Robin Leach, 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous' Host, Dies at 76

The TV personality reportedly suffered a stroke.

Celebrity columnist and TV personality Robin Leach has died. 

The famed host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous -- who most recently worked as a celebrity columnist at the Las Vegas Review-Journal -- died in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday. He was 76.

“Robin was loved by many around the world and will be remembered for his champagne wishes and caviar dreams," his rep tells ET in a statement.

Leach had been hospitalized since Nov. 21 after suffering a stroke in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, John Katsilometes, a columnist at the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. On Monday, Leach suffered another stroke and was admitted to hospice care, according to Katsilometes.

“Sad to report the death of famed celeb reporter, friend and colleague #RobinLeach @ 1:50 a.m. in #LasVegas. He would have been 77 Wednesday,” Katsilometes tweeted. “He suffered a second stroke Monday. He in hospice care. He'd been hospitalized since Nov. 21, after suffering a stroke in Cabo San Lucas.”

Leach’s family members --  Steven, Greg and Rick Leach -- released a statement to ET following news of the TV star's death.

"Despite the past ten months what a beautiful life he had. Our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and friend Robin Leach passed away peacefully last night at 1:50 a.m.," the statement reads. “Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful. Memorial arrangements to follow."

Saville Kellner, the CEO of Revenue Media Group and a close friend of Leach, also released a statement on Friday.

“Our friend Robin Leach passed away peacefully this morning at 1:50am PST having fought a graceful battle after having a stroke in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on November 22nd, 2017," the statement begins. "To echo his son’s Steven’s sentiments 'Despite the past 10 months, what a beautiful life he had.'"

Kellner's statement continues, "While most people will remember Robin for his iconic television show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, his friends and family will always remember him as the most generous and loving father, friend and mentor. Despite Robin’s carefully self-created image of being a curmudgeon he was generous and kind to a fault. It will be a long time, if ever, that I find a friend as giving, forthright and protective.”

Leach was part of our ET family. He helped launch our show back in 1981 and served as a celebrity reporter for many years.

The late journalist also started hosting Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous in 1984, and became known for his catchphrase, "Champagne wishes and caviar dreams."

According to the Las Vegas Review-JournalLeech moved to Vegas in 1999 and reviewed star-studded events around town for local publications. 

In addition to his family, Leach's celebrity friends, including Celine Dion, William Shatner and Ice-T, tweeted out their condolences. 

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