Robin Leach

TV host Robin Leach made multiple generations of viewers long for the lavish lifestyles of celebrities with his "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" (Syndication 1984-1995). A London native, he began his career working as a print journalist for first the Harrow Observer and then the Daily Mail while still a teenager. He moved to the United States in 1963 and picked up his journalism career at the New York Daily News providing gossip tidbits. He also wrote for magazines, including People and Ladies' Home Journal, covering entertainment and began his own music publication, GO Magazine, in the late-'60s. His television career began with appearances on "AM Los Angeles" (1971-1981) in the mid-'70s, joining host Regis Philbin to discuss celebrity gossip. He was a member of the original on-camera team of the syndicated nightly celebrity journalism show "Entertainment Tonight" (Syndication 1981-), but quickly grew dissatisfied with the format. He moved on in 1984 to begin what would become a life-altering project. Leach served as host of the syndicated "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" for 11 years, becoming entrenched in the public's consciousness. The program showcased the opulent homes and glitzy luxuries of celebrities, athletes, and business tycoons, among them Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Donald Trump. The show paved the way for later celebrity TV fare such as "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" (E!, 2007-). With his British accent, bombastic speaking style, and memorable catchphrase ("Champagne wishes and caviar dreams!"), Leach became of of the most recognized, and imitated, figures in pop culture. He was referenced numerous times in pop and rap songs, in addition to begin parodied regularly by comedians. He parlayed that fame into becoming a celebrity spokesperson for everything from beer to professional wrestling. After "Lifestyles" ended, he made regular appearances on television talk shows and had cameos as himself on a variety of TV shows and films. Leach also hosted the celebrity reality show "The Surreal Life: Fame Games" (VH1, 2007). Later in his life, he lived in Las Vegas making appearances at casinos and contributing to the Las Vegas Sun and Las Vegas Review-Journal. Leach passed away on August 23, 2018 at the age of 76.