Barry Garron, Former Chief TV Critic dies at 72
- Barry Garron, the former Chief TV Critic for Hollywood Reporter, died yesterday at the age of 72. The genial Midwesterner who was one of Hollywood’s go-to guys for behind-the-scenes information about the entertainment industry died on 23rd June 2022 at a medical facility in Gilbert, Ariz.
- Barry Garron was born on September 2, 1949, in Chicago. He is the former chief television critic for The Hollywood Reporter. After graduating from college, he worked as a journalist for various newspapers and magazines before landing his dream job at The Hollywood Reporter in 1984.
Barry Garron’s cause of death was complications from Crohn’s disease confirmed by his daughter and son-in-law David. He also suffered from bouts with cancer.
Early Life of Barry Garron
- Barry is known for his witty and insightful reviews of television shows. He has also been a guest on several talk shows, including “The Tonight Show” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
- Barry retired from The Hollywood Reporter in 2009 but continues to write occasional columns and blog posts about television.
Barry Garron donated The Sandi and Barry Garron Campaign Button Collection to the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri during the summer of 2021. The collection includes more than 2,000 buttons and is worth more than $35,000.
TV Previews pilot starring Barry Garron, Scott Hettrick, 1984
- The pilot was produced in 1984 by Kansas City CBS affiliate for the potential weekly program to review new TV programs, featuring Kansas City Star TV/radio critic Barry Garron and Scott Hettrick of Independence/Blue Springs Examiner and Olathe Daily News.
A onetime newspaper reporter and editor, Mr. Garron was a longtime contributor to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, the trade papers of record for the movie and television businesses. He also wrote for The Associated Press and other publications.
But it was as a radio personality that Mr. Garron perhaps made his biggest mark. For more than two decades, he was a regular on “Entertainment Tonight” (1981-2003), dispensing gossip and news with a disarmingly jocular air. He also had stints on “Access Hollywood” (1996-97) and “Extra” (1997-99).
Family: Barry Garron’s Wife & Daughter
Barry Garron, best known for his work as an entertainment journalist, was married to Sandi Garron and they had one daughter, Rachel. Barry and Sandi met in college and were married for over 20 years, Sandi died at the age of 38 in 2010.
Barry and his family lived in Los Angeles. Barry was a huge fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and was seen attending their games. Barry was also an avid collector of vintage Hollywood memorabilia.
Not only is he an accomplished journalist and author, but he’s also a devoted father and husband. Barry’s daughter, Rachel, is the light of his life, and he adores his son-in-law, David. Barry is a proud grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren, Abigail and Benjamin. He and his family were supporters of many charities, including the American Red Cross and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
A beautiful soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God. Someone so special can never be forgotten.