Uncle Bill has joined Big George
Legendary publicist Bill Caplan has passed away at the age of ninety, and an era of flair, fair play, wit, and wonderful friendship has gone forever.
Bill, who was the youngest in his family, was spoiled by his mother; he charmed her and his family, and remained a charmer all of his life. It was impossible not to like him, admire him, and cherish his marvelous, loyal friendship.
Bill cut his teeth in 1962 as a publicist for Leo Minskoff and the great Joe Louis. He went on to adroitly handle PR for George Parnassus, Aileen Eaton, Don King, Bob Arum, Mike Tyson, Don and Lorraine Chargin, Dan Goosen, Oscar De La Hoya, and many others. That is how GREAT Uncle Bill was. He was also a promoter himself, a matchmaker, a ring announcer, and a storyteller of sheer brilliance.
Bill loved a good meal and was a gourmet, but his job always came first. After a succulent meal, he once lay down in the entrance of a restaurant car park to prevent Lupe Pintor from leaving a press conference because the rest of the crew was late! He was George Foreman’s publicist in Zaire, and they became lifelong friends. Bill said of George: “George was a publicist’s dream, and George was my dear friend.”
Bill was truly among the best of the best. When asked what was the worst thing he had ever done in boxing, he ruefully smiled and replied: “Oh, the worst thing I do is when they ask me for information—I know the answer, but my bosses say, ‘Don’t tell them.’ Then I feel really bad.”
We have lost a great man, a friend, an inspiration, a mentor, a genial genius, and a genuinely lovely human being.
Our deepest condolences go out to Bill’s family and his countless friends around the world. To know him was to love him. How we will miss his multitude of stories, delivered with impeccable, poker-faced timing, a hilarious punchline, and the accompanying roars of laughter. Now, Bill joins “Big George.”
