Film Critic Rex Reed Dies at 87
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Rex Reed, the influential and often provocative film critic, died on Tuesday at his Manhattan home. His career spanned over five decades, with his reviews and celebrity profiles appearing in major publications and his personality making him a fixture on television talk shows.
Facts First
- Rex Reed died on Tuesday at his Manhattan home at the age of 87.
- His career in film criticism began in the 1960s, with his work published in The New York Times, GQ, and Vogue.
- He was a regular guest on major talk shows including 'The Dick Cavett Show' and 'The Tonight Show' with Johnny Carson.
- He authored several books and wrote a column for the New York Observer for four decades.
- He also appeared in several films, including 'Superman' and the adaptation of 'Myra Breckinridge'.
What Happened
Rex Reed died on Tuesday at his Manhattan home at the age of 87, as confirmed by his longtime friend William Kapfer. No cause of death was provided. Reed began his career in movie criticism in the 1960s, and his reviews and profiles were published in The New York Times, GQ, Esquire, and Vogue. He wrote a column for the New York Observer for four decades and his writings were collected in several books, including his first, 'Do You Sleep in the Nude?'.
Why this Matters to You
If you follow film culture, Reed's passing marks the end of an era for a distinctive critical voice. His work, which included profiles of stars like Barbra Streisand and Buster Keaton, helped shape public conversation about movies and celebrities for decades. His frequent television appearances on shows like 'The Tonight Show' made criticism a more public and personality-driven art form, which may have influenced how you experience film commentary today.
What's Next
Reed's legacy is likely to be discussed in the context of his lengthy career and his sometimes controversial style. His pointed critiques, such as dismissing Marlee Matlin's Oscar win as a 'pity vote' or making derogatory comments about Melissa McCarthy's size, may continue to be cited in debates about the boundaries of criticism. His body of work remains for new audiences to discover and assess.