Gossip Columnist, Entertainment TV Personality Was 82

Mitchell Fink, a well-known celebrity gossip columnist and entertainment journalist, passed away at the age of 82 in West Palm Beach, Florida. His career spanned various prestigious publications such as People magazine, the New York Daily News, and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. Fink’s cause of death has not been disclosed.

One of Fink’s notable achievements was co-authoring the book “Never Forget: An Oral History of September 11, 2001” with his wife, Lois Mathias, which became a New York Times bestseller. He began his career as the editor of Record World, a music magazine in the 1970s, before transitioning to the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. During his time at the Herald Examiner, Fink gained popularity for his “Page 2” column, where he reported on the activities of celebrities.

After the Herald Examiner folded in 1989, Fink joined People magazine and created the “Insider” column, which he wrote for eight years. He also appeared on CNN’s “Showbiz Today” as a regular contributor for six years. Fink later moved to the New York Daily News, where his gossip column rivaled the famous Page Six of the New York Post.

Apart from his journalism career, Fink authored several books, including “The Last Days of Dead Celebrities,” “Change of Heart,” and “Frank Sinatra, Miriam and Me.” At the time of his passing, he had completed writing “Second Chances,” an oral history of shoe designer Steve Madden, and produced the documentary “Maddman: The Steve Madden Story.”

Fink had a close relationship with Steve Madden, representing his brand in his PR career and eventually serving as the CEO of 1on1 Public Relations. He is survived by his wife, Lois, sons Jesse and Brian, and grandchildren Samson, Alice, and Cameron.

Fink’s contributions to the field of entertainment journalism and his impactful storytelling will be remembered by many in the industry. May he rest in peace.