- Rex Reed has died on May 12 at the age of 87.
- He was an outspoken film critic and celebrity columnist.
- Reed was known for sensational stories.
It has been reported that Rex Reed, the longtime film critic and columnist known for his sharp reviews and celebrity profiles, died on May 12 at the age of 87. He died at his home in Manhattan following a short illness, according to reports released by his representatives.
Born Rex Taylor Reed on October 2, 1938, in Fort Worth, Reed became one of the most recognizable film critics in American media during a career that spanned more than six decades. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a journalism degree, he moved to New York City and gradually built a reputation as a blunt and highly visible voice in entertainment journalism.
The rise of Rex Reed
Reed rose to national prominence writing for publications including the New York Observer, where his “Talk of the Town” column became widely read for its sharp opinions and celebrity commentary. He was known for championing films he admired while delivering especially biting criticism toward movies and performances he disliked, helping make him one of the most talked-about critics of the 1970s and beyond.
Beyond journalism, Reed also appeared on television and in films, often playing exaggerated versions of himself. His screen credits included roles in Myra Breckinridge, Superman, and Inchon, while television audiences frequently saw him as a judge on The Gong Show. He also authored several books centered on celebrity culture, film, and entertainment commentary.
Impact on an industry
An Unpublished Letter to Rex Reed from a Young Writer and Film Lover https://t.co/1usYcPuuhs
— IndieWire (@IndieWire) May 12, 2026
Throughout his career, Reed remained a polarizing figure. Some readers admired his willingness to deliver harsh opinions in an era when film criticism carried major cultural influence, while others criticized him for comments widely viewed as mean-spirited or unfair. Several controversies followed him over the years, including remarks about actors such as Marlee Matlin and Melissa McCarthy that drew widespread backlash.
Despite the criticism, Reed maintained a lasting presence in entertainment journalism long after many newspaper film critics disappeared from mainstream media. His work reflected a period when critics could become celebrities themselves, shaping public conversations about movies, actors, and Hollywood culture. For generations of readers and television viewers, Rex Reed remained one of the most recognizable and outspoken voices in American film criticism.