Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Host Robin Leach Dead At 76

TMZ reports that Robin Leach, who hosted the popular syndicated series Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, has passed away at the age of 76. He had been hospitalized since November after a stroke in Cabo San Lucas. He passed away this morning in Las Vegas. John Katsilometes of The Las Vegas Review Journal said that Leach had a second stroke on Monday and had been in hospice care.

In a statement, Leach’s family said: “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. Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful. Memorial arrangements to follow. With love, Steven, Gregg and Rick Leach.”

The show ran from 1984 until 1995. For those that are two young to remember, it was the predecessor to MTV’s Cribs. It allowed average people to look at the lives of rich entertainers, athletes and CEOs, something that was interesting in the 1980s. Even though Leach was a part of the world of the wealthy, he claimed he was normal and down to earth. He moved to Las Vegas in 1999 and worked as a journalist for the Review-Journal and the Las Vegas Sun, covering celebrity events. He began his career earning six bucks an hour at The Harrow Observer and later became the youngest editor ever at the age of 18 for the Daily Mail in London. He later worked for the New York Daily News and People magazine. He eventually went into TV for CNN’s People Tonight in 1980 and helped launch Entertainment Tonight. He also hosted VH1’s The Surreal Life: Fame Games in 2007. His most recent appearance was on VICELAND’s Most Expensivest.

411 would like to give our condolences to his family, friends and fans.