On Sunday morning, journalist Nikki Finke passed away in Boca Raton, Florida after a long illness. Finke was best known for her Hollywood insider column Deadline Hollywood Daily, which she launched in 2006.
Over the years, Finke built a reputation for being a powerful voice in the entertainment industry, fearlessly revealing little-known Hollywood happenings that often made her enemies among the high-powered and well-connected. Finke was known for her brash writing style and for never being afraid to tell the hard truths. But it was her exclusive stories and incisive commentary that made her one of the most respected journalists in the business.
Finke was the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Penske Media Corporation. Prior to her work with Deadline, Finke worked with multiple enormous news outlets including Newsweek, the Los Angeles Times, and the Associated Press.
During her career, Finke won numerous awards and accolades. In 2010, she was named one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in the World. Finke was also a longstanding benefactor and speaker for her alma mater, Wellesley College.
In addition to her work as a columnist, Finke was also known for her “live-snarking” of some of Hollywood’s biggest award shows. A private memorial service will be held in Finke’s honor. She leaves behind her sister, Terry Finke Dreyfus, her brother-in-law James Dreyfus, and her nieces Sarah Greenhill and Diana Leighton. Finke will be remembered as a legend in journalism for her fearless reporting.