An American realtor for the stars who counts among his client list legends such as Madonna, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone and Sofia Vergara – who also happens to be a longtime friend – Barry Peele has sadly passed away.
Peele died about a week ago, according to several posts in his honor shared by giants in the real estate industry.
His sudden death has drawn tributes as many reflect on the life he lived, providing a service in an efficient and amiable manner while also being a great friend, and man, and one whose legacy in the real estate industry will be almost impossible to match.
Barry Peele Passed Away, Longtime Friend of Sofia Vergara, Real Estate Agent to the Stars, Dies, Tributes, Obituary Plus More
Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina (Millbrook High School alumni), Barry Peele became known as one of the biggest, most competent, and well-connected real estate agents in Los Angeles – often nicknamed as the agent to the stars.
Peele started out in the business close to three decades ago and over the years established himself as a force to reckon with in what has always been a cutthroat and uber-competitive industry.
He was a founding member of Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills and for 21 years was unparalleled as one of the company’s most lucrative agents.
Barry was immaculate in cultivating a client list anyone would be envious of and the media recognized his rock star status, breathless as they were to realize the feat he pulled off in representing the real estate interests of Hollywood’s creme-de-la-crème.
As proudly listed in his Sotheby’s International Realty bio, Peele’s clientele included Madonna, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Alexander Rodriguez, Ricky Martin, and Sofia Vergara.
“He is known for his unique ability to handle high profile clients with discretion and great calm…his experience and knowledge of the local market has earned him many of the top listings and buyers in Los Angeles…[and made him] the “go to agent” for high-end real estate and high-end buyers,” the bio breathlessly reads.
His impressive career has seen him set records for the highest sales in areas such as Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, Beachwood Canyon, and Los Feliz – areas where paying top dollar for properties is the norm and hence harder to break records yet Peele consistently did so throughout his impressive career.
Sometime in the 90s, Barry Peele also struck up a friendship with Sofia Vergara and the duo have remained close since. Whenever Vergara is in the house over purchasing a property here or there, Peele remains in the background as the agent getting the nitty gritty of the deals done – the dotting of the i’s and the crossing of the t’s.
On occasion the duo would share social media posts, such as when Peele sent a classy birthday message to Vergara on her birthday in 2023.
Sharing a throwback photo of them together, he wrote: “Happy Birthday @sofiavergara My Superstahhh Toty then and now Besos,”
Their friendship stood the test of time and Vergara was devastated over the loss of her buddy, taking to Instagram to write: “My life will never be the same without you @barrypeele ❤️U,”
Her post contained numerous posts of the good times they had shared over the years.
Barry Peele passed away on June 14th, 2024, according to Christian David, Executive Vice President at Sotheby’s International Realty.
“It is with great sadness to share with you that our beloved colleague and friend Barry Peele has suddenly passed away,” David wrote in a Facebook post on that fateful day.
He praised Barry as a loyal and seasoned long-time agent with the firm who will be missed for his joy and zest for life and for spending time with close friends.
In a tribute, Daniel Lam, also a realtor, shared kind words for Barry: “One of the best realtors I’ve worked with, but more importantly a kind, generous, and supportive friend. Barry lived with style and adventure and we all marveled at how he did it,” he said.
Barry Peele was one of the best real estate agents the business ever saw and following his passing was unanimously praised by both colleagues and competitors alike, being given universal acknowledgment as a giant in his field.
His client list alone spoke volumes and indicated he was no slouch in his game.
Away from business, he was also described as funny, friendly, amiable, and the life of the party. There is no doubt he would be sorely missed.
May he rest in peace.