Sanford “Sandy” Wernick, a legendary talent manager and entertainment executive, died Thursday at the age of 86.

A family representative tells Deadline that Wernick died on Thursday in Rancho Mirage, surrounded by family and loved ones, following a brief illness.

Private services will be held in Palm Desert, followed by a memorial celebration in Los Angeles at a later date.

Wernick, a partner and senior executive vice president of Brillstein Entertainment Partners, was largely involved in personal management, TV and motion picture packaging and producing.

Though, prior to becoming a manager in the ’70s, Wernick also notably worked as an agent, rising from the mailroom at McA to ICM’s vice president of the TV division.

Sandy Wernick leaves behind a legendary legacy, most famously defined by his decades-long partnership with Adam Sandler.

Wernick discovered Sandler at just 22 years old, signing him as a client before he ever became a household name on Saturday Night Live.

Their bond was so close that Sandler even dedicated his Netflix film, Sandy Wexler, to him.

The movie serves as a tribute to Wernick’s real-life reputation as one of the most skilled and respected dealmakers in Hollywood.

He was a true powerhouse behind the scenes, helping launch some of the most iconic shows and movies in Hollywood history.

He didn't just manage talent; he was a master at putting huge projects together.

His massive resume includes co-creating

Def Comedy Jam and producing legendary TV hits like The Muppet Show, The Sopranos, and The Larry Sanders Show.

He was also the driving force behind cult-classic sitcoms like ALF and NewsRadio.

On the big screen, he was the executive producer for the movies that made Adam Sandler a superstar, including Happy Gilmore and The Wedding Singer.

He even had a bit of a fun side, occasionally popping up in front of the camera for cameo appearances in the very projects he helped create.

His client list read like a "Who's Who" of Hollywood royalty. He didn't just represent actors; he guided the careers of elite writers, directors, and producers who shaped modern entertainment.

Beyond his famous bond with Adam Sandler, Wernick worked closely with SNL creator Lorne Michaels and comedy legends like Norm Crosby, Colin Quinn, and Rob Schneider.

His influence even extended to iconic TV directors and designers, proving he had a sharp eye for talent in every corner of the industry.

From the star of Columbo, Peter Falk, to political filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi, Wernick was the silent engine behind some of the biggest names in show business.

Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, Sandy Wernick was deeply committed to his community and his roots.

A Bronx native and NYU alum, he served in the Army in the early '60s before becoming a mentor to the next generation as a professor at USC’s prestigious film school.

He even spent his free time volunteering in the emergency room at Cedars-Sinai.

He survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara, along with his children, grandson, and extended family.

While the family will hold a private service in Palm Desert, a public memorial in Los Angeles is being planned to honor the man who helped build so many legendary careers.