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Status of Longtime Host Robert Osborne in Spotlight as TCM Shuffles Assignments, Expands Role of ‘The Young Guy’

Sep 20, 2012  •  Post A Comment

Longtime TCM host Robert Osborne returned to work at the cable channel this week, taping segments in advance of his scheduled Oct. 1 return to the air, the New York Post reports.

Osborne has been off the air for about a month taking a break from work. In his absence a host some viewers still know mainly as “the young guy” — Ben Mankiewicz — has been filling in for Osborne.

Osborne, 80, is a fixture on the movie network, and in many ways has been the face of TCM for years. But his role is being redefined, with the plan calling for reduced airtime for Osborne along with a greater role at off-the-air promotional events.

Meanwhile, Mankiewicz — who’s 45 and not exactly a newbie at the channel — is expected to see his on-air role expanded.

“Starting Oct. 5, most movies shown in primetime on Friday nights will be introduced by Ben Mankiewicz, who has hosted the network’s classic movie showings on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons for nearly a decade,” the story reports, citing a TCM spokesperson. “There will be guest programmers on some Fridays, the spokesperson said.”

Mankiewicz will also see action hosting three films that will air Saturday nights after “The Essentials,” which is hosted by Osborne and actress Drew Barrymore. And Mankiewicz will host two movies running late Sunday nights.

“In October, Mankiewicz will host a Tuesday night series of films about characters with disabilities on Tuesday nights — with introductions filmed during Osborne’s vacation — as well as his first regular Friday night series, devoted to political films with guests like CNN’s Wolf Blitzer,” the report adds.

Manciewicz filled in during 2011 when Osborne took a five-month leave after having appeared on TCM every day since the channel was founded in 1994, the Post reports.

"Both Robert and Ben’s responsibilities have grown as the network has grown and we have expanded both their roles,” the TCM spokesperson said. "Part of what we want more from Robert is direct engagement with fans at events like the TCM Classic Cruise, The Road to Hollywood screening series and TCM Film Festival and other events, and this allows us to do that.”

Commenting on the impending changes, Mankiewicz said: "Robert’s not going anywhere — he’s still the Walter Cronkite of TCM.”

Mankiewicz added: "I think of the TCM audience the same way I think of women I’ve wanted to date — initailly they have no interest in me, but eventually I wear them down. One reason I think there was hestitation [when I first started] was fans’ desire to protect the network. We’re taking care of movies, we’re the guardians of these films, there are no commercials … and this young guy is coming in and what does it mean for Robert? Robert is Turner Classic Movies. It just took [the fans] a while to realize that everything is going to be the same.”

robert-osborne.jpgRobert Osborne

10 Comments

  1. I hope Robert knows how much he is loved and how many true fans of classic movies he has taught and mentored over the years. His knowledge of the industry and more important, the actors, is unsurpassed. He is the reason I am such a dedicated fan of TCM. I never miss his intro to a movie. It gives such color to B&W films that you may not get anywhere else. Robet is a true gentleman and a treasure. I just hope we have him for many years to come.

  2. I’m glad Robert Osborne will be back. I love Ben Mankiewicz as well.

  3. Osborne is great, and I hope we continue to see him on TCM. I used to be wary of Mankiewicz, worried that he was part of some too-hip plot to ‘change it up’ for college kids. But I’ve become comfortable with him, and realize that he knows old movies and takes them seriously. I think he’s a worthy successor.

  4. Robert Osborne is not only TCM, he is the friend of all lovers of classic movies. He is a prime reason why I watch TCM and why I appreciate classic movies. I hope Robert (I think of him as a friend, although we have never met personally) stays well and happy. He cannot be replaced — only followed.
    Ben is good as a successor. I just hope that Robert can be at TCM so long as he is able. Robert’s health and well-being are more important than his participation at TCM, but I hope that he can be at TCM for many years to come.
    I wish that I could find a way to afford to go on the cruise, go to the film festival, etc. I would like very much to meet him.

  5. Robert Osborne is not only TCM, he is the friend of all lovers of classic movies. He is a prime reason why I watch TCM and why I appreciate classic movies. I hope Robert (I think of him as a friend, although we have never met personally) stays well and happy. He cannot be replaced — only followed.
    Ben is good as a successor. I just hope that Robert can be at TCM so long as he is able. Robert’s health and well-being are more important than his participation at TCM, but I hope that he can be at TCM for many years to come.
    I wish that I could find a way to afford to go on the cruise, go to the film festival, etc. I would like very much to meet him.

  6. I think it’s absurd for TCM to claim they need him for more OFF AIR events! How stunningly opposite to the way all stars everywhere are employed. Usually you want them in front of the cameras, that’s where the audience is. How many people go to those festivals and cruises? Manciewitz would be a more tolerable substitute there than he is on primetime. I can’t stand too much of him though I think he’s a good guy, just not an affable host. His sense of humor isn’t funny either.

  7. WE LOVE YOU ROBERT!!!

  8. Can anyone help direct me how I can find the fill in (extra) before or after a movie (maybe Red River) that showed men playing harmonicas to the song “You Are My One True Love”
    I understand it is during Mr Markowits and Mr Osborne TCM
    All he best to both gentlemen.

  9. DEAR ROBERT: SAW YOUR 20TH TRIBUTE, AND WE ALL LOVE YOU. I THOUGHT IT WAS REALLY FUNNY TO SEE OUTTAKES. HAVE WATCHED TCM AND LOVE MOVIES AND I WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. HAVE A GOOD REST, AND IT HAS BEEN SAID :THE MIND IS LIKE A MIRROR, IF NOT USED IT LOSES THE POWER TO REFLECT. LOVE AND PEACE, JOAN SHERRIN, ONTARIO, CANADA.

  10. Mr. O. taught me the value of listening. His movie preambles (not ratings) consistently piqued my interest to watch a movie (although it took awhile). That value truly has embellished my persona. You have my marker; and my respect. Still a RO student,
    Jim

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