Robin Leach Has Died

The Las Vegas Review-Journal brings us the sad news that extremely charming Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous host Robin Leach has died at the age of 76. This is also terribly sad news for Saint Peter, who was most likely demoted from his position as the gatekeeper of Heaven and replaced with Robin the second he arrived. Because who better to announce one’s arrival in the ultimate paradise than Robin Leach?

Robin had reportedly been in hospice care after suffering a stroke in late November in Cabo San Lucas, and suffered a second stroke on Monday. He passed early this morning in Las Vegas, just five days shy of his 77th birthday. Robin’s family released the following statement regarding his death:

“Despite the past 10 months, what a beautiful life he had. Our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and friend Robin Leach passed away peacefully last night at 1:50 a.m. Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful.”

Robin was born in London and felt almost immediately that journalism would be his thing. At 18, he became one of the youngest Daily Mail reporters. In his early 20s, he moved to New York where he continued to work in journalism before branching out into television with CNN’s People Tonight, and later helping launch Entertainment Tonight. But most of us probably know Robin Leach from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

The show ran from 1984 until 1995, and it was all about being rich, rich, rich. My first taste of 1980s celebrity luxury was the Christmas I got Super Star Barbie and Ken. My second was the Saturday afternoon I discovered Lifestyles.

After Lifestyles ended, Robin moved to Las Vegas, where he wrote a column for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and ran a production company, Total Vegas Television. He also continued to appear on television shows, most times as himself. And of course who could forget what might be his second most important TV credit, the host of The Surreal Life: Fame Games.

Robin is survived by three sons and four grandchildren, and his signature sign-off wish of “Champagne kisses and caviar dreams.” I hope that wherever he is now, he’s kicking back with all the most expensive Champagne and caviar his stomach can handle. Rest in peace, Robin.

Pic: Wenn.com