Leonard Maltin

Leonard Maltin during an interview, March 2022 (cropped)

Leonard Maltin (born December 18, 1950) is an American film critic and film historian. He is best known for his widely used reference work Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide, which was published annually from 1969 to 2014. Maltin has also appeared on various television programs and has written several books on the history of film.

Early life and education

Maltin was born in New York City, New York, to Jacqueline Gould and Aaron Isaac Maltin. He developed an interest in films at a young age and began writing about them while still in high school. He attended New York University, where he majored in journalism.

Career

Writing

Maltin's first book, Movie Comedy Teams, was published in 1970. He gained prominence with the publication of Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide, which became a staple for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The guide provided capsule reviews, ratings, and other information about thousands of films.

In addition to his movie guide, Maltin has written several other books, including Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons and The Great American Broadcast: A Celebration of Radio's Golden Age. His work has been praised for its depth of research and accessible writing style.

Television and radio

Maltin has been a regular presence on television, appearing on shows such as Entertainment Tonight and The Today Show. He has also hosted his own programs, including Leonard Maltin's Hot Ticket and Secret's Out on ReelzChannel.

In addition to his television work, Maltin has been a frequent guest on radio programs and podcasts, where he discusses film history and current releases.

Teaching

Maltin is also an educator, having taught courses on film at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. His classes cover a wide range of topics, from the history of Hollywood to the evolution of animation.

Personal life

Maltin is married to Alice Tlusty, and they have one daughter, Jessie Maltin. The family resides in Los Angeles, California.

Awards and honors

Maltin has received numerous awards for his contributions to film criticism and history, including the Publicists Guild of America's Press Award and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Selected bibliography

• Movie Comedy Teams (1970)
• Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide (1969–2014)
• Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons (1980)
• The Great American Broadcast: A Celebration of Radio's Golden Age (1997)
• Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide (2005)

See also

• Film criticism
• Film history
• Animation
• Hollywood