"It got me close to the comics, and I started managing," Mr. Lapides told Pergament.

His new endeavor necessitated a move to Hollywood.

"I started the business with a piano bench and call waiting," he said in 2009.

"My radio stuff came in handy. I'd just use fake voices when I answered the phone and kept passing the calls to me. I'd answer the call with another voice to make it sound like the company was bigger," he added.

His perseverance and audacity led to managing a variety of TV talk show hosts, authors, comedians and actors.

His client list has included reality TV host Dr. Drew Pinsky, actor Tom Green and TV show hosts Adam Carolla, Carson Daly and Jimmy Kimmel.

In a statement, Pinsky said: "Howard was more than a manager. He was family and I will miss him immensely. He was the architect of everything I've ever done. He was my confidant, champion and protector for the last 25 plus years and I am devastated by this loss."

Mr. Lapides not only managed the talent but was executive producer of VH1's successful "Celebrity Rehab" franchise and was managing partner of Dr. Drew productions. Founded in 2009, the company went on to produce TV pilots for several networks.