Renowned television host, radio personality and actor, Bobby Rivers, has sadly passed away at the age of 70, as announced by Milwaukee’s WISN 12 news station. Serving as the city’s first Black film critic on television in 1979, Rivers, a Marquette University graduate, contributed significantly to breaking stereotypes in media.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his sister, Betsy Rivers who shared the update on Facebook, stating, “Bobby passed away last night and is no longer in any pain.” The legacy of Bobby Rivers is remembered with gratitude for his contributions to media representation.
Bobby was also renowned for hosting Food Network’s Top 5 and VH1’s celebrity talk show Watch Bobby Rivers. Tributes from prominent figures, including Whoopi Goldberg and Katie Couric, flooded in as the news of his death broke on Tuesday. Whoopi Goldberg took to Instagram to honor Bobby, referring to him as a pioneer and expressing gratitude for his significant contributions. Katie Couric shared her sadness over the loss, describing Bobby as a terrific, warm, funny and smart individual.
Mario Cantone shared a black & white photo on X. The tweet expressed condolences, stating “Rest in peace Bobby. You were such a wonderful, supportive, intelligent, insightful man. You will be missed”.
Fox 6 reporter Gino Salomone also paid a special tribute to the late Bobby Rivers, expressing condolences and acknowledging Rivers’ unique qualities on X.
Bobby was interviewed earlier this year by the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. The group expressed gratitude to him for his contributions. “Sorry to hear of the passing of #BobbyRivers His razor sharp wit and ability to come up with questions that celebrities had never heard before set him apart”.
Bobby Rivers, who grew up in the difficult 1960s in South Central Los Angeles, graduated from Wisconsin’s Marquette University. When Rivers made his television debut in 1970 on the syndicated classic film trivia game program “The Movie Game,” which was filmed in Hollywood. He distinguished himself by being the first African-American competitor and the youngest winner.
The cause of death is yet unknown. Bobby Rivers was an American actor, radio host and television personality. Rivers hosted television shows: Watch Bobby Rivers, a prime-time celebrity chat program on VH1 and the Top 5 show on the Food Network.
