Danny Duran, a respected entertainment publicist for more than 25 years who founded boutique agency ddPR, died Wednesday after an eight-month battle with cancer. He was 58.

Duran started his career at Walt Disney Studios and then joined Sandra Bullock’s production company, Fortis Films. Under Brigid Walsh, he handled publicity for Bullock as well as for talent including Eric Roberts, Bill Pullman, Chris McDonald, and Ron Livingston.

In 2000, he founded ddPR, launching the firm with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment as a client. He helped the division transition from VHS to DVD and then Blu-ray, supporting the release of titles including “The Lion King,” “Snow White” and “The Little Mermaid.”

Duran and ddPR worked with a wide range of film and talent clients over the years, including Roadside Attractions, Savannah Entertainment, Sony Pictures, Disney, Universal, and Lionsgate. He also handled personal publicity for Jon Hamm, Beth Grant, and other actors, becoming valued for his personal approach.