I’ve just received the news that TCM host Robert Osborne has passed away. I guess I’m not surprised as his time on the network has been in steady decline while a good majority of the hosting duties have been taken over by Ben Mankiewicz. For film buffs and classic movie fans everywhere we should be thankful that Robert was a very visible presence for all of us sharing his film knowledge, passion and love of an era past.
If you ask my kids what job does your father want? They’d say he’s been running around the house for years giving us intros to the classic movies he’d share with us as if he’s in training to assume introduction duties to the films that play TCM. All in jest but so true.
Last year while attending the TCM festival in Hollywood, Robert was a no show and I suspect as many of us did that it was health related. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to sit in and listen to him chat up a film or interview a golden era star as he had done the year before with Maureen O’Hara.
Farewell sir and know that your work was valued and appreciated.
Mike's Take On the Movies 
That’s sad news. You couldn’t be a classic movie fan and not be aware of Mr Osborne, one of those guys who spent so much time spreading the word about the movies we enjoy so much.
Well put. He always put a positive spin on the films when introducing them.
Oh how terribly sad.
yes indeed.
Such a loss for film fans everywhere. Osborne was one of those guys you felt you knew well after seeing him on TCM a few times, much like a relative with the best stories you never got tired of hearing.
Yes. He had such an easy approach that was both informative and friendly.
Damn. Loved that guy.
As all of us classic film fans and buffs did I’m sure.
I shall miss his narratives a lot . Another person who will no doubt miss him is Olivia DeHavilland . They have been best buddies for years . I believe that she is still living at over 100 ! J.
Miss Olivia is indeed over 100 an still going. Mr. Osborne will be missed by many for his insightful knowledge and enthusiasm for the classics.
Oh man, I didn’t know about this ’til I saw your post. I remember watching him on Turner Classic Movies way back in the 1990s…I was going to ask you if you saw him at the TCM Fest you went to last year, but you’ve already mentioned that he couldn’t make it, sadly; that would’ve been nice to see him there. Years ago I recorded quite a few noir films off TCM that he hosted the intros to; I recently burned those films to disc, and now I’m glad I kept those intros intact.
Many of the films I’ve recorded include the intro. That’s all part of the experience I guess.