Stephan Brian Avnet
Obituary

Brian Avnet, beloved husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and cherished friend to so many, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 82. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 16, 1942, Brian lived a life full of passion, purpose, and connection—a life that touched countless others in the most meaningful ways.

From a young age, Brian’s star burned bright. At just 15 years old, he became the youngest person to manage a theater—an early sign of the extraordinary path he was destined to walk. He began his journey in the arts by interning at Painter’s Music Mill in Maryland before heading to New York, where he shared a roof with Dustin Hoffman and John Voight. During a time when dreams were born on stage before reaching the screen, these early days in Summerstock laid the foundation for a remarkable career in entertainment.

Brian was a legendary figure in the music industry—a personal manager to icons such as Bette Midler, The Manhattan Transfer, Frankie Valli, Cyndi Lauper, Josh Groban, Take 6, Eric Benet, and many others. In a business known for contracts and conditions, Brian stood apart: he never signed a single one. His word was his bond—an almost mythic testament to the deep trust he inspired in everyone around him. In 2017, his incredible work and integrity were recognized with his induction into the Manager’s Hall of Fame.

More than his professional accolades, Brian was a man defined by kindness, warmth, and connection. He had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room. A true people person, Brian was generous with his time, his heart, and his wisdom. He was as comfortable sharing stories over coffee as he was traveling the world—something he did many times over, embracing every culture and conversation with joy and curiosity.

Brian’s legacy also includes his work in theater. Among his proudest achievements was bringing The Rocky Horror Show to Los Angeles, co-producing it with Lou Adler—an endeavor that was both bold and beloved. He even oversaw the opening season of the Universal Amphitheater.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Marcia Avnet; his brother, Dick Avnet; his nephew, Evan Avnet; his cousins, Marc Avnet and Jean Avnet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and Duke Avnet, whose love and values he carried throughout his life.

To know Brian was to be changed by his grace, his humor, his honesty, and his unwavering belief in the goodness of people. He lived by example—with morality, trust, and love—and he would want to be remembered simply as someone who kept his word, loved deeply, and lifted others with every step he took.

A celebration of life tribute will be held on September 16th, 2025, by invitation only in Los Angeles. Details to follow.