Robert Osborne Has Passed Away

[Watchdog]

Sad to say that Robert Osborne, the venerable and knowledgeable host of Turner Classic Movies passed away at the age of eighty-four.

He was a genuine host, not just some ordinary talking head put onscreen to fluff the movies being shown. He was always impeccably dressed and perfectly groomed. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of film history, and his direct but soft spoken style made the viewer feel as if he was talking to them personally.

I noticed in his last appearances, he looked a bit gaunt, but I don't know what killed him.

TCM will have to work hard to find someone to act as the main host now. They'll have some big shoes to fill.

So...R.I.P. Mr. Osborne. You're now with Humphrey, Bette, Joan, Lauren, James, Gary, and all the others you admired all your life. You'll have lots to talk about.

 

[DWalt]

I hadn't heard that. Very sad.

 

[Watchdog]

An interesting side note:

In lieu of sending flowers, Mr. Osborne's family has asked that donations be made to the ASPCA or The Animal Medical Center of NY.

 

[cmort666]

TCM just won't be the same without him.

Perhaps Ben Mankowicz will take over... if he hasn't already.

 

[GaryS]

I always liked the way he introduced movies. Soft spoken, knowledgeable, and gentlemanly.

Mankowicz is okay, but not as, well something, as was Osbourne.

I spend too much time watching TCM movies because what's out there now is trash.

 

[Targets Guy]

Sorry to hear that. I enjoyed his expertise.

RIP.

 

[6518John]

TCM just won't be the same without him.

Perhaps Ben Mankowicz will take over... if he hasn't already.

I think Mankowicz would do an excellent job, I enjoy his commentary and he seems genuinely likeable. But there is no replacing Robert Osbourne.

 

[old bear]

Mr. Osborne, RIP. You will be missed.

 

[AJ]

Too bad, always enjoyed his commentary.

 

[cmort666]

I spend too much time watching TCM movies because what's out there now is trash.

Most of the movies I watch are on TCM, like "The Maltese Falcon" yesterday.

The last movie I saw in the theater was "John Carter of Mars".

 

[GaryS]

The last movie I saw in a theater was "Sing", which is an animated movie. I only saw it because we took the grandkids.

The last movie I saw because I wanted to was back in 2012. It was the one by Danesh D'Souza. Purely political.

Most of the movies I watch are on TCM, like "The Maltese Falcon" yesterday.

The last movie I saw in the theater was "John Carter of Mars".

 

[Smokin' Iron]

I saw Robert Osborne speak at Miami University in Ohio about 4 years ago. He was very much the same genuine and knowledgeable gentleman that we saw on TCM. His commentary on TCM help develop a real appreciation for classic movies. He will be missed.

 

[Mule Packer]

He'll definitely be missed. Ms. Judy and I always enjoyed his informational insights into the various films, actors, and actresses. As was mentioned previously, there'll be some big shoes to fill.

 

[dodgecharger]

Robert Osborne is the reason I began to watch the old classics, he was an impeccable host. TCM is the only thing I miss about not having satellite (no cable where I live). Mr. Osborne was a class act. Very knowledgeable and as someone above said made it appear as though he were addressing each viewer individually. He will be missed. RIP Mr. Osborne.

 

[LVSteve]

As somebody raised in the UK listening to radio and not watching TV, I can be rather picky about folk in broadcasting. However, Robert Osborne passed the test with flying colours. He had an excellent manner, command of the English language, an encyclopedic knowledge of the subject matter, and above all, class.

RIP, Sir, TCM will not be the same without you.

 

[walkin jack]

Mr. Osborn's passing passing is a loss for us all. The man had style and class and he knew his movies. Sometimes his commentary was more enjoyable than the movie. His unique commentary style was highly reminiscent of Paul Harvey.

 

[raljr1]

I enjoyed watching him...

 

[johngalt]

Who is the guy hosting TCM now? He probably isn't as knowledgeable, but so I can't complain too much - he knows far more than I do.

 

[AJ]

Who is the guy hosting TCM now? He probably isn't as knowledgeable, but so I can't complain too much - he knows far more than I do.

Ben Mankowicz

 

[gman51]

He looked darn good for being 84. He had an interesting life for sure.
I have seen him as the MC on Decades on free TV a show about old movies and actors/ actresses. He did seem like the type of man many would enjoy being around.