Noted talent agent Robert Lantz dead at 93

NEW YORK, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Robert Lantz, a long time and well-respected talent agent, died Thursday of heart failure in Manhattan at the age of 93.

Lantz, whose clients included the likes of Leonard Bernstein, Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor, was well-loved for his ability to turn clients into friends.

Lantz was born July 20, 1914, in Berlin and had a brief career as an editor for an American film company before establishing a career representing some of the 20th century’s greatest artists.

Lantz did not use computers or e-mail and typically settled deals with a handshake, The New York Times eulogizes.

Lantz worked as an independent contractor from a small office near Central Park since 1948.

“I have been very lucky to not represent anyone crazy,” Lantz said in a 2003 interview.