, the veteran Hollywood publicist who founded Jeff Ballard Public Relations and represented many of the industry’s top talents, has died after a five-year battle with cancer. He was 64.
In a statement to Deadline, Sheen said, “As my publicist of 37 years, it’s no secret that he had his work cut out for him. He met every challenge head on with class and patience. As my dear friend of 40 years, he was equally loyal and generous to a fault. Safe travels JB, you are sorely missed, now and forever.”
Once dubbed “Boy Publicist to the Stars” by veteran L.A. newsman Steve Edwards, Ballard opened Jeff Ballard PR in 1982 shortly after graduating high school. He would later say that among his fondest memories were the many hours he spent in the White House with Nancy Regan, actively involved in her defining “Just Say No” anti-drug initiative of the 1980s.