Bobby Rivers, an entertainment reporter and television personality on Food Network and VH1, has died. He was 70.
ABC affiliate WISN 12 in Milwaukee, Wis., broke the news about Rivers. The host joined the station in 1979 “as the city’s first black film critic on television.”
Rivers died on Tuesday, December 26, along with his sister Betsy Rivers, who confirmed his death in a Facebook post, writing: “Bobby passed away last night and is no longer in pain.”
He graduated from Marquette University in the 1970s and became one of VH1’s VJs in the 1980s.
Rivers also hosted a series of Food Network specials with a show titled Top 5.
“Gummy bears, fried candy bars, TV dinners and $20,000 worth of cake. From bizarre to outrageous, Top 5 is a culinary tribute to the Top 40 countdown shows that every generation has loved,” reads the show’s description on the channel’s website. “Join host Bobby Rivers on his colorful journey through time and see how your favorite treats made it to the American Bandstand of Food.”
According to his IMDB page, Rivers has also appeared in series such as the big screen The equalizer, The sopranos And The onion.
Actor and author Gregory G. Allen paid tribute to Rivers in a Facebook post, writing: “I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Bobby Rivers. More than just a TV personality, Bobby hosted several shows. He was a wonderful person: funny, kind, joyful, a bright light to so many on social media and in life – and a walking encyclopedia of film and television knowledge. I am so lucky to have considered him my friend for more than ten years.”
Film critic Stephen Whitty also took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to express his condolences.
“A mutual friend just told me that @BobbyRiversTV has passed away. Bobby was a very funny, knowledgeable journalist and a tireless advocate for greater diversity, especially in classic film. (His piece on race and “It’s a Wonderful Life” was a showstopper.) I already miss him,” Whitty wrote.
Source: Deadline
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
