Film Critic Rex Reed Dies at 87, Leaving a Controversial Legacy

Rex Reed, the film critic noted for his outspoken reviews, died at age 87 in his Manhattan apartment after a brief illness. His publicist, Sean Katz, and friend William Kapfer confirmed the news to *The New York Times* on the morning of his passing. Reed’s death was reported on the same day by multiple outlets, noting the location and the short duration of his final illness.

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Born in Fort Worth on October 2, 1938, Reed earned a journalism degree from Louisiana State University and entered the field in the 1960s. By the 1970s and 1980s he had become a media personality, appearing on television programs such as “The Gong Show” and “The Critic,” and acting in Gore Vidal’s *Myra Breckinridge* and a cameo in the 1978 film *Superman*. Reed wrote for *The New York Observer* from 1987 until his death, with a brief dismissal in 2017. His most recent review, for the 2025 film *Truth & Treason*, appeared in the same publication. Throughout his career he was frequently compared to Pauline Kael for helping transform film criticism into a distinct art form. Notable targets of his criticism included actresses Marisa Tomei, Marlee Matlin, Melissa McCarthy, and films such as *The Shape of Water* and *Get Out*.

The WrapRex Reed Net Worth 2026: How Rich Was the Film Critic? Major Earnings and His Lavish Lifestyle Explained

Publicly available estimates of Reed’s net worth vary. Celebswiki.info places it between $3 million and $5 million based on earnings through 2025, while Soap Central cites an approximate $4 million figure derived from data up to July 2021. Income sources identified include his long-term column for *The New York Observer*, book royalties, speaking engagements, and guest appearances. Industry data cited by ZipRecruiter suggest that prominent New York columnists can earn $100,000–$200,000 annually at the height of their careers. Property information is limited; Soap Central mentions a Manhattan residence valued at roughly $30,000, and occasional references to a Connecticut property lack verification.

Rex Reed Net Worth 2026: How Rich Was the Film Critic? Major Earnings and His Lavish Lifestyle Explained

Sean Katz, acting as Reed’s publicist, confirmed the death to *The New York Times* and identified William Kapfer as the friend who relayed the information. No additional commentary from Reed’s family or the *Observer* was provided in the source material.

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Reed’s reputation for “audacious cultural critiques” and “brash takes” generated both readership and dissent. Critics highlighted his willingness to issue scathing takedowns of high-profile films and performers, describing his style as polarizing within the industry. His confrontational approach was a defining element of his public persona.

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The net-worth figures differ across sources, with no definitive number confirmed. Property valuations are similarly uncertain, and details regarding Reed’s investments, additional business ventures, or exact compensation from *The Observer* remain unverified. These gaps limit a comprehensive assessment of his financial standing.

Rex Reed Net Worth 2026: How Rich Was the Film Critic? Major Earnings and His Lavish Lifestyle Explained

Reed’s death closes a six-decade span of influential film criticism. Observers anticipate retrospectives of his reviews and discussions of his role in shaping modern criticism, particularly in relation to contemporaries such as Pauline Kael. The industry will likely continue to evaluate his contributions alongside the controversies that marked his career.

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