Glenn O’Brien, Writer and “TV Party” Host, Dead at 70

Glenn O’Brien has died, according to GQ and colleague Jerry Saltz. He was 70 years old. A cause of death has not yet been revealed. O’Brien began his career at Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine in 1970, serving as Editor & Art Director from 1971 to 1974. After that, he worked as Rolling Stone’s New York Bureau Chief, and later penned “The Style Guy” column in GQ. From 1978 to 1982, O’Brien hosted the public-access television show “Glenn O’Brien’s TV Party.” The program featured music and interviews with David Byrne, Blondie, the Clash, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and others. O’Brien also wrote the film Downtown 81, which starred Basquiat. Other works from O’Brien include 2002’s The Style Guy, 2011’s How to Be a Man, and Madonna’s 1992 book Sex, which he co-wrote and edited. 

We’re deeply saddened by the news of Glenn O’Brien’s passing. He was a legend, an artist, and the wittiest writer we knew.

— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) April 7, 2017

For 15 years Glenn was not only GQ’s Style Guy columnist, he was the first (and last) word on taste, art, manners, and being a gentleman.

— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) April 7, 2017

Thank you, Glenn O’Brien, for everything.

— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) April 7, 2017 

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