Gary Halbert Has Passed Away

Sad day. I’m speechless.

In case you haven’t heard, the infamous Gary Halbert, the Alpha Shitweasel, the Prince of Print, died in his sleep on Easter Sunday.

All I can say is, the copywriting world has lost one of its biggest icons. There will NEVER be another Gary Halbert, that’s for sure.

John Reese left the message on my copywriter’s board just after midnight. John Carlton, who was Gary’s best friend in this biz, wrote a blog post that says it all. (It literally brought tears to my eyes.)

I remember two years ago when I did a seminar with him, John Carlton, and Mark Joyner, called the “Fusion Seminar.” (There are some incredibly funny stories from that seminar, which I will share with you some time soon!)

Rest in peace, brother. You can also listen to two interviews I’ve done with Gary Halbert, and one with John Carlton.

Click here to listen to four hours with me and Gary Halbert.

About the Author

michel-fortin Gary Halbert Has Passed Away Michel Fortin is a direct response copywriter, author, speaker, consultant, and CEO of The Success Doctor, Inc. Visit his blog and signup free to get tested conversion strategies and response-boosting tips by email, along with blog updates, news, and more! Go now to http://www.michelfortin.com.

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43 Replies to “Gary Halbert Has Passed Away”

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From IMRecap.com - Daily Links to Online Marketing Resources » Blog Archive » Gary Halbert Remembered

[...] Please read Michel’s message on Gary Halbert here: Gary Halbert Remembered [...]
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Source Website April 10th, 2007
From » The Last Gary Halbert Letter

[...] Michael Fortin did some interviews with both. You still can listen to the audio files. [...]
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Source Website April 11th, 2007
From pligg.com

World’s Best Copywriter Dies in his Sleep…

Gary Halbert, regarded by many as the world’s best copywriter, has passed away in his sleep on Easter Sunday 2007….
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Source Website April 11th, 2007
From anhdrewjohnson.com » Gary Halbert: 1938-2007 & Our Journey-Home

[...] be referring you to two of Gary’s closest friends John Carlton and Michel Fortin for the details of what Gary represented, and his website so you can see for [...]
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Source Website April 11th, 2007
From » Refuse to Listen - Archive - Tie-Dye Apparel for Women, Men and Juniors

[...] Halbert, apparently THE copy-writer, has died, as reported in many publications and blogs like this one here. I had just started to read some of his material and viewed some little video clips, and when I get [...]
Reply Quote

Source Website April 30th, 2007
From Sphinn Moderation An Insult To Gary Halbert | Andy Beard - Niche Marketing

[...] Halbert passed away almost exactly a year ago. Sunday April 8th 2007. I first heard about it from Michel Fortin. I am not sure if things were planned that way, and if there will be some kind of additional [...]
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Source Website April 6th, 2008

Comments

From Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero

What a shame. Gary was brilliant. When I saw him a year ago he certainly looked a little shaky. He had just lost his trusted assistant, Teresa, and could barely find the bathroom without assistance. I was concerned he was so out of touch for the past year. RIP, Sir Gary.

Love,
Lorrie
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Hendry Lee

I was shocked. I couldn’t believe emails that I received from a marketer, but it’s 10th April, not 1st.

RIP Gary.
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From John

Crazy… I have followed him for years. Very unfortunate, he’ll be missed.
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Linda Rothenberger

I am stunned. Although I realized I hadn’t received much email from him recently, I had no idea he was so ill. He will be missed.
RIP Gary,
Linda
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Scott Ames

I can’t believe it. Gary is an icon that I never met, but have learned a lot from.

It just proves that we must do the things in life that make us happy while we can. Suddenly wealth doesn’t seem like such a worthy goal in and of itself. We should do the things that make us happy and if possible, leave a bit behind to benefit others. Gary has left us with much to ponder.
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Maria Madeira

DON’T LET NOTHING TO DO UNTIL ‘TOMORROW’!

I know that I should not write in capital letters, but I want to get your attention.

I am a subscriber from his newsletters, and in the last messages, he was always asking for us to send our comments to him!

But I was so “busy” that I never did it !!!!

I FEEL SO “BAD”, I guess Gary was needing more than ever, to know that he was beeing “important” to us, and by God, he sure was, but I didn’t let him know that…

I FEEL SO SMALL !!!

Gary, where ever you are, THANKS FOR ALL, it was because of you that I did start learning webcopy.

Maria Madeira

P.S. STOP whatever you are doing now, and if you “feel the need” to thank somebody, DO IT NOW !!! Or otherwise it may be to late….
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From David Garfinkel

I just found out an hour ago and my world has gone into a dizzying spin. Gary’s newsletter, his Hurricane Andrew event in 1991, and his subsequent newsletters, seminars, and other teachings and goadings changed my life in such a positive way I can’t describe it in words alone.

What a great man and a wonderfully flawed human being. I am so grateful I had the chance to cross paths with him and learn from him.
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Roberta Rosenberg

I knew something must have been up when the number of newsletters began to dwindle. A powerful man with extraordinary talent and instincts. Vaya con Dios, Gary.
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Dave Allard

My condolensces go to Gary’s family and friends. He was not only the
“Prince of Pen”, he also shared with others his first-hand knowledge of building a business from scratch. Starting with only a pen and paper. His contributions
will last many lifetimes, I believe.
Sincerely , Dave

.
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Andy Beard

Shocking news

One of the reasons I believe the number of newsletters fell off was due to eyesight problems, but I recall a not so distant newsletter where he explained the problem, and the surgery he had to correct the problem, thus I was expecting things to pick up again.
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Jimmy Sweeney

As my fascination with mail order was taking root many years ago I remember reading Gary the ‘Prince of Print’ Halbert’s full page ads in the Los Angeles Times. One of his headlines I sort of remember started with something like “Crazy Man From Ohio Reveals…” (it was much better than that). He also wrote a headline using “Desperate Housewife” years ago.

He was insanely brilliant and I loved reading his newsletters and learning from him.

Gary, so many loved you and I will miss you, you Shit Weazle you!

Leave it to you Gary to pass away on Easter Sunday. You couldn’t have written it any better buddy.

Rest in peace my friend,

-Jimmy Sweeney
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Raja C. Hireker

News of Gary’s death, hit me like a brick in the head.

I met with Gary in an eventful copywriting seminar in Phoenix, Dec 2002.
I shared a room with the nephew of Gary’s girlfriend. I got to know a little more of the legend.

Some people scoff at Gary’s instruction to copy out in one’s own handwriting, the super profitable direct mail letters and direct response adverts.

I took his advice to heart. And I’m really glad I did, for it was Gary Halbert’s Newsletters that set fire to my mind.

I’ll remember fondly, sitting in Gary’s room during one of the seminar breaks in Phoenix. All his entourage were flailing all around. Gary, both legs up on couch, eyes tired, told me to come and sit near him, where he then, whisphered a copywriting nugget which I now hold even more dearly.

Thank you for sharing your practical wisdom Gary. You’ll be missed, badly.

Raja
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Marcus Hochstadt

Although I haven’t read as much from Gary as you, Michel and David, I definitely did learn a LOT from the newsletters I *have* read, and the interview you, Michel, had with him. (I was live on that call; remember it now.)

Now’s time to read all of his letters, and apply what he taught…

My sincere condolences.
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Pam Gitta

Wow.

He was one of the first copywriters I ever “encountered” (via his amazing newsletter) and he was always entertaining, always sharp.

His family will be in my thoughts.

Pam
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Rick Butts

You might say Gary was the Hunter S. Thompson of copy writing - but in reality he was much too original to be anything but THE GARY HALBERT.

I got to pick Og Mandino up at the airport and take him to his hotel several years ago - (the author of The Greatest Salesman in the World etc.) and while trying to think of an original question to ask him - I came up with:

“What happens to your work, your audio, your “stuff” when you pass away?”

As a writer and speaker myself I know our success often relies in large part on self promotion - and that when we aren’t doing that - our sales dwindle.

Og told me that was a great question! And guessed that your son or daughter isn’t likely to carry on your work - it’s hard enough to get them to carry out the trash.

So it appears as though what we create in this life is exactly that.

Gary created a LOT and helped a LOT of people.

I bought that Coat of Arms thing (from Gary’s huge sales letter success) when I was a kid - (imagine, me believing that there was actually was a historical Coat of Arms for the name BUTTS!

I heard him analyze that thing once - it was a masterpiece - and to this day I don’t think there has ever been a better letter - or a clear diagram of the craft.

God Bless Ya Gary,
Rick Butts
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Tolani Brendan Mosweu

At first i thought this was a marketing strategy and am really left speechless as well that the beloved prince of print has passed away. I am a newbie in the copywriting field and have been consuming everycopy from The Gary Halbert Bullets and Boron Letters. He was indeed the greatest Copywriter I have ever come across and He will remain a legend in my own heart.

God Bless His family
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Joseph Ratliff

I had the fortune to have a conversation with the marketing legend years back.

The marketing world will certainly miss him, I will miss The Gary Halbert Letter and his email communication.

Rest in Peace Gary, sell something up there would ya

Joseph Ratliff
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Fred

Whoa!

I thought this was a joke at first. I am going to miss reading his newsletter. The man will be missed.
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Peter Lenkefi

When I was first introduced to Gary, the person who introduced me his site said: “Either you’re gonna like this guy or hate him…but you gotta read his stuff, it’s going to change his take on marketing.”

I love Gary Halbert’s work and it did change how I see marketing. Thank you Gary and Good Bye!
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Mike Morales

I met Gary at the Hurricane Benefit Seminar in Key West, Florida. Never heard anyone like him. Powerful, street smart, cut to the chase and help out those on his team (other entrepreneur copywriters or small business owners.

For a week he ran the show with Bill Myers, Ted Nicholas, the Anton brothers, Carl Galleti, Joe Sabah and other greats. Michael Senoff has a great talk by Gary Halbert on his Hardtofindseminars.com.

His letters to his son manual was a fantastic resource for understanding human nature in marketing or just life itself. Gary’s a true pioneer. Loved his ad to find a girlfriend for himself, it was a classic.
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Dave Zan

Honestly I first thought it was a prank (like some did, I’m sure) when I first learned about it. But I was really saddened upon reading further.

However, John Carlton posted in his blog Gary died in his sleep. I wouldn’t have it any other way if it can be helped.

Rest in peace, alpha sh**weasel. I’ll miss you, but I’ll never, ever forget what you’ve taught.

Hopefully someone has made arrangements with his domain name and site. I’d hate to see someone else take it and just park it, it’d be such a waste.
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Abel Cheng

I thought it was a joke when I read the email with the sad news. I couldn’t believe it as Gary only recently posted the latest newsletter! How could that happen?

I love his writing, no BS and straight to the point. It’s true that someone should maintain his website and preserve his excellent work.

RIP, Gary.
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Scott Ames

From Gary himself, a word about life. I thought this was something to ponder:

Halbertism #57

Saturday, July 10, 2004

“The graveyards are full of indispensable men.”

Charles de Boulle

Stop taking yourself so seriously. You really aren’t that important. Your passing may leave a vacuum but, it will be filled faster than you would ever believe.

I don’t say this to put you down. The real message here is…

Get Out There And

Start Having Some Fun!

- Gary Halbert
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Andrew Cavanagh

It sounds strange to say this but anyone who knew Gary or was a subscriber to his list will understand…

I’ll miss being called a shitweasel, being regularly insulted about the crappy quality of my loser copy and generally being insulted on a regular basis.

Give em hell in heaven Gary.

Andrew Cavanagh
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Author's Website April 10th, 2007
From Ladan Lashkari

I was so sad to hear this news from John Reese on the Warrior forum. At first when I read the title, I didn’t believe it and thought it was a marketing prank or ploy.

But then I saw it was really true…

I was stunned.

We will miss you Gary.

Ladan Lashkari
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Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Tracy Hill

I was very shocked to hear of Mr. Halbert passing..I never
met him in person,but it feels like i lost a family member..

I enjoyed reading his newsletters,and his copywriting courses.I’ve
learned so much from Gary HALBERT!!

He will Truly be Missed..

Tracy Hill
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Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Anh Drew Johnson

Gary’s sudden passing really caught me way off guard.

Gary has inspired me beyond what he knows.

Marketing has lost its Soul in my humble view. The world has lost a very nice man.

I remember listening in on your audio series you have Michel and that began my understanding of how smart Gary is (and that tough exterior was just that; it had a point for making the sales successful).

I had found his letters before finding those audios.

Gary will continue to inspire and so are you!

My sincere condolences to Gary’s family and all,

Anh Drew Johnson
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Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Drayton Bird

What a shame - and a sad coincidence. I was exchanging e-mails with Gary just a few days ago.

And most fittingly the subject was vaguely improper.

I first heard of him when David Ogilvy sent me one of his newsletters some 20 years ago.

A genuine haracter in a workld far too short of them and far too full of jargon-wielding indenti-trolls.
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Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Shel Horowitz, Ethical Marketing Expert

I never got to meet Gary but he certainly taught me a lot–including some things about how NOT to write copy (I had ethical issues with some of his approaches, as I do with some of the other marketing gurus). I was sometimes offended, sometimes appalled, but always entertained–and always learning something.
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Nick Platten

I just want to say a “Thank You” to Michel for introducing me to Gary via the audio recordings a year or so ago.

Gary has impacted many people one way or another and all for the good! His words have helped lift many minds from their bonds of drudgery, mine included.

I’m deeply saddened by the news of his death and the now lost possibility (in this life time) to meet him.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.
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Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Tracey Dooley

What shocking news… I have just gone through an entire box of Kleenex and I didn’t even know Gary Halbert!!! (Only through his teachings.)

But one can’t be sad for long; given time, just remembering his sharp wit (however distasteful or just plain odd), his sparkling insights, his very unique and not-so-subtle take on the world and its workings will bring a smile to anyone’s face. His ‘PSs’ at the foot of every newsletter alone often had me in fits of laughter. In a few days, I’m going to read through some of them…

Heck, I bet the next time it thunders, it will be Gary’s infectious laugh!

His infectious enthusiasm for life and all things copy will never be forgotten…

I hope in time his family and all those close to him will find solace in the rich memories they are bound to have of such a mighty, great and refreshingly ‘different’ being.

-Tracey
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Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Paul Short

Michel, I was lucky enough to be on one of the calls you did with Gary and I still think about it almost daily. I still smile when I hink about the story he told about the two Cubans who washed up on the beach in Miami and how different they were.

Just the past weekend, Easter weekend, I referred someone to your pages to download those recordings of that interview.

Lets not think of his passing as a loss, but as a reminder of how lucky we all are to have known him through his writing and teaching.

Hmm. I wish now that I had kept the email reply he sent me once. Here’s a quote from that email

“You’re the guy with all those shitty blogs.”

LOL

Rest in peace, Gary.
Reply Quote

Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Anderson Au

I was shocked when I heard of Gary’s passing. I have never met him in person yet it feels like I’ve lost a close friend.

I’m a Starting 18 year old copywriter….read his newsletter since I was 14, and during the 4 years, because of Him and the newsletter, I’ve had great successes online and offline.

It was one of my goals to attend and meet Gary Halbert - The Prince of Print - and attend his seminars and have it on audio pieces. Now, I won’t be able to do that.

Unfortunately, for all of us - it seems like that won’t happen any more. No more seminars, no more stories, no more hilarious observations, bantering or wisdom shared in the most bizare of ways.

A Sad day for us all

Thanks Michel Fortin, for introducing me (I really can’t remember how) to Gary Halbert through your telephone interviews.

If the true measure of a man is the lives that He’s touched, postively touched and impacted: Then Gary Halbert is a worthy man.

So to you Gary, Thank you for all that you’ve done, and for sharing your life and your wisdom with us through your newsletters. Many lives have you touched and changed with your work. Some you set freed from being a wage slave, others lives you’ve saved, and still others you’ve given their life back.

Rest in Peace
Gary -The Prince of Print, Alpha Shitweasel, Wordsmith - Halbert

-Anderson Au
Los Angeles
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Author's Website April 11th, 2007
From Rob Lawrence

I just learnt of Gary’s passing in an article in Millionaire Blueprints magazine. I am as shocked as all of you are. Gary, you will be missed greatly. Thank you for your wisdom and sharing your passion with us all.
Warm Regards,
Rob Lawrence
http://www.battlecall.com
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Author's Website April 18th, 2008
From Gary Halbert

Gary’s epitaph would be …..? Since I never knew (this) Gary Halbert - and I’m sure there are many others with this same name - it’s interesting, for me, reading all of the attached notes of remorse and regret for this Gary Halbert. It seems as if Gary was loved by many. Not knowing Gary’s biography and all of his personal beliefs I can’t help but wonder what his personal motivations were, ie; what motivated Gary to preach/teach the message he did.
I hope Gary has gone to a better (after) life and is able to share his same testimony there (if he believed of another “there” someplace).
After saying that I would like to share my personal testimony of this life (if I could) taking a quote from an unknown writter/philosopher that said; “Only one life so soon it will pass, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
May Gary rest in peace!
Gary Halbert
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Author's Website May 12th, 2008
From Jeffrey Tang

Though I know little about Gary, but I’m sure here is a great internet marketer, may your soul rest in peace Gary.
Reply Quote

Author's Website June 22nd, 2008
From Chris Stigson

Gary Halbert got me a copywriting job… Internet marketing career at 19 years of age. What can I say?

I am forever grateful, and may his teachings continue from his students… It’s so valuable!

Good that the website is still live so people can still view it!

RIP

/Chris
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Author's Website October 9th, 2008

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43 Replies to “Gary Halbert Has Passed Away”

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

From IMRecap.com - Daily Links to Online Marketing Resources » Blog Archive » Gary Halbert Remembered

From » The Last Gary Halbert Letter

From pligg.com

From anhdrewjohnson.com » Gary Halbert: 1938-2007 & Our Journey-Home

From » Refuse to Listen - Archive - Tie-Dye Apparel for Women, Men and Juniors

From Sphinn Moderation An Insult To Gary Halbert | Andy Beard - Niche Marketing

Comments

From Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero

From Hendry Lee

From John

From Linda Rothenberger

From Scott Ames

From Maria Madeira

From David Garfinkel

From Roberta Rosenberg

From Dave Allard

From Andy Beard

From Jimmy Sweeney

From Raja C. Hireker

From Marcus Hochstadt

From Pam Gitta

From Rick Butts

From Tolani Brendan Mosweu

From Joseph Ratliff

From Fred

From Peter Lenkefi

From Mike Morales

From Dave Zan

From Abel Cheng

From Scott Ames

From Andrew Cavanagh

From Ladan Lashkari

From Tracy Hill

From Anh Drew Johnson

From Drayton Bird

From Shel Horowitz, Ethical Marketing Expert

From Nick Platten

From Tracey Dooley

From Paul Short

From Anderson Au

From Rob Lawrence

From Gary Halbert

From Jeffrey Tang

From Chris Stigson

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