Farewell to a Legend: Superagent Don Buchwald Passes Away at 77

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Don Buchwald, a legendary figure and beloved personality famously known to every listener of “The Howard Stern Show.” Don Buchwald, the reputable father, husband, and businessman who owned the Don Buchwald & Associates talent agency, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 77.

Tim Sabean confirmed the tragic news in a heartfelt social media post, saying, “I lost my closest pal today… you left an iconic legacy… I miss you with all my heart and soul, my dear friend. Tim @buchwaldtalent.”

Don Buchwald’s journey began in Brooklyn, where he was born and raised alongside his four siblings. His mother, a teacher, was the primary breadwinner for many years, while his father worked in the curtain industry and lived to be 100. At the young age of 16, Don enrolled in Brooklyn College with aspirations of becoming an actor, but he soon realized that acting might be more of a hobby than a sustainable career. He left school in 1954 to join the Army, serving in Korea after the war ended. After his service, he returned to college and eventually graduated. He remained closely connected to Brooklyn College, serving as a trustee of the Brooklyn College Foundation for 20 years and on the advisory board of the Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Steiner Studios.

In the early 1960s, Buchwald worked in provincial theaters as a business manager and actor, although he humorously described his acting as “bad acting.” He discovered a talent for negotiating and began working as an agent for performers he met. Simultaneously, he worked as a travel agent specializing in honeymoons, making cold calls to baby boomers planning marriages. Many of his colleagues were voice-over artists with aspirations for Broadway, radio fame, or commercial work, and Buchwald began representing them as well.

Buchwald founded his own agency in 1977 with a straightforward strategy that he adhered to throughout his career. By the early 1980s, he had established himself as one of the leading agents for local radio and news talent. When Howard Stern realized he needed more assistance in managing his career than his lawyers could provide, he reached out to Buchwald. This partnership significantly boosted Buchwald’s prominence in the industry.

A member of the Friars Club since 1972, Buchwald served on its Board of Governors for several years. His contributions to the Brooklyn College Foundation were immense, serving on its Board of Trustees for 20 years. He was the inaugural recipient of the Brooklyn College Theater Alumnus Award and received the Alfred Drake Award, the Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the Second Harvest Award.

Don Buchwald’s legacy is marked by his incredible achievements and the lives he touched. He was described as a great man who lived up to all his dreams. Until his passing, he lived in Manhattan with his wife, Maggie, in their famous mansion called “Bensonhurst.” The couple had two daughters and two grandsons, who now carry forward the legacy of a man who shaped the entertainment industry with his vision and dedication.