Bobby Rivers, the popular film critic–turned–talk show host, has died at the age of 70.
Rivers broke barriers as Milwaukee’s first Black film critic to have a regular presence on television, and he went on to have high-profile hosting gigs on Food Network and VH1, including his eponymous talk show Watch Bobby Rivers.
His sister announced his death on Wednesday on Facebook, writing that ‘Bobby passed away last night and is no longer in any pain.’
The late host was honored on social media by his friends and admirers, including Whoopi Goldberg, Katie Couric and Sex And The City’s Mario Cantone.

Bobby Rivers, the popular film critic–turned–talk show host, has died at the age of 70. He broke barriers as Milwaukee’s first Black televised film critic before graduating to host shows on Food Network and VH1; seen in 2002 in New York City