Jay Kanter, whose long career as an agent to the stars — including Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly — and later as a studio executive made him one of the last of the generation of power brokers who dominated Hollywood in the late 20th century, died on August 6 at his home in Beverly Hills, CA. He was 97.

Among Mr. Kanter’s close friends was Mel Brooks. He joined Mr. Brooks, the director Paul Mazursky and a small group of other film industry insiders for a regular Friday lunch. The repast became legendary around Hollywood. He was there the Friday before his death, for a meal at Porta Via in Beverly Hills. Getting up after the meal, Mr. Kanter told his old friends, “See you guys next  week.”