the International Press Academy honored Brian with this much deserved award! Congratulations, My Darling!”
In case you’re still standing, add Whoopi Goldberg’s ‘view’ on him.
“People don’t realize what a giving person Brian has been throughout his career,” Goldberg noted. “The fact that an organization is honoring him with an award highlighting his work over the years is a plus. It’s a plus for them. It’s great for Brian, but it’s also very respectful of the IPA to be the first to honor his outstanding career achievements in the industry.”
And then there’s Cindy Crawford, who doesn’t mince words either: “Brian is among the most thoughtful, kind and giving people I’ve ever known. And his sense of humor is priceless. We always have a great time. He is famous for signing his emails with a different celeb name each time. I guess I will have officially ‘made it big’ the day I get an e-mail from him signed ‘xoxo Cindy Crawford.’ Love him!”
Ali Landry, who rocked a Dorito during a Superbowl commercial, gave away the secret of his success. “Being a part of Brian’s circle for me has been a true blessing,” she revealed, “and I treasure our relationship. For someone to have a 30-year career, most people would say that’s a lifetime. But lucky for all of us, Brian still has a really long road ahead of him.”
The well-loved publicist/writer is now working on a memoir. “I’m finalizing my first book entitled “Enter Miss Thang,” which is due out in June 2013. I initially wrote two different versions over seven years – but I just didn’t feel the timing was right. So much has happened over the past two years, I decided to buckle down and get it done – finally! “
“It doesn’t cost anything to treat people with respect,” he added, “and I always go above and beyond to let clients know I appreciate the association and the work.”
The International Press Academy salutes Brian Edwards for a Career of Outstanding Service in the Entertainment Industry.
