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STEPHEN SILVERMAN Obituary

SILVERMAN--Stephen M., age 71, reporter and historian of popular culture, died on July 6, 2023. The New York Post's chief entertainment correspondent for years and a founding editor of people.com, he has contributed to publications across the United States and abroad, and taught journalism at Columbia University. Among his more than a dozen books are "David Lean," "The Catskills: Its History and How It Changed America" and "The Amusement Park: 900 Years of Thrills and Spills, and the Dreamers and Schemers Who Built Them." There will be a celebration of his life this fall after the publication of his last work, "Sondheim: His Life, His Shows, His Legacy." He is survived by a niece, Sarah Silverman, and many devoted friends. Memorial gifts in Stephen's name can be sent to PEN America (pen.org).

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 9, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN SILVERMAN

41 Entries

Karen Kelleher Bacon

March 21, 2025

Stephen was one of the most brilliant collaborators I´ve ever known. While he was writing his fantastic Stanley Donen retrospective, we met as he also reviewed my A&E productions for People. When we became friends I told him my secret plan to option Oleg Cassini´s life story for a documentary on Jackie Kennedy cool fashion. He said I think I should meet Oleg. So off we went on this amazing lunch to decide how to manage the ego of the world famous man who created The Jackie Look. Stephen was mercurial, lifting the veil on Oleg´s allies in fashion from Halston to Diana Vreeland. After lunch he said, "Oleg wants $100k for his life story and you have a much bigger story to tell on Jackie from White House to Doubleday editor." So I rewrote my documentary and it became the wonderful "Jackie Behind the Myth." I have the most amazing letter from him saying how much he enjoyed the film. What a prince!

Patricia Funt Oxman

July 3, 2024

Wow - that was a year ago, hard to believe. When Stephen was with us - every get together felt like a special occasion. I miss him so much.
Here's a photo of a treasured possession. I don't have it on the shelf - I have it on my bedside table.

Adam Chandler

September 6, 2023

I'm only now seeing the news of Stephen's passing and reading these wonderful tributes. I'm a late arrival to Stephen's immensely lucky circle; we were invited to do a few events together when The Amusement Park came out the same summer as my first book. I don't have to tell you how special it was to get to watch and learn from someone like him as a young writer. (By way of intro, he invited me to a happy hour at his favorite dive in SoHo, which was obviously a blast.) I truly hope we can get a group together to celebrate his book on Sondheim and share our favorite stories. What a special man.

August 27, 2023

Wonderful writer. I discovered him through the Amusement Park book. Rest in peace.

AJ SCARPA and Family

August 11, 2023

I just found this out and am so very sad. My family and I met him at Mohonk mountain house last November. We had no idea who he was.. we saw him eating alone and invited him to have dinner with us. My family quickly loved him and he enjoyed our company. Found out he was the guest speaker and we enjoyed his lecture.. We stayed in touch for months. We just booked our next family trip there and I reached out to ask him if he´d like to join us again. I hope Kingston is ok. Rest in peace
What a wonderful man

Shanti Beharry

August 1, 2023

This is so sad!!! I jus found out, about Stephen passing. I´m his hairdresser for the pass 15yrs!!!!! I´ll surely miss the conversation and jokes we shared,for your hair appointments. Sleep In Peace

Ruth ziony

August 1, 2023

Not ready. But he let me write amazing articles when he edited Coast mag

August 1, 2023

Stephen Silverman was my editor when I wrote for COAST
here in LOS ANGELES. He allowed me to write some first person experiences -from singing with the spiritual Healer let Katherkuu
L

Kevin and Doug

July 26, 2023

Stephen-you made an impact on so many lives and will be very much missed. To a life well lived! xo

Paul Bennett

July 25, 2023

I met Stephen when I was a student in his cultural affairs class at the Columbia Journalism School. It was a wonderful class, which he'd often teach in his apartment. My mother died shortly after I finished the program. To cheer me up, one night Stephen took me to Elaine's for dinner, and introduced me to a few of the luminaries there. We stayed in touch over the years and he became a mentor and a friend. On one occasion, my wife and I stayed in his apartment to take care of his dog Coco (long before Kingston came along) when Stephen was away. Last fall, I had dinner with him and a mutual friend who worked at People, and I was hoping we'd make it an annual tradition. I will miss him greatly, and will always remember him.

Mary T Browne

July 22, 2023

Stephen and I became friends in 1986. We were introduced by our mutual friend Beatrice Rich, the renowned psychic. I loved him dearly. Beatrice died on April 9, 2023. Stephen and I grieved her death. I find comfort in my belief that Beatrice was able to welcome Stephen into the Spirit World. Mary T Browne

Mia Navarro

July 20, 2023

I´m heartbroken. Stephen was my favorite J-school professor at Columbia and we stayed in touch through the years and most recently through FB. He took me to Elaine´s and invited me to his Super Bowl parties and was the kind of mentor who treats you as an equal. I marveled at his stories, his ideas and how prolific he was as a writer. What a life, and what a loss.

Mark A Izatt

July 20, 2023

I first met Stephen when, post 9/11 he moved into my building - 21 West Street. We quickly became firm friends and maintained the friendship when I moved back to London in 2008.

Stephen was always a pleasure to be around. An incredible storyteller and also a shrewd and very funny observer of all that was around him.

More often than not we had Saturday breakfast together. At Georges before it closed and then we ventured to Pete´s Tavern which had the benefit of allowing us to have screwdrivers. The other regular outing was on a Monday for a lobster and drinks special close to Wall Street.

Stephen did not suffer fools gladly which ensured you were always on your toes. But the reward was a sharp and rewarding conversation.

He was a great host and very open when it came to sharing his friends. Generous of spirit and time.

We always made time for each other on both sides of The Atlantic. As I write this I think of him in his writing nook, overlooking Lower Manhattan harbour. Every word a gem.

He is missed but he left an impression which will remain forever.

Don Rath

July 19, 2023

I knew Stephen for over 25 years. He was a great friend, someone who could inspire you and make you laugh at the same time. His passing was a real shock. Until we meet again.

Tony Maciulis

July 19, 2023

Stephen was my professor at Columbia's journalism school and became a dear friend through the subsequent years. I loved attending his Oscar viewing party, and the many dinners where we talked about careers, life, and love. He was a true mentor, a treasured voice of experience. Please let me know when his memorial service will be, I would be honored to attend.

Randi Cone

July 19, 2023

I met Stephen five years ago when a mutual friend connected us to work on getting a tv deal for his book The Amusement Park. We became fast friends who shared stories about show business for hours on end. I am devastated to find out he has passed. He was a true talent, but most importantly a true friend. What a loss!

Nina Pinsky

July 19, 2023

When I told Stephen I was pregnant 36 years ago, he said, "see ya in 16 years!" At the time, he was not at all fond of babies. After Alex was born, Stephen held him in his arms and was smitten. He became Uncle BA to us, and was until the day he died, because he loved leaning over Alex´s crib exchanging "Ba, ba, ba" to one another. Stephen taught Alex to love old films and helped him develop his wry sense of humor. I´m grateful he was able to participate as a speaker at Alex´s and Shannon´s wedding during the height of COVID and meet their son, Harrison, shortly before he fell ill. His death leaves a huge hole in all our hearts. There are too many Ba stories to tell, but those who knew him in his roll as Uncle Mame will remember. My condolences to his niece Sarah, and cousins Pam, Danny and Nancy. XOX Nina Pinsky

Judy Jonas

July 18, 2023

Stephen and I were Facebook friends for the last few years. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I adored him and I was devastated when I learned that he passed away. I hope the date of his celebration of life party is posted for those of us who were not in his inner circle.

Carol Schneider

July 17, 2023

Stephen, my dear friend -
It has taken me more than a week to accept that you are not on some lovely adventure researching a new book, and you are not coming home. As long as I´m on this planet, I will miss you. I´ll miss your smile that always made me feel like this was a good day. I´ll miss your incomprehensive stories and your cheeky personality. I´ll miss your kindness. I´ll miss our talks, and I´ll miss Kingston running through the lobby of our building.

I remember when Stephen was approaching his 70´s birthday. He whispered to me, `Can you believe I´m going to be 70!´ And I responded, `It´s just a number. You´ve got a long way to go.´ Not nearly long enough.

Stephen and I met - by phone - in the late 80s when he was working for the NY Post and I was working for Howard Rubenstein PR. I´d send him all sorts of invitations and celebrity news items, and he was so gracious when he turned me down that I felt like I had won the lottery!

In the late 90s, we realized that we lived in the same building and we´ve been neighbors ever since. I look forward to celebrating Stephen´s life this fall...and what an extraordinary life it has been!

I´d love to know how Kingston is doing.

Carol Schneider
Friend

Laraine Balk Hope

July 15, 2023

Steve became an "adopted" member of my family when his journalism professor at UC Irvine, Joe Bell, asked my father, a journalist affiliated with the Columbia School of Journalism, to welcome him to New York and help him settle in. Steve was just starting the Masters degree program at Columbia and was always very enthusiastic about New York (despite being robbed in his first month or so in the city). We've been in close touch since then. Through the years, he joined us for many holidays and family occasions.

His dream fifty years ago was simply to live and work in New York. He realized that dream on a scale unimaginable in the mid-1970s!

Steve was an ambitious, witty, wonderful human being; a gifted and dedicated writer; and loyal friend and mentor to an ever-increasing number of people. What a devastating loss for everyone.

Martin

July 13, 2023

We will miss Stephen, our favorite raconteur.

Martin Shimmel &
Alan Needleman

Linda Marx Cole

July 12, 2023

I am shocked to learn of Stephen´s passing. He was one of the most intelligent, witty, wonderfully sarcastic people I have ever known. I loved spending time with him. We laughed for 5 hours during dinner in Miami one balmy night. Besides being erudite and well versed on many subjects, he was a lovely man with an insatiable curiosity.
I was lucky to have worked for him and become his friend. My condolences to his family, and I am happy his dog is with a loving friend.

Marsha Palanci

July 12, 2023

Unlike many of you who have known and admired Stephen for years, I am a new member of his fan club. Joan Brower, his long-time friend, introduced me to him only a few years ago. Shall I say, she generously "shared" him with me. But within no time, the three of us managed to spend many special holidays together. Without fail, they all included an intoxicating blend of serious conversations and belly laughs.
What impressed me most -- aside from Stephen's brilliance -- was his generosity of friendship. He valued and loved all of us as if we were the most important people in his life.
As one of his cheerleaders/groupies, I joined Jan Brower on numerous trips to Montauk to support Stephen´s authoritative lectures on his various books. Each time, I was overwhelmed by his encyclopedic knowledge on a given topic plus his ability to relay it in an easily digestible and entertaining format for his readers.

I can say that there is now a hole in my life where a good friend should be. While my heart is saddened, I feel privileged to have known Stephen, if only for a short period of time. I will miss his brilliance, wickedly dry wit and generosity of spirit. Secretly, I will also miss seeing his darling Kingston, the only dog I´ve ever liked.

Ronny Diamond

July 11, 2023

I have 'only' known Stephen since he returned to NYC with his precious Kingston, about 7 or 8 years ago.
I dog sat Kingston when Stephen went away years ago we decided if anything happened to Stephen, Kingston would live with me. And now I have Kingston as a forever reminder of wonderful Stephen
If you want to know how the little fella is feel free to contact me.

Seohee Kong

July 10, 2023

We were Stephen´s neighbors from 2017 to 2022. He would always celebrate special occasions with my daughters. My daughters love all the books he had bought for them over the years. He made a big impression to my family, and I am forever grateful that we shared our paths together. We all miss you, Stephen. I hope Kingston is well.

Jeffrey Kwitny

July 10, 2023

He was a brilliant journalist and biographer. I knew him during our high school years on the Spartan Shield weekly newspaper. We were both editors...and good friends. I will miss him deeply. My heart aches.

Joan Brower

July 10, 2023

A bright light in the universe is extinguished forever. Stephen was a force of nature with a heart of pure gold to complement his brilliant wit and wisdom. We met in the `80s when Stephen joined a press trip I was hosting as public relations rep for a cruise line-we rode camels together in Egypt, added prayers to Israel´s Western Wall, and danced Zorba-style in Greece. Back in NYC, he has been a dear friend for decades, sharing life´s joys and sorrows. How I hope to be advised and included in the celebration of his life this fall.

Wes Kelley

July 10, 2023

Stephen treated me as a respected fellow writer although we were miles apart in depth and talent. Stephen was a researcher's researcher, tireless in his attention to detail and accuracy. That style of critical writing can be dry and lifeless, but Stephen had a mirthful spirit that he transmuted to his work. Enjoyable is the best word because Stephen enjoyed life. I told him that I could never have the patience to do the painstaking research he did. In turn,he said he couldn't believe how, as a writer of fiction, I had the time to make up so much stuff.

Dorothy Korber

July 10, 2023

Dear Stephen - my adorable, impish, hilarious and caring friend of 50 years - I am heartbroken to lose you. I´ll
always treasure your wit and charm. Now I´ll close as you invariably did: xxxooo

The Witch´s Dorothy

Robert Sher

July 10, 2023

Stephen was a great writer and friend
His knowledge and informational aspects were always interesting and most often fascinating. He will be greatly missed and know the world will be worse off without him

Yvonne Durant

July 10, 2023

Stephen brought so many wonderful people into my life, along with laughter, joy, and support. I am in a state of disbelief.

Stu Zakim

July 10, 2023

Stephen was such a mensch. As a young publicist just starting in the film business, he always treated me as a peer and became more of a friend than media contact. We stayed in touch through social media and he will be missed.

Samantha Miller

July 10, 2023

Stephen was one of my first colleagues when I arrived at People as a writer many years ago. It was my first job and I was thrilled to be working with someone so erudite, New York-y and nice -- and who knew everything about Hollywood and theater history. Over the years he was a warm, welcoming, unflappable mentor to so many writers and editors at People. My condolences to his friends and family.

Gary and Jolie Alony

July 10, 2023

We loved Stephen so much and enjoyed all of his wonderful stories! He was always full of great vibes. He will always be in our hearts. We look forward to celebrating his life. Love always
Love,
Gary and Jolie Alony

Jane Noss

July 9, 2023

Such a pleasure to have known this very talented and inspirational man since Jr high school, a kind talented blessing, bringing so much to society. Will miss your post´s terribly! Restful peace, Stephen

Steven curry

July 9, 2023

I remember Stephen from high school WCHS, I lost contact then I found out that Stephen had moved NY I have lived in NY FROM 1974, we e-mail a no# of times, I'm going to miss him, all I can say be at peace lots of love Steve and Linda Curry

Patricia Funt Oxman

July 9, 2023

Stephen was a friend that was really like no other. We knew each other since we were both in our mid twenties. We did loads of things together - traveling, partying, going to theater, laughing, texting thoughts, and much more. We both loved a lot of fun things - "I love Lucy", Disney, muppets, old movies, vintage finds, ice cream and champagne to name a few. Stephen had often said to me - "Patricia you're my best friend". Now I'm quite sure he said that to a lot of people, and if he did, please try not to tell me. But Stephen - you were mine.

David Margolick

July 9, 2023

I was so shocked, and saddened, to hear about Stephen. We met years ago over a story and though we rarely saw one another, we always stayed in touch, and he was a constant source of delight and encouragement. Not long ago I asked him to read a manuscript of mine, which he promptly did with his usual mix of graciousness, erudition, and wit, spotting obscure but embarrassing errors everyone else had missed. How can this be?

Abby Hirsch

July 9, 2023

So sad

Candace Carell

July 9, 2023

Dearest Stephen is a treasured friend in my life. His brilliance, generosity, kindness and great sense of humor and humility will be with me always. This is a great great loss for me and for so many. We traveled many momentous times during the 41 years of our friendship, from Disneyland the opening of Maine Street to so many hilarious, great events and celebrations here in NY NY. Your books are filled with wonders. I will never look at the film The Sound of Music in the same way!! It is one of his favorite films. You will never ever be forgotten. Thank you thank you Stephen. We must celebrate you in our tears of sorrow and joy for the love and gift of friendship you gave me and so many.
Candy

Sally Zitzmann

July 9, 2023

I have a wonderful memory of having run into Stephen in Salzburg, Austria, in 1971, having not seen him since our high school graduation in Southern California in 1969. We spent a few fun-filled days together. Then, we reconnected via social media and in 2016 he opened his home to us while we were visiting NYC. That´s when we met Kingston, his adorable and much loved pooch! Stephen was so successful, and so much fun, and how he loved NYC! Rest peacefully, Stephen.

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