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Andrew Freedman, publicist for news, entertainment figures, dead at 67

Andrew Freedman, a veteran publicist for news and entertainment figures whose clients included Barbara Walters, Harry Shearer, Gayle King, Joan Collins and Margo Martindale, died Feb. 8. He was 67.

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Freedman died in New York City, his son, Chris Freedman, told The Hollywood Reporter. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in August, according to the entertainment news website.

Before becoming a publicist, Freedman worked as a communications specialist for Sen. Ted Kennedy during the 1980 presidential campaign, Variety reported. He also did campaign work for Sen. George McGovern in South Dakota and Reps. Jim Howard and Andy Maguire in New Jersey, according to the website.

Freedman also served as a senior spokesperson for all of NBC News’ programming from 1984 to 1991, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He managed media relations for NBC shows such as “NBC Nightly News,” “Meet the Press” and “Today,” according to the website.

At NBC, Freedman served as a spokesperson for network personalities, Tom Brokaw, Connie Chung and Maria Shriver, Deadline reported.

Freedman was born on March 26, 1955, in New London, Connecticut, and attended Boston University, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Freedman “lived an adventurous, ambitious and fulfilling life,” his sons wrote in a statement. “Blessed with more charm, wit and charisma than he knew what to do with, he lived every day with a spirit of love and generosity that is in too short of supply these days.”