Renowned television host, radio personality, and actor Bobby Rivers has passed away at the age of 70.
The sad news of his demise was shared by Milwaukee’s WISN 12 news station, where Rivers made history as the city’s first Black film critic on television back in 1979. In an update on Wednesday, the outlet highlighted that the Marquette University graduate had also contributed segments to the nationally syndicated PM Magazine, playing a role in breaking stereotypes associated with Milwaukee.
Confirming her brother’s passing on Facebook, Betsy Rivers wrote on Wednesday, “Bobby passed away last night and is no longer in any pain.”
In addition to his groundbreaking role in Milwaukee, Rivers had a notable presence as the host of Food Network’s Top 5 and VH1’s celebrity talk show Watch Bobby Rivers.
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from industry peers, including heartfelt messages from Whoopi Goldberg and Katie Couric, who mourned the loss of their fellow TV host.
On Instagram, The View cohost Whoopi Goldberg, 68, paid homage to Bobby Rivers, saying, “All hail this pioneer Bobby Rivers… He brought SO much to the table. R I P Bobby,” alongside a photo of the two sharing smiles. Katie Couric, the former Today cohost, 66, expressed her sadness on Twitter, writing, “I am so sad to hear this. Bobby was a terrific guy and wonderfully warm, funny and smart.”
Actor Mario Cantone, known for his role in Sex and the City, shared a black-and-white photo on Twitter, saying, “Rest in peace Bobby. You were such a wonderful supportive intelligent insightful man. You will be missed.”
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