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Grey to get honorary degree
Executive producer of "The Sopranos" to visit UB March 27
By CHRISTINE VIDAL
Contributing Editor
Brad Grey, a UB alumnus who is a top innovator in the entertainment industry, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from SUNY during a visit to the Buffalo area on March 27.
Grey, chairman of Brillstein-Grey Entertainment and executive producer of the critically acclaimed cable television show "The Sopranos," will be honored for his contributions and achievement in the field of entertainment business, and his world-wide industry renown.
"Brad Grey's business acumen, pronounced emphasis on professional and artistic integrity, and legendary respect for his clients' vision have set a new industry standard, transforming the entertainment world and enriching the media arts for generations to come," said President William R. Greiner.
"Throughout his trailblazing career, he has excelled by combining extraordinary business savvy with an uncanny instinct for discovering and nurturing the finest in creative talent.
"Mr. Grey's own vision and willingness to support innovative new projects such as 'The Sopranos'—even in the face of strong opposition—have revolutionized popular television, expanding and diversifying the boundaries of the genre."
Grey's trip to Buffalo will include a visit to the North Campus, where he will lecture to more than 100 students in the media study program. He will receive his honorary degree at a private luncheon reception to be held in the UB President's Residence at 889 Lebrun Road in Eggertsville.
Grey is considered one of the most influential executives in the entertainment industry. His devotion to and respect for his clients is highly regarded. He is known not only for working aggressively to promote his clients, but for having built a competitive business rooted first and foremost in creative vision.
Brillstein-Grey Management's extensive list of clients includes Jennifer Aniston, Marc Anthony, Jim Belushi, Wayne Brady, Dana Carvey, Bob Costas, Courteney Cox, Jimmy Fallon, Rudolph Giuliani, Greg Kinnear, Rob Lowe, Bill Maher, John Malkovich, Lorne Michaels, Dennis Miller, Brad Pitt, Guy Ritchie, Adam Sandler, Martin Short, Christian Slater, Jimmy Smits, David Spade, Nia Vardalos and Noah Wyle.
In addition to a talent-management firm, Grey's multi-faceted entertainment company, Brillstein-Grey Entertainment, includes a television studio and a motion picture company.
Brad Grey Television has a number of shows on the air for the 2002-03 television season, and serves as executive producer of not only "The Sopranos," but "Just Shoot Me," "According to Jim," "Real Time with Bill Maher" and "My Big Fat Greek Life." The company also produced "The Larry Sanders Show" and "News Radio," both of which now are in syndication.
Grey graduated cum laude in 1979 from UB, where he majored in speech communication. His wife, Jill, received a bachelor's degree in social sciences interdisciplinary studies in 1979.
A visionary who believes in promoting programming and business relationships that emphasize integrity and innovation, Grey began his career in Buffalo, first serving as advertising director for fellow UB alumnus Harvey Weinstein's production company and then as a partner with him in a regional talent management company.
Grey initially focused on comedians; his first client was Bob Saget of "America's Funniest Home Videos." He also signed Gary Shandling, Dana Carvey and Dennis Miller. At age 22, he took his client list to Los Angeles, where he met Bernie Brillstein, and the two eventually became partners.
For his success and his promotion of artistic excellence, Grey has been recognized consistently by the entertainment community. He has been nominated for 17 Emmy Awards, won several Cable Ace awards and was the executive producer of two shows—"The Larry Sanders Show" and "The Sopranos"—that received the George Foster Peabody Award, which he has won four times. "The Sopranos" received 22 Emmy nominations in 2001 and went on to win both Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Lead Actress in a drama series.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Grey has shown his commitment to his alma mater and the education of future media professionals by sharing his expertise with up-and-coming students in UB's master's program in film production, and by serving as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Department of Media Study.
In 1998, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the UB Alumni Association.