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Hollywood legend Edward P. Lozzi died on Wednesday, April 22, at the age of 77, following a brief illness. Longtime friend Roger Neal confirmed the Hollywood publicist's death in a statement saying: "Ed was a great publicist, we worked on projects together off and on over these past 45 years. He was my oldest friend in Hollywood."

The star had enjoyed a 49-year career in Tinseltown running his own Beverly Hills boutique PR firm, Edward Lozzi & Associates. He represented huge names, including Jon Voight, Milton Berle, Dallas legend Larry Hagman, Debbie Reynolds, Incredible Hulk star Lou Ferrigno, Shirley Jones and Rudy Valle. He also acted on behalf of actress Lana Clarkson for more than 25 years until she was murdered in 2003 by record producer Phil Spector. He was deeply affected by her death, as indicated in 2013 when he protested a screening of the HBO film Phil Spector at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

He claimed the project implied she had died by suicide. "To see that this film was going to be made was a slap in the face. We were so happy Phil Spector was in prison," he told The Hollywood Reporter at the time.

Spector died in January 2021 at the age of 81 in a California state prison where he was incarcerated for the second-degree murder of the actress. He was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to a minimum of 19 years before being eligible for parole.

Tributes flooded in for the star from heartbroken friends and acquaintances who took to Facebook to express their sorrow.

"One of the worst feelings you can have is being caught by the news of someone you considered a friend's death. That happened today when the news of Ed Lozzi's passing was posted on my feed. I cannot imagine Los Angeles without Edward Lozzi. I will miss his candour, his humour, his wise advice, and most of all his kindness. Rest in peace, Ed....thank you for being a friend! You will be missed, and you will be remembered!" one penned.

Another added: "I am saddened to say that long-time Hollywood Publicist Edward Lozzi has passed away at 77. I knew Ed for almost 20 years, and I always liked hearing his stories. He will be sadly missed, RIP Ed."

A third chimed in: "Farewell, sweet friend Edward Lozzi. Ed was a great publicist (for decades) who loved what he did. He was often consulted by media outlets on matters relating to celebrities, high-profile legal cases, political campaigns, book promotion, motion picture/Television publicity, and crisis management. Ed was always so kind to me and often helped me book various clients for my Spectrum News segments. This was taken at the Barris Kustom Shop on the day we interviewed Burt Ward. Such a memorable day and a meaningful friendship. He didn't have an ounce of BS, which is rare in his business. So sad to hear he passed."

A fourth shared: "There are no words. I am devastated by the sad news of my longtime friend, a veteran Hollywood publicist of more than 50+ years, Edward Lozzi, who passed away from a brief illness at the age of 77. I was a dear close friend of Edward Lozzi for more than half a century. He was a kind, gentle and loving man who always showed me great respect, encouraged me and was there for me through the good and bad times...May his spirit live on by the love so many have so deeply etched upon their hearts."

Meanwhile, a fifth commented: "Our dear friend Edward Lozzi has passed away. He was a respected and well loved publicist to the Stars in LA. Many times, he has helped us in our endeavours. Forever grateful to this beautiful man. God bless you and we love you Ed!"