Miller Wright was a mainstay in the entertainment industry as a publicist, his media relations and management firm representing Pulitzer Prize winning writers, Academy Award winning actors, Emmy Award winning actresses, Grammy Award winning musicians and Tony Award winning composers. Many of us know him from his recent days at Feinstein’s at the Regency where he worked tirelessly representing some of the best in the business.
Miller Wright has worked in the entertainment industry as a producer, publicist and personal manager since 1986. He has handled the national publicity and marketing campaigns for well over 100 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions,
Miller was born June 26, 1954 in Jacksonville, Fl. and passed away July 18th, 2013 at approximately 10:43 a.m. His father was Joe Miller Wright of Shelbyville, TN; his mother Jean Adams Wright of Lewisburg, TN. He is survived by sisters Joni Wright Demera (Carlos Demere, husband, Stephen & Gabriela, their children); Linda Croner (Jeff Croner, husband & their children Keith, Scott and Tracey) and half sister Heidi Barringer (Jessica, her daughter).
Ann Hampton Callaway, a good friend of Miller and the family, heard these words from Miller’s niece Tracey that surely reflects the feelings we all share:
“Words can’t describe losing a loved one so unexpectedly. My uncle was one of kind and so full of life. One of life’s lessons he taught me was to follow your dreams and don’t ever give up. He hoped in his car, drove to NYC with nothing but hope and faith to make it in the city that never sleeps. 30+ years later the list of credentials, lives he has touched and what he has accomplished in his lifetime and entertainment industry is endless. He never looked back and always kept a positive foot forward no matter the obstacles life threw at him. I looked up to him not just as an uncle but as a mentor. I could not be prouder to call Miller Wright my uncle and to say he will be missed is an understatement. With this tragic passing, the saying “live everyday like it’s your last” has never hit so hard. I do not normally post things like this but want to wish everyone to live life to its fullest and be thankful for each day.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation for all the prayers and condolences.
Heaven received a perfect angel and know the stars will be shining extra bright tonight.”
Ann’s personal thoughts and words are heartfelt when she shares the fact that “Miller was one of the most important men in my life.” She knew him since 1987 as both a cherished friend and publicist, as well as for a time, her manager. He fostered her symphony and recording career, as well as her career on Broadway.
Miller worked at Shirley Herz and Associates on Broadway shows for many years eventually striking out on his own as Miller Wright and Associates. With the help of Dan Fortune and others he did publicity for numerous shows, cabarets, CDs and artists. His more recent clients included Ann Hampton Callaway, Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency, Darlene Love, Lesley Gore, John Miller, Sheera Ben-David, Ghostlight Records, John Pizzarelli, Judy Kuhn, Motema Music, Capathia Jenkins, Louis Rosen, Emily Saxe, Tony DeSare, Pamela Glasner and “Finding Emmaus,” Maude Maggart, Andrea Marcovicci and Carol Duboc.
In Ann’s words “Miller was one of the kindest, warmest people in our business and completely devoted to the talent he believed in.”
To date, the following statement has been issued by the family:
“A pride and joy of Miller’s was the view from his apartment on the 23rd floor on 95th and 3rd overlooking the East River, so he was meticulous about having clean windows, a close friend reported. On the morning of July 18th, Miller fell from his apartment and when police entered his apartment, cleaning supplies were found at the scene of the accident.
Police believe Miller slipped while cleaning his window. His death has been ruled a “tragic accident,” law enforcement officials say. An autopsy has been completed and results are pending.”
We, who knew Miller, are devastated.
