Rex Reed, Longtime Film Critic and Journalist, Dies at 87
He left behind eight books and thousands of reviews that helped shape cultural journalism, friends said.
- On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, film critic Rex Reed died in his sleep in New York City. His death was confirmed by longtime friend William Kapfer.
- Throughout his career, Reed contributed to The New York Times, GQ, and the New York Observer, authoring eight books over six decades of cultural journalism.
- Profiling Hollywood stars like Ava Gardner and Buster Keaton, Reed established himself through candid, penetrating portraits of A-listers that moved beyond studio publicity.
- Reed courted controversy with sharp critiques, claiming actor Marlee Matlin's Oscar for Children of a Lesser God was a "pity vote" and alleging a "massive cover-up" regarding Marisa Tomei.
- Friends remembered Reed as a devoted storyteller who remained dedicated to his craft at 87, saying "I'd like to be remembered as someone who really tried to make things better.
47 Articles
47 Articles
Rex Reed, outspoken film critic and “At the Movies” cohost, dies at 87
Reed's razor-sharp wit and penchant for savage takedowns placed him among the most widely read critics of his generation.Rex Reed in 1973 in the BahamasCredit: Slim Aarons/GettyKey PointsFilm critic Rex Reed has died at 87.Reed's provocative pen delighted some readers but caused plenty of controversies across his six decades of reviewing.He even appeared in several films, cameoing as himself in Richard Donner's Superman and starring as a pre-tra…
Rex Reed, contrarian film critic who perfected the skewering celebrity interview, dies at 87
Rex Reed, who never held back in celebrity interviews and movie reviews, died Tuesday in Manhattan at age 87. He often lamented the lack of quality coming from Hollywood.
Provocative Hollywood film critic dies
LOS ANGELES, California -- Longtime film critic and entertainment journalist Rex Reed has died at 87. Reed went on to become one of the most recognizable, and controversial, voices in American movie criticism.
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