Photo: Courtesy of Brad Bessey
Jeff Ballard, a veteran publicist who representedCharlie Sheenand various other stars throughout his career, has died. He was 64.
Ballard died on Jan. 30 at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center following a five-year battle with lymphoma, his friend, Brad Bessey, tells PEOPLE.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Sheen, 57, remembered Ballard as an “equally loyal and generous” friend.
“As my publicist of 37 years, it’s no secret that he had his work cut out for him. He met every challenge head on with class and patience,” the actor said. “As my dear friend of 40 years, he was equally loyal and generous to a fault. Safe travels JB, you are sorely missed, now and forever.”
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Jeffrey Ballard/Instagram
Ballard also represented the likes ofLori Loughlin,Johnny Depp,Paula Abdul,Matthew Perry,Cuba Gooding Jr.,Zac Efron,Ryan Seacrest,Jared LetoandWillie Aames, among others.
After working his way into publicity, he launched Jeff Ballard PR in 1982, which led him to eventually rep Sheen’s Oscar campaigns for 1986’sPlatoonand 1987’sWall Street. He later also played a role inNancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign.
Ballard would regularly share throwbackphotos with his clientson his Instagram page, as well as a few updates on his cancer treatment.
Ray Mickshaw/WireImage for Fox Television Network
“There are no words to describe the very special friendship that Jeff and I have had over the last 4 decades,” Abdul, 60, shared in a tribute to Ballard on Instagram. “We were teenagers when we met and forged a mutual admiration as people and professionals that lasted from my Laker Girls days to present day. We worked together, played together and knew we were always there for each other.”
Underneath Abdul’s post, several other stars shared messages of support, including Debbie Gibson, who commented, “Ohhhh I didn’t know Jeff passed. Loved him. So sorry to hear 😢❤️.”
Longtime friend Loughlin, 58, visited Ballard in the hospital during his final days, Bessey tells PEOPLE.
“Jeff was thankful for his blessed life, the many friends he made along the way and the opportunities that were afforded to him,” Loughlin continued. “I miss him very much.”
source: people.com
