Howard Bragman, a public relations giant who helped guide all-star clients grappling with a dilemma while becoming an expert in crisis PR and a key advocate for LBGTQ rights, has died. He was 66.

His death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by a source close to the family. It was also announced by his friend John Duran on Twitter on Saturday night.

“My dear old friend for the last 30 years passed away tonight. RIP Howard Bragman. LBGT warrior. Gentle giant. Wicked humor. Love you eternally. See you on the other side,” Duran’s tweet read.

If a Hollywood star found themselves in a predicament, Bragman was usually on the call list to help. He most recently repped embattled talk show host Wendy Williams, but over the years his clients had also included Monica Lewinsky and Chaz Bono.

Bragman also was known for helping closeted celebrities reveal their sexuality at a time when being “outed” could destroy a career. Among those whom he assisted in revealing their truth was Meredith Baxter, the Family Ties star, who gave an interview after fearing tabloids were about to reveal photos of her and her partner.

He was notably called upon to help then-University of Missouri defensive player and top NFL Draft prospect Michael Sam with his decision to come out publicly ahead of the 2014 draft. Bragman would coordinate the historic announcement with major outlets including The New York Times, ESPN and OutSports.

Bragman’s extensive experience in crisis situations became so known he became a celebrity himself, often called upon in the media, including THR, to offer his expertise about celebrities caught in the crossfire.

He was one of the founders of the PR firm Bragman Nyman Cafarelli, which was acquired by Weber Shandwick Worldwide in 2001, merging it with PMK to become PMK-BNC. He went on to launch the PR firm Fifteen Minutes and later started La Brea Media. In 2011, he became vice chairman of Reputation.com.