Rex Reed, the longtime film critic and journalist known for his sharp, often controversial opinions, has died at the age of 87. Reed passed away at his Manhattan home on Tuesday after a short illness, according to publicist Sean Katz and New York Observer editor Merin Curotto. Reed was a prominent figure in cultural criticism for over six decades, publishing eight books and appearing in films such as "Superman."
Reed was renowned for his unfiltered critiques, often targeting acclaimed actors and directors. He famously criticized Marlee Matlin’s Oscar win for "Children of a Lesser God," suggesting it was a pity vote, and faced backlash for comments about Melissa McCarthy’s weight in a review of "Identity Thief." He also perpetuated a false conspiracy theory about Marisa Tomei’s 1992 Oscar win. Despite his controversial remarks, Reed maintained a loyal following and was admired for his passion and eloquence.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 2, 1938, Reed grew up in the South and began his career in journalism at Louisiana State University. He later worked in the publicity department at 20th Century Fox before transitioning to film criticism. Reed’s career spanned decades, during which he became a fixture in cultural criticism, known for his contrarian views and unwavering opinions.
Reed’s influence extended beyond film, as he also covered theater and cabaret. He was a regular on television shows like "Midday Live With Bill Boggs" and was known for his provocative commentary. Despite his divisive reputation, Reed’s impact on film criticism remains significant, and his legacy continues to be debated among critics and fans alike.