NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greenlight, the icon representation, merchandise licensing, rights clearances, and brand partnership division of Branded Entertainment Network (BEN), has announced that the Marlon Brando estate has signed with Greenlight to exclusively represent the renowned actor’s rights for licensed products, advertising, and marketing campaigns, including endorsement opportunities worldwide.
From his star-making turn as Stanley Kowalski in Broadway’s A Streetcar Named Desire through a career that spanned decades, Marlon Brando left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the world. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Brando’s early exposure to the theater was through his mother’s work with the Omaha Community Playhouse. He moved to New York at 19, eventually studying acting under Stella Adler and beginning his career on stage.
“Marlon left a legacy as one of the greatest modern thespians of all time. He represents the traditional male, in some ways rebellious, but kind and paternalistic in others,” said Mike Medavoy, a Brando Estate Trustee.
From the stage to the screen, Brando became one of the greatest actors of his generation. With eight Academy Award nominations and Best Actor wins for On the Waterfront and The Godfather, he starred in 39 films including some of the most memorable in American cinema including Last Tango in Paris and Apocalypse Now.
“Marlon Brando was to bring method acting to Hollywood and mainstream audiences,” remarked Avra Douglas, Brando’s longtime personal assistant and estate trustee. “Every successful actor to date has learned something from Marlon’s decades long career.”
Brando’s interests were varied and extended well beyond Hollywood. Long a civil rights activist, Brando worked with Martin Luther King and James Baldwin, was an advocate for Native American rights and environmental causes, and was able to put many of his ideas into practice with the purchase of a twelve-island Tahitian atoll named Tetiaroa. While filming Mutiny on the Bounty Brando fell in love with Tahiti and its people, leading to the purchase of the property. Now home to The Brando, a luxury resort, Tetiaroa was a refuge for the actor to which he returned as often as he was able for the rest of his life.
“Greenlight represents the top caliber of celebrities – those who are worthy of being called ‘icons,’ and Marlon Brando certainly fits that bill,” said Tamra Knepfer, Senior Vice President of Greenlight. “With the timeless appeal of Brando furthered by the legendary status of many of the movies he starred in, the Brando name represents style, originality, and an adventurous spirit, which are relevant across a wide range of products including wine and spirits, apparel, and accessories.”
About Greenlight
Greenlight, a division of Branded Entertainment Network (BEN), is a global leader in rights representation and clearances, merchandise licensing, and brand partnership, providing turnkey solutions for top brands and advertising agencies worldwide. Greenlight represents some of the most iconic names in history including Albert Einstein, Steve McQueen, Sophia Loren, Whitney Houston, Thomas Edison, Martin Luther King, Jr., Charlie Chaplin, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. For more information, visit www.greenlightrights.com.
