Robin Leach, the man who spread “champagne wishes and caviar dreams,” to audiences around the world has passed away. The debonair TV host and journalist died at 76. He had been in hospice care, struggling with health issues following a stroke last year while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas.
Born in London during World War II, Leach was a veteran journalist who was best known for his syndicated TV show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” which aired from 1984 to 1995. In later years, he was a fixture in Las Vegas, writing entertainment columns for the Las Vegas Sun, Las Vegas Review-Journal and Luxury Magazine. After his passing, Leach’s family issued a statement to the Review-Journal confirming 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.,” the family said in the statement. “Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful.”
Friends and celebrities sent their condolences to the Leach family including William Shatner and Zak Bagans. “Sad news to hear my friend and local Las Vegan @Robin_Leach has passed,” said Bagans on Twitter. “My thoughts are with his family. Robin ALWAYS helped me by writing/saying such nice things and supporting all my projects. Rest In Peace my friend.”
Leach began his career by writing for the Daily Mail, People and the New York Daily News. He moved to the United States in the 1960s and became an editor of media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s Star tabloid. Before co-creating and hosting “Lifestyles,” he helped launch “Entertainment Tonight.”
Upon his death, he received several comments from his friends who paid tribute to the host. “So saddened to hear about the passing of @Robin_Leach he was always kind to me and a friend to Las Vegas businesses I’ve had over the past almost 10 years,” tweeted Food Network personality and chef Scott Conant. “I hope you’re resting at your grand chalet in the sky my friend. RIP.” Vince Neil described Leach as a “long time friend” and “an amazing person. He’s going to be missed by me and thousands more worldwide,” he wrote on Twitter.
When interviewed by the Hollywood Reporter in 2016 after joining the Review-Journal, Leach said, “It’s been a good life, and it’s always been a good life. I have been rewarded very nicely.”
