Ted Casablanca (born Bruce Wallace Bibby; November 20, 1960) is an American entertainment journalist and gossip columnist. He had an E! Online column called The Awful Truth, which ran for sixteen years, ending in July 2012.[1][2]
Biography
Career
Casablanca’s early career included roles at Esquire and Rolling Stone, where he worked in research and editorial positions.[3] These roles shaped the writing of "The Awful Truth".[3] This column not only attracted a loyal readership but also paved the way for future celebrity bloggers and gossip websites.[3] Casablanca began writing for Premiere magazine in 1987, where he originally conceived his gossip column "The Awful Truth" before transferring it to E! in 1996 as a weekly (later daily) column. He regularly presented it on E! Television and sometimes appeared as a correspondent and commentator for various E! Television events. Casablanca earned notoriety for delving into the personal lives and relationships of celebrities in "The Awful Truth"; Casablanca often attributed pseudonyms to the subjects of his pieces, and garnered attention with his satirical speculation on the secret sexuality of particular celebrities.[2] As Bruce Bibby, he has written for a number of entertainment magazines and has been a contributor to the television magazine Hard Copy. Casablanca was also the gallery owner of Ted Casablanca Gallery in Palm Springs, California.[4]
Television and film appearances
Casablanca appeared on several television series, usually as a commentator, but he has also appeared as himself on Grosse Pointe[5] and, more recently, in an episode of General Hospital in February 2007.[6] In October 2023 during an interview, Casablanca discussed his decision to step away from the public eye and celebrity journalism, reflecting on the increasing commercialisation and sensationalism in the industry.[7]
Personal
Bruce Wallace Bibby (Ted Casablanca) was born November 20, 1960, in Dallas county Texas to Robert and Alice Wallace Bibby.[8] Casablanca earned a degree in sculpture from the California Institute of the Arts before turning to journalism.[9]
According to his own column, Casablanca married Jon Powell in Hawaii in May 2008.[10] But on September 16, 2009, Casablanca announced that he and Powell had, after a separation, decided to end their union.[11] Casablanca was also notably paired with actor Harvey Fierstein from 1987 to 1992.[12] Casablanca now resides in Carmichael, California.[13]
References
^Casablanca, Ted (July 5, 2012). "Thank You". The Awful Truth. E! Online; retrieved July 6, 2012.
^Casablanca, Ted (28 April 2008). "Psst List!". The Awful Truth. E! Online. Retrieved 19 September 2009. I'm getting married in less than a week, [...] woo-friggin'-hoo!
