3 Obits

The unfiltered Rex Reed, one of Hollywood’s most provocative film critics has passed away. A literal “tough critic”, Reed became known for his celebrity interviews and stylish, oftentimes brutally honest film reviews. The journalist got his big break after the NYT published his interview with Buster Keaton (the actor’s last) that Reed made happen by sneaking into the Venice Film Festival in 1965.

Barry Blaustein, the writer of Saturday Night Live, dies at 72. His decades-long career as a writer is highlighted by his collaboration with Eddie Murphy on films like Coming to America (1988) and Nutty Professor (1996). He will be missed.

Michael Clemente, the former producer at ABC and Fox, dies at 70. He worked as a chief writer and producer at ABC’s World News Tonight and produced coverage of various era-defining events like the papal conclaves and the fall of Berlin Wall.