Politics

Stephen Rivers dies of cancer at 55*

steven-rivers.jpgLongtime political activist and Hollywood public relations strategist Stephen Rivers died Monday after a long battle with cancer, according to media reports and reaction on his Facebook page. Rivers worked for many years with the United Farm Workers union and more recently has led trips to Cuba with actors and directors. From The Hollywood Reporter: "Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah numbered among his other clients. Rivers was active in Democratic Party affairs but also enjoyed close relationships with Republicans, including California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger." His clients have also included Barbra Streisand, Jane Fonda and the Kennedy family. "A friend with great warmth and expertise," says Ted Johnson at Variety. From Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver:

Stephen was a great human being -- one of the best. What made him so special was his total grasp of his craft, whether it was the entertainment world, the political arena, non-profits or the private sector. He was the only one who could bring it all together for the benefit of whatever cause he supported. Stephen's talent had no boundaries, and he will be missed.

* Note: The Hollywood Reporter fixed its reference to the wrong queen of Jordan.

Photo: Facebook


More by Kevin Roderick:
Standing up to Harvey Weinstein
The Media
LA Times gets a top editor with nothing but questions
LA Observed Notes: Harvey Weinstein stripped bare
LA Observed Notes: Photos of the homeless, photos that found homes
Recent Politics stories on LA Observed:
David Ryu and candidate Mike Fong
Tronc buys (NY) Daily News, La Tuna fire aftermath and more
Helping in Houston, new lion cubs, Garcetti's back
Garcetti has weekend date in the Hamptons
Garcetti hitting the road to New Hampshire
LA Confederate monument coming down
LA Observed Notes: Back from vacation and into the fray
Rendon fights for neglected Southeast


 

LA Observed on Twitter