Leonard Maltin

Leonard Maltin is an American film critic, historian, and author, best known for his authoritative annual reference work, Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide. His career spans over five decades, during which he has become a prominent and trusted voice in film criticism through his writing, television appearances, and teaching. Maltin is recognized for his encyclopedic knowledge of classic Hollywood and his accessible, populist approach to reviewing films, which has made him a familiar figure to generations of moviegoers.

Early life and education

Leonard Maltin was born on December 18, 1950, in New York City, and developed a passion for cinema at a young age. He began writing professionally as a teenager, publishing articles in film magazines like Film Fan Monthly while still attending Teaneck High School in New Jersey. His early work caught the attention of established figures in the field, leading to opportunities that paved the way for his future career. He pursued higher education at New York University, where he studied journalism and continued to build his reputation as a knowledgeable film historian.

Career

Maltin's professional breakthrough came in 1969 when he published the first edition of his seminal work, Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide, which offered concise reviews and data for thousands of films. This publication established him as a leading authority and led to a long tenure as the film critic for the television show Entertainment Tonight from 1982 to 2010. He has also served as a columnist for The Hollywood Reporter and taught courses on film at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Throughout his career, Maltin has been a champion of animation history, contributing to documentaries and serving on the advisory board of the National Film Preservation Board.

Film criticism and publications

Maltin's criticism is characterized by its clarity, historical context, and focus on entertainment value, most famously encapsulated in his star-rating system within his annual Movie Guide. Beyond this flagship publication, he has authored numerous books on film history, including The Disney Films and Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons. He has contributed essays to publications like The New York Times and The Village Voice, and his work has been recognized with awards from organizations such as the National Board of Review and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. The final print edition of his guide was published in 2014, marking the end of an era for the influential reference series.

Television and media appearances

A familiar face to television audiences, Maltin's tenure on Entertainment Tonight made him a household name, providing daily reviews and industry commentary. He has hosted and produced several television programs, including The Great American Broadcast on Turner Classic Movies and the Reelz documentary series Secret's Out. Maltin is a frequent guest on talk shows like The Today Show and has appeared as himself in films such as Gremlins 2: The New Batch and the Cannon Films production The Last Horror Film. He also co-hosts the weekly podcast Maltin on Movies with his daughter, further extending his reach into digital media.

Personal life and legacy

Leonard Maltin married Alice Tlusty in 1975, and they have one daughter, Jessica, who works in the entertainment industry. He is known for his extensive personal collection of film memorabilia and his advocacy for film preservation. His legacy is that of a bridge between scholarly film history and mainstream appreciation, having educated and influenced countless fans through his accessible writing and broadcasting. Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005, Maltin remains an active and respected commentator on American cinema and its history.

Category:American film critics Category:American film historians Category:American non-fiction writers