Overview
- Reed, who died Tuesday at his Manhattan home after a short illness, was 87, according to publicist Sean Katz speaking for friend William Kapfer.
- Across six decades, he became a marquee byline and spent nearly 40 years at the New York Observer, publishing his final review in November 2025 for Truth & Treason.
- His cutting style often drew fire, including calling Marlee Matlin’s Oscar a “pity vote,” pushing a false rumor that Marisa Tomei’s 1992 win was a mistake, and using demeaning language about Melissa McCarthy.
- Beyond reviews, he occasionally acted, notably in Myra Breckinridge, appeared as himself in Superman, and was a familiar presence on talk shows such as The Dick Cavett Show and The Tonight Show.
- Born in Fort Worth in 1938 and a Louisiana State University journalism graduate, he authored eight books and lived for decades at the Dakota in New York City.