A Tribute to Robert Miller

Licensing industry veteran passes.

Long-time licensing executive Robert Miller, president of Studio Licensing, passed away on Feb. 21 after a discreet battle with cancer. He was 53.

Miller was a long-time member of the licensing community after his partner, Debbie Miller, introduced to him to the business. With his partner, Miller helped to grow and manage Nickelodeon’s Canadian licensing business for many years before founding Studio Licensing in 1998.

“It turns out that he was a natural-born dealmaker with a flair for showmanship,” says Nancy Fowler, a long-time friend of Miller. “Many people still talk about the annual Nickelodeon licensing summits Rob organized and, in particular, the one at which he arrived on the back of a very large camel.”

During his time with Studio Licensing, Miller offered an array of services for its clients including brand and licensed property representation, licensed manufacturer consultation and retail development on all fronts and worked with clients such as the “Cut the Rope,” Kidz Bop, MGA Entertainment and more.

The agency took a brief 16-month hiatus before re-launching in June 2015.

“If you were privileged to be one of Rob’s friends, as I was, you would know he had a quick and wickedly fun sense of humor,” says Fowler. “Rob was dedicated to his family life and enjoyed golfing, bodybuilding, skiing and chilling out in the sunshine.”

Miller is survived by his wife Debbie, children Samantha, Sacha and Brittany and grandchild Chandos. He was a devoted brother to Bonnie and Rudy Kieffer, and the late Terri Miller. He was the son of Irving and Marlene Miller, and the late Roslyn Bryson and son-in-law to Heidi Wardrope and the late Ted Wardrope. He was also an uncle to Shawna, Corey and Jesse Hayman and Dustin Foxman.

“Unsurprisingly, days before he passed, he was busy closing deals,” adds Fowler.