Frank Rich

Frank Rich – Life, Career, and Influence

Meta Description:
An in-depth look at Frank Rich: from his role as a theater critic and New York Times columnist to his later work as a television producer and cultural essayist.

Introduction

Frank Hart Rich, Jr. (born June 2, 1949) is an American essayist, political and cultural commentator, author, and television producer.

Over a career spanning decades, Rich has influenced both journalism and entertainment. He made his mark as the “Butcher of Broadway” during his time as a theater critic, then transitioned into political commentary and media criticism, and more recently has become a producer of acclaimed television series.

Below is a closer look at his life, intellectual trajectory, major works, and lasting impact.

Early Life & Education

Frank Rich was born in Washington, D.C. on June 2, 1949.

He attended public schools in D.C. and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1967.

Rich went on to Harvard College, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1971 with a degree in American history and literature. The Harvard Crimson and was a Henry Russell Shaw Traveling Fellow.

Path Into Journalism & Criticism

Early Career

Rich’s earliest journalistic roles included work as a film and television critic and editorial writer. He was film critic for Time magazine, worked at the New York Post, and served as senior editor for New Times magazine.

He was also a founding editor of The Richmond (Va.) Mercury, a weekly publication, during the early 1970s.

Theater Criticism & “Butcher of Broadway”

In 1980, Rich joined The New York Times as chief theater critic.

Because of the perceived power of his negative reviews to influence the fate of Broadway shows, he earned the nickname “Butcher of Broadway.”

Rich later reflected on this era in a New York Times retrospective piece titled “Exit the Critic.” Hot Seat: Theater Criticism for The New York Times, 1980–1993.

From Columnist to Cultural & Political Commentator

New York Times Op-Ed

Beginning in 1994, Rich transitioned to writing op-ed and commentary at The New York Times, where he addressed politics, media, culture, and public life.

He remained a columnist at the Times until 2011.

Rich’s pieces sometimes drew sharp critiques — for example, he criticized the media’s handling of political events, and provoked debates about bias and partisan coverage.

One notable work is The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina (2006), in which Rich examined the intersection of media, politics, and public perception in the post-9/11 United States.

Move to New York Magazine & HBO

In 2011, Rich left The New York Times and joined New York magazine as a Writer at Large, where he continued to write about politics and culture, especially in the magazine’s Daily Intelligencer section.

Around the same time, he began working with HBO as a creative consultant, ultimately becoming an executive producer on acclaimed series such as Veep and Succession.

Rich has also produced documentaries, including Six by Sondheim and Becoming Mike Nichols.

Key Works & Publications

Some of Frank Rich’s notable works include:

• Ghost Light: A Memoir (2000) — a memoir about his upbringing, theater obsession, and personal history in Washington, D.C.

• Hot Seat: Theater Criticism for The New York Times, 1980–1993 (1998) — a collection of his theater reviews.

• The Theatre Art of Boris Aronson (1987), co-written with Lisa Aronson — an exploration of the Broadway set designer’s work.

• The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina (2006) — media criticism and political analysis.

Additionally, his work in television and production (especially Veep and Succession) has earned him multiple Emmy Awards.

Themes, Style & Strengths

Culture & Media as Politics

A central theme in Rich’s writing is how media, entertainment, and culture shape public perception and political power. He frequently analyzes the feedback loops between news, narrative, and policy.

He also approaches politics as drama, often drawing parallels between theatrical structure, character arcs, and political events.

Sharp Critique & Irony

Rich’s writing is known for incisiveness, wit, and a willingness to name what many might avoid. His critiques can be pointed, controversial, and provocative.

Bridging High Culture & Mass Culture

Rich has the ability to move between “high” cultural criticism (Broadway, theater, classical arts) and popular culture (television, film, politics) in the same essay, using one to illuminate the other.

Adaptability & Reinvention

One of Rich’s notable strengths is his capacity to reinvent himself: from critic to columnist, from print to television producer, while retaining his voice and analytic rigor.

Awards & Recognition

• George Polk Award for Commentary (2005)

• Two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist (1987, 2005)

• Goldsmith Career Award for Excellence in Journalism (Harvard, 2011)

• Mirror Award for Best Commentary (2016)

• Inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame (2015)

• Emmy Awards via his produced television series (e.g. Veep, Succession)

Personal Life

Frank Rich is married to Alex Witchel, a journalist, author, and former New York Times writer. They married in 1991.

He has two sons from a previous marriage to Gail Winston: Simon Rich and Nathaniel Rich, both of whom are writers themselves.

Rich resides in Manhattan.

Legacy & Influence

• Rich has significantly shaped the interface between cultural criticism and political commentary in late 20th and early 21st century America.

• His early theater criticism altered how Broadway and theatrical productions are critiqued and held to account.

• His columns for The New York Times influenced public debate on media bias, political rhetoric, and cultural narratives.

• His shift into television production demonstrates the porous boundary between media criticism and content creation, and how critics can become creators.

• Rich’s interdisciplinary stance has encouraged other writers to blur the lines between politics, culture, and criticism.