Renowned Hollywood publicist Mickey Cottrell, recognized for his staunch advocacy of independent films and ventures into acting and production, has passed away at age 79.
The esteemed publicist passed away on New Year’s Day 2024 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California.
Cottrell was born on September 4, 1944, in Springfield, Illinois. He started his publicity career at Landmark Theaters in 1982, marking the beginning of a journey filled with significant achievements and partnerships in the film industry.
He co-founded Cottrell and Lindeman Associates in 1989 and launched Mickey Cottrell Film Publicity in 2002, further cementing his status in the industry.
Cottrell’s proficiency in publicity played a vital role in promoting a diverse range of films, such as “Earth Girls Are Easy,” “The Quiet American,” “Weekend,” “I Am Divine,” “One False Move,” “Blood and Concrete,” “Streetwise,” “Ballets Russes,” “Salt,” and “Querelle.”
Besides his publicity work, Cottrell collaborated with numerous distinguished independent filmmakers. This included projects with Andrew Haigh, Phillip Noyce for “Dead Calm,” Wim Wenders for “Wings of Desire,” Percy Adlon for “Bagdad Cafe,” Ira Sachs for “Keep the Lights On,” Jonathan Caouette for “Tarnation,” and notably, extensive work with Gus Van Sant. His contributions to Van Sant’s “Drugstore Cowboy,” “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” and “My Own Private Idaho” were particularly noteworthy.
In “My Own Private Idaho,” Cottrell not only managed publicity but also demonstrated his acting skills, playing Daddy Carroll opposite Keanu Reeves and the late River Phoenix.
His acting portfolio included roles in “Ed Wood,” “Volcano,” “Jolene,” “I Do,” and “Shortbus,” and television appearances in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Voyager.” Moreover, his versatility extended to producing, with credits in “Chain of Desire” (1992) and “Shelf Life” (1993).
His sister, Suzy Cottrell, confirmed his passing on Facebook and paid tribute to her brother’s life and influence.
Before his death, Cottrell faced health issues, enduring a severe stroke in 2016. After his stroke, he lived with his sister in Arkansas before returning to Los Angeles in 2019.
He is survived by his sisters Suzy and Gigi, nephew Jeremy Allen, and great-nephew Gregory Allen.
An announcement regarding plans for a memorial service is anticipated, to honor a life and career devoted to the art of film.