Legendary Hollywood Lawyer for Eddie Murphy, Harrison Ford Dies at 83

Skip Brittenham, the iconic entertainment lawyer behind some of Hollywood’s biggest deals and boldest stars, has passed away at the age of 83.

Brittenham co-founded the powerhouse firm Ziffren Brittenham in 1978 alongside Ken Ziffren. Over the decades, he became a cornerstone of the industry — quietly negotiating the billion-dollar deals that shaped modern film and television. Among his star-studded roster of clients: Harrison Ford, Eddie Murphy, Bruce Willis, and major studios like DreamWorks, Pixar, and Illumination Entertainment.

His legacy includes helping launch Skydance Media, Illumination, and playing a pivotal role in Pixar’s rise. He was instrumental in negotiating DreamWorks’ high-stakes split and is credited with pioneering the now-standard “backend deal” — a revenue model that has empowered actors like Henry Winkler, Ted Danson, and Tom Selleck to reap long-term rewards from their iconic roles.

Until recently, Brittenham served as partner emeritus at his firm, which continues to represent top-tier clients like Drew Carey, Michael Keaton, Ridley Scott, Kevin Feige, Jim Gianopulos, and Sony Pictures chairman Tom Rothman.

“Singular is an overused word,” Rothman said in a tribute. “It should be reserved for the exceedingly rare likes of Skip Brittenham. A dear friend and valued advisor to me for my entire career. I’m sure he is fishing a big river in heaven as we mourn the passing of a true original.”

Beyond the boardroom, Brittenham served on the boards of DreamWorks Animation, Pixar, and Loews Cineplex. His passion for advocacy matched his industry savvy — supporting organizations like Conservation International and earning the Spirit of Liberty Award from People for the American Way. He and his wife, actress and activist Heather Thomas, were honored with the National Champion Award by the Alliance for Children’s Rights.

Born Harry Montague Brittenham II in Port Huron, Michigan, he graduated from UCLA Law in 1970 after serving in the U.S. Air Force. A devoted fly fisherman, he competed on the U.S. National Team and authored a graphic novel, Anomaly, which he had hoped to bring to the big screen.

Skip Brittenham is survived by his wife Heather, daughters Kristina Lynn, Shauna Leigh, and India Rose, brother Bud, four grandchildren, and two sons-in-law. A celebration of life will be held later this year.

The family requests donations to Conservation International, a cause Brittenham helped shape and where his daughter Kristina continues the mission as a board member.

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Skip Brittenham wasn’t a household name — but in Hollywood boardrooms, his influence was absolute. While today’s entertainment headlines are often dominated by actors, studios, and AI disruption, it’s important to remember the architects behind the scenes. Brittenham mastered the art of negotiation and foresaw the importance of creator equity long before it was cool. In a time when the industry is being reshaped by algorithms and automation, his legacy reminds us of the human wisdom, trust, and vision that once powered the biggest moves in town.

Hollywood may never have another Skip.