Robert Osborne, the beloved host of Turner Classic Movies, died Monday in New York at age 84 after a long illness.
Osborne was born in Colfax, Washington, and began his career as an actor in shows and movies such as “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “The Man With Bogart’s Face.” He later pursued writing and journalism, becoming the official biographer of the Oscars after writing several books on the subject.
His knowledge of classic film landed him a hosting position with the Turner Classic Movie network when it began in 1994, where he spent more than 20 years introducing and commenting on movies, offering background and history.
“Robert was embraced by devoted fans who saw him as a trusted expert and friend,” said TCM General Manager Jennifer Dorian, according to The Hollywood Repoter, noting his “gentlemanly style” that was a “calming presence” on the network.
Osborne attended the TCM Classic Film Festival for many years, missing 2015 and 2016 because of illness, according to THR. He also wrote movie reviews and the “Rambling Reporter” column for The Hollywood Reporter from 1977 to 2009.
“He’s a scholar in classic film, he truly is,” said actress Eva Marie Saint about Osborne on a TV special about him in 2014. “He’d make a wonderful professor. Wouldn’t you like to be in his class?”
Fans, stars, and co-workers mourned Osborne on Twitter.
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