Jeffrey Ballard dead at 64: Hollywood publicist dies after battle with cancer as A-list stars including Paula Abdul pay tribute
Jeffrey Ballard, a veteran Hollywood publicist who has worked with some of Hollywood’s brightest talent, has died after a long battle with cancer.
He was 64.
Ballard has worked with the likes of Paula Abdul, Johnny Depp, Rob Lowe, Zac Efron, Martin Sheen and Charlie Sheen throughout his four-decade career.
He founded Jeff Ballard Public Relations in 1982 and was a fixture on the red carpets, escorting clients to film premieres and awards ceremonies.
Grammy winner Paula Abdul wrote: “There are no words to describe the very special friendship that Jeff and I have had over the past 4 decades. We were teenagers when we met and forged an admiration for one another as people and professionals that has lasted from my Laker Girls days to this day.
We worked together, played together and knew we were always there for each other. The word love hardly describes my feelings for Jeff and the compassion I had for everything he went through as a soldier, but I really loved him that much. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. His long suffering is now over and my prayer is that he may rest in peace for eternity.’
Jeffrey Ballard dead at 64: Hollywood publicist dies after battle with cancer as A-list stars like Martin Sheen pay tribute
Hanging with the Stars: Jeffrey is pictured above with Zac Efron
Martin Sheen issued a heartfelt statement of condolences to Deadline, writing: “As my publicist for 37 years it’s no secret that he had his work cut out for him. He mastered every challenge with class and patience.”
“As my dear friend of 40 years, he was as loyal and generous as a mistake. Bon voyage JB, you will be sorely missed now and forever.”
Lori Loughlin, who often visited her boyfriend during his recent battle with cancer, told the publication: “Jeff was a great friend and could always lift your spirits with his wicked sense of humor, which he maintained even in his darkest hours. Jeff was grateful for his blessed life, the many friends he had made along the way, and the opportunities he had. I miss him much.’