Remembering John Barbour: A Pioneer in Reality TV and Comedy

John Barbour, a key figure in the creation and hosting of the NBC series Real People, passed away at the age of 93 in Las Vegas due to natural causes. Real People, produced by George Schlatter, showcased unique individuals and their hobbies, setting the stage for reality TV shows to come. Barbour, along with a panel of co-hosts, entertained viewers with humorous commentary on the featured segments.

Barbour, born in Toronto, Canada, ventured into show business after moving to the U.S. in the 1950s. His career as a standup comic led to appearances on popular shows like The Dean Martin Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He also released comedy albums and won Emmy awards for his work on AM Los Angeles and as a critic-at-large on KNBC.

Aside from his hosting duties on Real People, Barbour made guest appearances on various television shows and even ventured into documentary filmmaking. His works include a documentary on Ernie Kovacs and a film on the JFK assassination, for which he received accolades. In 2019, he penned an autobiography titled Your Mother’s Not A Virgin, chronicling his life and contributions to American TV.

Barbour is survived by his wife Sarita and their son Christopher. His legacy in the realm of television and entertainment will be remembered by many.