Chronicler of Lifestyles of Rich and Famous dies at 76

Robin Leach, the celebrity journalist who made a career of ogling lavish living on TV’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” died early Friday in Las Vegas, where he had been working for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He was 76.

His death was reported by the Review-Journal Friday.

The Review-Journal quoted a family statement that said Leach died “peacefully at 1:50 a.m.”

“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 at 1:50 a.m. Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful. Memorial arrangements to follow,” said the statement from Leach’s sons Steven, Gregg and Rick Leach.

In 1963, he moved to the U.S. where he worked for multiple publications, including the New York Daily News and just launching People magazine, where he wrote the first 11 cover stories for what has become the powerhouse celeb publication.

He also worked in the U.S. as the show business editor of another British tabloid, The Star, and later joined CNN in 1980 on the network’s “People Tonight” show. He also helped start the syndicated TV show “Entertainment Tonight.”

But he really made his mark in 1984 with “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” which he co-created.