Howard Dietz, born on August 9, 1896 in New York, was a prominent figure in the world of entertainment and public relations. He first made a name for himself as the publicity chief at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where he played a key role in shaping the studio's image and branding.
Dietz's career in the entertainment industry began when he started working as a publicist and director of advertising for Goldwyn Pictures. His talent for promotion and marketing quickly caught the attention of MGM, and he was soon hired as Vice President in Charge of Publicity.
During his time at MGM, Dietz was responsible for creating Leo the Lion, the iconic mascot that still appears at the beginning of the studio's films. He also came up with the Latin slogan Ars Gratia Artis, which translates to "Art for Art's Sake," reflecting MGM's commitment to producing high-quality, artistic films.
Throughout his life, Dietz was married three times. His most notable marriage was to Lucinda Ballard, a renowned costume designer, in 1951. The union between Dietz and Ballard was a testament to their shared passion for the arts and their respective contributions to the entertainment world.
Howard Dietz's legacy extends beyond his work in the entertainment industry. He was also a prolific songwriter, with many of his compositions being performed by legendary artists such as Adele Astaire, the sister of the famous dancer Fred Astaire. Through his various creative endeavors and professional achievements, Dietz left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.