Bobby Rivers, acclaimed television host, radio host and actor, has died at the age of 70.
His death was reported by Milwaukee news station WISN 12, where Rivers became the city’s first black film critic on television in 1979. In a post updated Wednesday, the outlet added that the Marquette University graduate “also contributed segments for the national association Magazine PMwhich he said helped Milwaukee transcend stereotypes.”
His sister, Betsy Rivers, confirmed his death on Facebook on Wednesday, writing: “Bobby passed away last night and is no longer in pain.”
Bobby Rivers.
Jim Spellman/WireImage
He was also the host of the Food Network 5 of the best and VH1’s celebrity talk show Watch Bobby Rivers.
Tribute to celebrities who died in 2023
Following news of the Los Angeles native’s death, tributes poured in from industry colleagues, including Whoopi Goldberg and Katie Couric, who mourned the death of their fellow TV presenter.
“Kudos to this pioneer Bobby Rivers… He brought SO MUCH to the table. RIP Bobby,” View cohost, 68, shared a photo of the two smiling together on Instagram. “I am so sad to hear this. Bobby was a great guy and wonderfully warm and funny and smart,” ex Today cohost, 66, wrote on x.
Sex and the city actor Mario Cantone shared a black and white photo on x (formerly known as Twitter) journalists in its younger days. “Rest in peace Bobby. You were such a wonderful support, intelligent and insightful man. You will be missed,” the tweet read.
Turner Classic Movies also remembered Rivers’ influence.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of pioneering television personality Bobby Rivers,” the network said on X from critics. “An enthusiastic and knowledgeable film buff at heart, we will miss him sharing his love of the classics with #TCMParty community and his thoughtful essays on his blog.”
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Bobby Rivers.
Stephen Lovekin/WireImage
Milwaukee native and Fox 6 reporter Gino Salomone paid special tribute to his late peer.
“I am sorry for the death #BobbyRijeke What set him apart was his sharp wit and ability to ask questions celebrities had never heard before. One of the first African Americans to have his own show, Watch Bobby Rivers on VH1. We will miss him,” he tweeted.
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According to WISN 12, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project interviewed Bobby earlier this year.
The organization thanked him for his contribution.
“In 2023. was a cruel, cruel year. Today we say goodbye to Bobby Rivers (1953-2023) We raise a martini to the pioneer who unapologetically broke all the rules — so he (and we) could ALL #Be seen. Thank you, Bobby, for everything,” the group said twitter read.
The cause of death has not yet been announced.
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Source: HIS Education