A behind-the-scenes icon of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, famed talent agent Sandy Bresler, who represented actor Jack Nicholson for around six decades, has passed away, according to TheWrap.

Bresler died on Thursday in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 87 following a brief and undisclosed illness, according to a statement from his family.

Nicholson's longtime agent

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bresler and Nicholson first met and became friends when they both served together in the California Air National Guard, and their professional relationship began in 1961 when Bresler worked at the William Morris Agency.

Around eight years later in 1969, timed to coincide with the premier of Nicholson's "Easy Rider," Bresler launched his own talent agency, Sandy Bresler & Associates, and publicly announced that he was now the "exclusive" representative of the future Oscar-winning actor.

Bresler, born in 1937 as the son of Hollywood producer Jerry Bresler, grew up as a "second-generation Hollywood kid," according to Nicholson's biographer, Patrick McGilligan, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"Like Nicholson, Bresler was a diehard film buff, raised on a steady diet of movies," McGilligan once wrote. "He had the connections to check 16mm prints out of studio libraries and show them in Jack’s living room. That was part of their friendship."

"For over a decade, Nicholson suffered from unaggressive and unimaginative representation," the biographer added. "The agent problem was to be eventually resolved, at the time of 'Easy Rider,' in the person of Sandy Bresler."

Beloved by his partners and clients

In 1983, per the Times, Bresler joined with his friend and fellow talent agent John Kelly to cofound a boutique talent agency known as Bresler Kelly and Associates, and Kelly told the Times, "Sandy was a unique person, generous with his time and knowledge. And always a great deal of fun!"

It does not appear that Nicholson has publicly addressed the death of his longtime agent, but he did once praise him profusely at the 1999 Golden Globes award show while accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his lifetime achievements and "outstanding contributions" to the entertainment industry.

"There is only one agent who has stayed with me, guided me, tolerated my tantrums, my operatic behavior, and so forth," Nicholson said from the podium, and joked, "His name escapes me -- Sandy Bresler, my pal and comrade in arms!"

Credited with transforming talent agency industry

Variety reported that in addition to forming his own talent agency, Bresler worked for other prestigious firms, was a lifelong member of the Motion Picture Academy, and served as a board member for nearly 30 years -- plus a decade as president -- for the Association of Talent Agents.

ATA Executive Director Karen Stuart said of Bresler, "Throughout Sandy’s remarkable tenure, as a friend and leader, he demonstrated unparalleled dedication and visionary leadership, guiding the association through a period of significant growth and transformation."

"Under his stewardship, ATA expanded its reach and influence," she added. "Sandy’s unwavering commitment to the talent agency profession was instrumental in advancing the interests of our members and elevating the industry as a whole. Sandy was a mentor to many and he leaves behind a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come."

Bresler is survived by his wife, Nancy, to whom he was married for 58 years, their son and daughter, Eric and Jennifer, and two grandsons.