It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of one of the legends of Hollywood, Robert Osborne, who passed away on Monday at the age of 84. Osborne’s career in Hollywood started out as an actor, but it wasn’t until he began working with Lucille Ball, who suggested he pursue a career in reporting, that he became a true household name.
Film historian Robert Osborne dead at 84 https://t.co/W1cY8AuRJ7 pic.twitter.com/OoAP0zcGHG
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 6, 2017
His earliest on-screen role were in the television shows The Californians and in the pilot episode of The Beverly Hillbillies. Check out this short clip of his television credits:
Osborne became one of America’s premier movie historians, and was the longtime host for Turner Classic Movies. In addition, he was a columnist for “The Hollywood Reporter” and was a host for The Movie Channel. His first book, “Academy Awards Illustrated,” was published in 1965, and he would go on to write more than a dozen books during his decades-long career.
From Fox News:
“All of us at Turner Classic Movies are deeply saddened by the death of Robert Osborne,” said Turner Classic Movies General Manager Jennifer Dorian. “Robert was a beloved member of the Turner family for more than 23 years. He joined us as an expert on classic films and grew to be our cherished colleague and esteemed ambassador for TCM.
“Robert was embraced by devoted fans who saw him as a trusted expert and friend. His calming presence, gentlemanly style, encycolpedic knowledge of film history, fervent support for film preservation and highly personal interviewing style all combined to make him a truly world-class host. Robert’s contributions were fundamental in shaping TCM into what it is today and we owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”
Turner Classic Movies also played a video tribute for Osborne on their official Twitter page:
Today we say good-bye to a dear member of our TCM family. Our thoughts are with all who love, as we do, Robert Osborne. #TCMRemembers pic.twitter.com/egWsPRGnJb
— TCM (@tcm) March 6, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Osborne’s entire family during this trying time. His contributions to the film industry will be remembered for years to come!