David Handelman Obituary, Death – David Handelman, a versatile and prolific writer whose career spanned journalism, fiction, and television, passed away on Thursday at the age of 63. His death was confirmed by his friend Sheila Rogers, who revealed that the cause was Waldenström macroglobulinemia, a rare and incurable form of blood cancer.
Handelman began his career with Rolling Stone in the 1980s, where he quickly established himself as a sharp observer of the cultural landscape. He wrote memorable profiles of rising artists and Hollywood figures, including the Beastie Boys, the Coen Brothers, and Jane’s Addiction. His first major breakthrough came when he penned Rolling Stone’s first cover story on the Talking Heads, a moment he fondly recalled as his “big break.” At just 25 years old, he likened the opportunity to being “the dancer in *42nd Street* who steps in when the lead is injured.”
Despite his success, Handelman often viewed himself as somewhat of an outsider within the magazine. He reflected on his blog, *Hands On…*, that he remained “something of a fringe guy” during his time at Rolling Stone. While he may not have been tasked with interviewing rock legends like Springsteen or Dylan, he found fulfillment in capturing the stories of artists who were on the brink of stardom, often navigating personal and professional challenges.
One of Handelman’s most impactful contributions to the cultural zeitgeist was his piece on the Canadian sketch comedy group The Kids in the Hall, which is credited with helping to introduce the troupe to American audiences. Paul Myers, author and podcaster, emphasized the significance of Handelman’s work, stating, “It cannot be overstated how important David Handelman’s piece in *Rolling Stone* was to launching The Kids In The Hall in America and beyond.”
David Fricke, a longtime Rolling Stone contributor, described Handelman as “a crucial, compelling voice in the rock & roll energy and cultural-mainstream authority of Rolling Stone in the 1980s and early 1990s.” Fricke noted that Handelman had a unique ability to identify and champion emerging talent, writing early and influential pieces on artists ranging from Jane’s Addiction to country singer Clint Black. His eclectic taste and dedication to his craft made him a standout figure in the world of journalism.
Handelman’s writing extended beyond *Rolling Stone*. He contributed to a range of prestigious publications including *Vanity Fair*, *GQ*, *George*, *Details*, *Esquire*, and *The New York Times*. His talents also led him into the world of television, where he worked as a writer for critically acclaimed shows such as *The West Wing* and *The Newsroom*. His experience as a journalist often inspired the plot lines and nuances in these series.
His transition into television began with a spec script for *Larry Sanders*, co-written with Mark McKinney of The Kids in the Hall. This caught the attention of Aaron Sorkin, the Oscar-winning screenwriter and director, who hired them to co-write an episode of *Sports Night*. This collaboration marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership with Sorkin, with Handelman eventually writing for all of Sorkin’s television series, including *Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip*.
Beyond his work in print and television, Handelman contributed to various networks, including CBS, NBC, ABC, HBO, the CW, and CNN. He was a staff producer and writer for the long-running CNN weekly news show *Smerconish*.
David Handelman leaves behind a legacy of influential journalism and storytelling that shaped the cultural landscape across multiple mediums. His passing is a significant loss to the fields of journalism, television, and beyond, and he will be remembered for his unique voice, his ability to champion emerging talent, and his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
