Andrew E. Freedman Public Relations was founded in New York City in 1990 with just a handful of marque journalists as clients
Since then, AEFPR has grown to become a full-service media relations agency, now based in Hollywood, with a diverse portfolio of entertainment, corporate and nonprofit clients. We represent actors and authors, journalists and playwrights, recording artists and television personalities, composers and choreographers. Our expertise in the entertainment world also serves our corporate and nonprofit clients, whether it’s engaging consumers through creative media, developing an appeal for support that strikes the right emotional chord, or orchestrating a celebrity-filled press-worthy event.
Andrew Freedman (March 26, 1955 - Feb 6, 2023)
Andrew launched his career in PR from the news division of NBC, managing media relations for NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press and the Today Show (which earned him a Clarion Award from Women in Communication). He also oversaw the network’s press operation for the U.S. Russian Reykyavik and Geneva Summits, the Seoul Olympics and all Presidential Election Coverage. Working closely with talented reporters (he was spokesperson for such notables as Tom Brokaw, Connie Chung and Maria Shriver) gave him a keen understanding of both sides of the media equation. Before launching AEFPR, Andrew was Vice President of Corporate Communications for Special Olympics International.
Fun fact: Andrew is a recovering political junkie whose first post-college job was working on Senator Ted Kennedy’s senate staff. He also worked on Senator Kennedy’s presidential campaign staff.
Marcia Neumeier
Interactive media designer, social media director, video editor, tech advisor and all-around office wizard Marcia helps AEFPR stay on trend digitally and on track internally. Marcia has spent years designing websites, digital and print material for comedians, actors and musicians, and that path naturally led to public relations. A confirmed Anglophile and cat lover, Marcia splits her time between Los Angeles and London, visiting cat cafes when she’s not at home with her beloved kitty Doctor Motorcycle.
Fun Fact: Marcia once scored 214 goals for Manchester United in a single game of football while also acting as the referee.
Dan Fortune
In addition to over 15 years of Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre, film, TV, book and music projects, recent albums and concerts include Alan Cumming, Lea DeLaria, Tituss Burgess, Betty Buckley, Kathleen Turner, Cheyenne Jackson, Chita Rivera, Laura Benanti. Other: Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion (Broadway-bound musical), Ghostlight Records, Frederick Loewe Foundation, Dress Circle Publishing, Oxford University Press, Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, American Pops Orchestra. BC/EFA NexGen Advocate Board.
Patty Freedman (May 6, 1952 - Feb 17, 2017)
Before she made the career switch to public relations, Patty Freedman was an actress, who worked extensively in television, film and on Broadway. One reason Patty connected so well with clients is because she understood their goals, their career demands, and their insecurities. Beyond her entertainment background, Patty brought her natural skills as a matchmaker to work, connecting celebrities to the brands she represents and creating on-going product endorsement partnerships. Patty created events for AEFPR that included everything from celebrity booking/handling to complete media coverage and high level placements.
Fun Fact: Patty starred opposite Jackie Gleason in “Sly Fox” directed by Arthur Penn and written by Larry Gelbart; she was a fantasy on “The Island” and had her own porthole on “The Love Boat.” Oh…she was also the original voice of Snuggles the Bear!
Sadly, we lost Patty to cancer on February, 17th, 2017. She will be in our hearts forever. We miss you, Patty Sue.
Dan Fortune
Xaque Gruber (first name pronounced ‘Zack’) is AEFPR’s Senior Publicist and resident writer. A published children’s book author, he’s also written extensively for television and the web (he’s a regular contributor to the Huffington Post). Xaque has spearheaded outreach on behalf of AEFPR’s health and beauty, theatre and film-festival accounts.
Fun Fact: Xaque’s hands have their own agent (he’s a professional hand model). He’s also an accomplished fine artist.
Mary Duffy
Creative consultant, social media maven and editorial strategist, Mary works with AEFPR on all things content and design-related (including the development of aefpr.com). Her background includes a couple of stints as a magazine editor in chief, writing and producing for television, radio and the web and spearheading projects for clients such as Nike, Chrysler and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Elle, Self, Health and scores of other publications.
Fun Fact: In her off-hours, Mary spends way too much time engrossed in Scandinavian mystery novels or intrigued by Scandinavian television dramas.