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Oklahoma Journalism Icon Gene Triplett Dies at 77
20 Jun
Summary
- Gene Triplett, inducted into two halls of fame, died at 77.
- He was The Oklahoman's longest-serving city editor.
- Triplett interviewed stars like Paul McCartney and Meryl Streep.
Gene Triplett, a distinguished figure in Oklahoma journalism, passed away on June 6 at the age of 77. His career was marked by significant achievements, including induction into two state halls of fame: the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2017. Triplett was The Oklahoman's longest-serving city editor and gained widespread recognition for his work as editor and columnist for the newspaper's entertainment section before his retirement in 2013.
Throughout his career, Triplett cultivated deep respect from both his peers and the subjects of his reporting, earning numerous state and national accolades. He possessed a rare ability to combine astute reporting with insightful writing, a skill highly valued by colleagues like Joe Hight. Triplett's interviews with prominent figures such as Paul McCartney, Meryl Streep, and Jack Nicholson were notable.
Raised in Oklahoma City and a Vietnam veteran, Triplett earned his journalism degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. He also authored two Oklahoma-set books, "Wheel Man" and "Mr. Gone," after his retirement. He was instrumental in leading news teams covering significant events like the Oklahoma City Bombing and the 1999 Moore tornado, events that deeply affected him.
