Celebrity publicist Paul Wasserman dies

The music industry giant known as "Wasso", Paul Wasserman, has died. His clients included the Rolling Stones, the Who, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond. He was 73.

Photo: Celebrity publicist Paul Wasserman dies

Wasserman died Sunday of respiratory failure at Kindred Hospital, publicist and friend Joan Myers said.

During his four-decade career, Wasserman represented Lee Marvin, Dennis Hopper, Jack Lemmon, Jack Nicholson and George C. Scott. He also publicized such films as "Cat Ballou," "Easy Rider," "Annie Hall" and "Star Wars."

But he made his biggest mark as a music publicist. The Mamas and the Papas, James Taylor, Paul Simon and Tom Petty were represented by him.

"He was one of the first ones to sort of accept and represent the new school of rock 'n' roll, so he was able to use the so-called old-school tools that he had in representing this new breed of people," music producer Lou Adler told the Los Angeles Times.

But an investment scheme ended his career in 2000. Wasserman was jailed for using the names of famous clients like Nicholson and U2 to swindle some of his closest non-celebrity friends.

In November 2000, Wasserman pleaded guilty to a felony grand theft count and he was sentenced to six months in jail, placed on five years' probation and ordered to pay nearly $87,000 (€58,843) in restitution.

A graveside service will be held Nov. 28 at Mount Sinai Memorial Park.