PASSINGS
Lee Solters, 89, a longtime publicist who worked with some of the biggest names of Broadway and Hollywood, died Monday of natural causes at his home in West Hollywood, according to Jerry Digney, his partner in the public relations firm of Solters & Digney.
In the 1960s, Solters was considered the top publicist on Broadway and worked on numerous legendary productions including “Guys and Dolls,” “Funny Girl,” “The King and I,” “My Fair Lady” and plays by Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller and Neil Simon.
At one time or another, his client list included Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Cary Grant and Mae West as well as the Muppets and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
A colorful Damon Runyon-type character, Solters was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 23, 1919. After graduating from New York University, he served in the Army during World War II writing for the military newspaper Stars & Stripes. After the war, he started working in publicity firms, eventually heading some of the leading agencies in the business.
His two children, Susan Reynolds and Larry Solters, also became major publicists. They survive him, along with two grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Funeral services will be private.
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