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Warren CowanAmerican PR man
Date of Birth: 13.03.1921
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Warren Cowan
Warren Cowan was an American publicist who was born in New York and attended a school for accelerated learning for boys. He specialized in journalism at the University of California and began working with actress Linda Darnell. At the age of seventeen, Cowan started working as a publicist for some of Hollywood's biggest stars. He was known as one of the most talented and capable publicists in the world.
Early Life and Career
Warren Cowan was born in New York to songwriter Ruby Cowan and his wife, Grace Cowan. He had one older brother, Stanley. Cowan attended the University of California where he specialized in journalism and worked with actress Linda Darnell. At the age of seventeen, he began working as a publicist for some of the most popular Hollywood stars.
Rogers & Cowan
In 1946, after serving in the US Air Force during World War II, Cowan joined the company founded by his mentor, Henry Rogers. He became one of the founders of the new and developing public relations industry. The firm soon became known as 'Rogers & Cowan', and in 1964, Cowan became its president. 'Rogers & Cowan' quickly became the largest public relations company in the entertainment industry, representing a vast list of clients from Paul Newman to Elizabeth Taylor, from Danny Kaye to Kirk Douglas, from Frank Sinatra to Tony Curtis, and from Shirley MacLaine to Elton John. Cowan worked with almost every notable star of the 20th century.
Versatile Career
During his career, Cowan collaborated not only with major celebrities, but also with automotive conglomerates, solo performers, fashion and cosmetic companies, hotels, resorts, films, books, and even entire nations. Many individual publicists and leaders of corresponding companies, and sometimes even television channel executives, started their careers working under Cowan. He was known as an innovative publicist and organized the first celebrity-driven charity event, a golf tournament in 1950, directed by filmmaker Frank Borzage. Cowan also initiated and executed numerous charitable campaigns for famous organizations such as the John Wayne Cancer Institute, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Singers Society.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1988, 'Rogers & Cowan' was sold to the English conglomerate 'Shandwick Plc.' Cowan felt that he was spending too much time on administrative work and wanted to focus more on his creative endeavors. In 1994, he launched his new project, 'Warren Cowan & Associates', where he maintained control over the creative aspects of the business. Cowan received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Alexis de Tocqueville Award presented by President Gerald Ford for his volunteer work with 'United Way of America' in the entertainment industry. Cowan was married to Barbara Gilbert-Cowan for over ten years and had two children from previous marriages, Claudia Cowan and Bonnie Fleming. He passed away on May 14, 2008.
