Ed Limato, a towering figure in the Hollywood talent world, died on Saturday in his Beverly Hills home.
He was 73.
Limato had been hospitalized recently at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. A knowledgeable individual told TheWrap he died of emphysema while waiting for a lung transplant.
Limato spent most of his career at ICM, but left in 2007 to join the William Morris Agency.
WME said in a statement, "
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague Ed Limato. He was the consummate agent, launching the careers of some of the most celebrated artists of our time, always with his signature style and class. His passion for this business was contagious, inspiring so many who had the privilege of knowing him. A true legend, Ed has left an indelible mark on our industry. We will miss him dearly."
Jeff Berg, Chairman of ICM, said: "Ed was a valued colleague for many years, and he had a remarkable impact on the entertainment business. He dedicated his life to his clients and guided the careers of many important artists in our industry."
He became part of the William Morris Endeavor merger, joining WME last year.
Jim Wiatt, the former chief of William Morris, sent this statement: "I am saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Ed Limato. I had the privilege to work with Ed for over 30 years, at ICM and the William Morris Agency. He loved his clients, and represented them with style, class and the ultimate commitment to their art. He will be missed, but always remembered."
An old-school agent with genteel ways and impeccable tailoring, Limato represented many of the highest-profile actors in Hollywood including Richard Gere, Denzel Washington and Steve Martin. He found himself not just representing but defending the frequently controversial Mel Gibson.
Limato was almost as famous for his annual Oscar party at his mansion on Heather Road in Beverly Hills, where he presided over a star-studded blowout on the Friday night before the award ceremony -- in bare feet.
WME provided the following retrospective of Limato's career, gathered by his friends:
Legendary Hollywood talent agent Ed Limato, who spent more than four decades guiding the careers of superstars such as Mel Gibson, Richard Gere, Denzel Washington and Steve Martin, died from lung disease at home, where he was surrounded by friends and family. He was 73.
Ed Limato was in a class by himself – an “iconoclast,” as Vanity Fair once called him -- a talent agent who glided through Hollywood with poise and panache, as colorful as he was powerful. He harkened back to the Golden Age, yet despite his reverence for Hollywood of yore, his client list kept him active and relevant into the 21st century.
