David Handelman obituary, death, a renowned former print journalist and TV writer and producer, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and influence in the industry. Handelman’s career began in print journalism, where he made significant contributions as a staff writer for Rolling Stone.
He covered a diverse range of subjects, from the Beastie Boys and Sam Kinison to the AIDS activist group ACT UP and folk artist Howard Finster. Handelman also edited two influential “HOT” issues and dedicated issues to comedy, showcasing his versatility and depth as a writer.
His expertise extended to roles as arts editor and writer for Vogue, and his bylines appeared in numerous esteemed publications, including the New York Times, New York Magazine, GQ, Details, Premiere, and Spy. Handelman’s transition to television marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
He initially made his mark with a spec script for The Larry Sanders Show, co-written with Kids in the Hall member Mark McKinney. This script caught the attention of Aaron Sorkin, who hired Handelman and McKinney to co-write an episode of Sports Night. Their work on the season 1 episode “Sword of Orion” was followed by another notable episode, “The Sweet Smell of Air,” which drew inspiration from Handelman’s real-life experience interviewing Michael Jordan.
Handelman’s writing career in television flourished as he joined the staff of The West Wing for its fourth season, Sorkin’s final year on the show. Handelman’s collaboration with Sorkin extended across all four of Sorkin’s TV series to date. His television credits include writing and producing for two daytime talk shows, the CBS series Love Monkey, One Tree Hill (season six), CNN’s Eliot Spitzer program, Good Morning America, Nashville (season two), the DirecTV series Rogue, and CNN’s Smerconish.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends, including Michael Smerconish, who expressed his sorrow, stating, “Stunned and saddened to learn the loss of David Handelman, a gifted writer and my CNN partner of a decade. A soft soul with a great wit. May his memory be for a blessing.”
Ellen Qbertplaya wrote, “I heard of the passing of my friend David Handelman last night. Very kind and supportive – a true gent. Wish we had time for one more sandwich together. As Warren Zevon once said, ‘Enjoy every sandwich.'”
Handelman’s contributions to television and print journalism will be remembered for their impact and the creativity he brought to his work. His legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers and journalists.
In conclusion, David Handelman’s passing is a significant loss to the industry, and his memory will be cherished by those who knew him and admired his work. His writing and producing credits are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
The news of Handelman’s death has sent shockwaves through the industry, with many taking to social media to pay their respects and share their favorite memories of his work. As the news continues to spread, it is clear that Handelman’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the stories he told.
