Howard Dietz

About

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer publicity chief who created its Leo the Lion mascot and chose its Latin slogan, Ars Gratia Artis.

Before Fame

He first worked as a publicist/director of advertising for Goldwyn Pictures. He then worked for MGM primarily as Vice President in Charge of Publicity until he retired in 1957.

Trivia

He promoted War Bonds for the Treasury Department during World War II and also worked with composer Vernon Duke on stage shows for the Coast Guard.

Family Life

He was married three times with his most famous union being with third wife Lucinda Ballard, the famed costume designer, in 1951.

Associated With

He wrote many songs performed by Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire's older sister.