Jeffrey Ballard dead at 64: Hollywood publicist passes away after battle with cancer as A-List stars including Paula Abdul pay tribute
Jeffrey Ballard, a veteran Hollywood publicist who worked with some of Hollywood’s top talent, has died after a long battle with cancer.
He was 64 years old.
Ballard worked with stars such as Paula Abdul, Johnny Depp, Rob Lowe, Zac Efron, Martin Sheen, and Charlie Sheen during his four-decade career.
He founded Jeff Ballard Public Relations in 1982 and was a staple on red carpets, escorting clients to movie premieres and award ceremonies.
Grammy Award winner Paula Abdul wrote ‘There are no words to describe the very special friendship that Jeff and I have had over the last 4 decades. We were teenagers when we met and we forged an admiration for each other as individuals and professionals that has lasted from my Laker Girls days to the present day.’
We worked together, we played together, and we knew we were always there for each other. The word love barely describes my feelings for Jeff and the compassion I’ve had for everything he’s been through, but I really did love him very 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 all eternity.’
Jeffrey Ballard dead at 64: Hollywood publicist passes away after battle with cancer as A-List stars including Martin Sheen pay tribute
Hanging with the stars: Jeffrey is pictured above with Zac Efron
Martin Sheen issued a heartfelt statement of mourning for Deadline writing: ‘As my publicist for 37 years, it’s no secret that I had a lot of work cut out for me. She faced every challenge with class and patience.’
“As my dear friend of 40 years, he was equally loyal and generous to a fault. Have a safe trip JB, we miss you so much, now and forever.”
Lori Loughlin, who visited her friend often during his final 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 carried through even his darkest hours. “. Jeff was grateful for his blessed life, the many friends he made along the way, and the opportunities he was given. I miss him a lot.’