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John Barbour, Godfather of Reality TV, Dies at 93
13 May
Summary
- John Barbour, acclaimed as the 'Godfather of Reality TV,' has passed away.
- He was celebrated for creating and co-hosting the 1980s NBC show 'Real People.'
- Barbour's career included five Emmy awards and appearances on major shows.
The television industry mourns the loss of John Barbour, widely recognized as the "Godfather of Reality TV," who passed away at the age of 93.
Barbour's most significant contribution to television was the creation and co-hosting of the NBC show "Real People" during the 1980s, a program that pioneered the reality television genre.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Barbour emigrated to the United States in the 1950s. His early career included stand-up comedy, with appearances on "The Tonight Show" and "The Dean Martin Show." He also released two comedy albums.
Throughout his career, Barbour garnered five Emmy awards. His accolades include recognition for interviews with prominent figures like Jane Fonda and Muhammad Ali on "AM Los Angeles," and for his news work on KNBC's "Critic-At-Large" series.
Barbour's versatility extended to acting, with credits in popular shows such as "Breaking Bad" and "CSI." He also explored documentary filmmaking, writing and producing "Ernie Kovacs: Television's Original Genius" and earning acclaim for his JFK assassination documentaries.
He is survived by his wife, Sarita, and son, Christopher.
