The world of television criticism mourns the loss of Tom Shales, the esteemed Pulitzer-winning television critic at the Washington Post, who dedicated almost four decades to the publication. Shales, 79, tragically passed away on Saturday at a hospital in Fairfax County, Va., due to complications from COVID-19 and renal failure, his caretaker, Victor Herfurth, confirmed.
A Master of his Craft
Shales began his illustrious career as the Post’s chief TV critic in 1977, captivating audiences with his incisive and sharp commentary on all forms of television. From cable dramas to network sitcoms, from State of the Union speeches to late-night shows, he left no stone unturned. However, his journey with the Post started earlier in 1972 as a style writer.
In recognition of his exceptional work, Shales was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for criticism in 1988, making him the fourth TV reviewer to receive this prestigious honor.
A Legacy That Continues
Although Shales took a buyout from the Washington Post in 2006, he remained on contract for an additional four years. Unfortunately, as stated by the paper, he felt “unceremoniously edged out” due to his salary of approximately $400,000 per year.
Born on November 3, 1944, in Elgin, Ill., Thomas William Shales pursued his passion for journalism after attending Elgin Community College and transferring to American University. As the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, he honed his skills and graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He then embarked on his career, working as an entertainment editor at the D.C. Examiner until the early ’70s.
Apart from his remarkable contributions to the Washington Post, Shales also made his mark at the Huffington Post, TelevisionWeek, and Roger Ebert’s film and television review website. Collaborating with fellow Post reporter James Andrew Miller, he co-authored two books: “Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live” (2002) and “Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN” (2011).
Remembering Tom Shales
Tom Shales will forever be synonymous with insightful TV criticism and unparalleled expertise in the industry. His sharp wit and in-depth analysis brought television to life for countless readers over the years. His contribution to the field will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of television critics.
To read more about Tom Shales and his extraordinary career, visit the Washington Post.
Source: Variety