Rex Reed, the outspoken film critic and longtime columnist for The New York Observer, has died at the age of 87.
Reed passed away Tuesday at his Manhattan home after a short illness. His publicist, Sean Katz, confirmed the news on behalf of Reed’s close friend William Kapfer.
For more than 60 years, Rex Reed remained one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment journalism. He became famous for his sharp movie reviews, celebrity interviews, and controversial opinions. His fearless writing style made him both admired and criticized throughout his career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Reed was born on October 2, 1938, in Fort Worth. During childhood, he moved frequently across the American South because of his father’s work.
His passion for writing began early. Reed once said his reputation as a controversial writer started in eighth grade when he created a gossip column for his school newspaper.
One of his first professional jobs was at 20th Century Fox during the production of Cleopatra. However, budget cuts eventually ended his position.
After leaving the studio, Reed traveled through Europe and looked for writing opportunities. He later claimed he entered film journalism almost by accident while trying to earn money for a return ticket home. During that period, he wrote a feature about Buster Keaton for The New York Times.
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Rise as a Popular Entertainment Journalist
By the 1960s and 1970s, Reed had become a major media personality. He frequently appeared on television programs like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Dick Cavett Show.
His celebrity profiles also gained widespread attention. One of his best-known articles featured actress Ava Gardner in a 1967 New York Times profile titled “There Is Nothing Like This Dame.”
The article later appeared in his bestselling book Do You Sleep in the Nude?. The collection included profiles of stars such as Barbra Streisand, Lucille Ball, and Warren Beatty.
Reed also wrote for major publications including Vogue, Esquire, GQ, and Women’s Wear Daily.
Acting Roles and Hollywood Connections
Although mainly known as a critic, Reed occasionally acted in films. He appeared in Myra Breckinridge and the war movie Inchon alongside Laurence Olivier.
He also made a cameo appearance as himself in Superman.
Over the years, Reed formed friendships with many Hollywood stars, including actress Angela Lansbury.
Controversies Throughout His Career
Reed’s career was often surrounded by controversy. He drew criticism for comments about actress Marlee Matlin after her Oscar-winning role in Children of a Lesser God.
Years later, he faced backlash again for remarks about actress Melissa McCarthy in his review of Identity Thief.
He also promoted a false theory questioning Marisa Tomei’s Oscar victory for My Cousin Vinny.
Despite the criticism, Reed continued writing honestly about films and celebrity culture. He often defended his opinions and resisted changing his style.
Rex Reed’s Legacy in Film Criticism
Reed spent nearly four decades reviewing movies for The New York Observer. Many readers appreciated his direct opinions and classic Hollywood perspective.
In a 2018 interview, he said modern cinema was “drowning in mediocrity.” He believed critics should encourage audiences to appreciate quality filmmaking.
Although he never married and had no immediate survivors, Rex Reed leaves behind an influential body of work. His reviews, interviews, and books helped shape American entertainment journalism for generations.
Shortly before his death, Reed reflected on his legacy. He said he hoped people would remember him as someone who respected great art and tried to improve culture through his writing.
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