Robin Leach has passed away at the age of 76. Many may not recognize his face, but as the host of the popular '80s reality series, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, his voice is definitely iconic. The series was a sort of early form of shows like Cribs, taking a peek at celebrities' homes and how they live outside the public eye. Leach would have turned 77 on Wednesday, August 29.

Leach was partially responsible for the popularization of celebrity lifestyle shows, having been a co-creator of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and hosting two VH1 celebrity lifestyle series, Fame, Fortune and Romance and The Surreal Life: Fame Games on VH1. He also worked as an entertainment reporter. Leach wrote celebrity news columns for PeopleNew York Daily News, Daily Mail and The Star. Leach helped to launch the Food Network and covered dining and restaurant news, as well. His latest position was as a celebrity and lifestyle columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Leach passed away last night after suffering a stroke. He had been in the hospital since November 21 from a previous stroke in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The news was reported via Twitter early this morning by a friend and fellow Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter, John Katsilometes. Katsilometes gave the time and place of death as 1:50 AM in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Katsilometes followed up the report of Leach's death with a couple of tweets detailing a statement from Leach's family. The statement described Leach's life as having been "beautiful" despite having had a rough past year, likely a reference to Leach's time in hospitalization. The family thanked fans and friends for the support that had been shown for Leach during that time and promised memorial details to be announced at a later date. The statement was signed by Leach's sons Steven, Gregg, and Rick Leach.

Born in London, Leach knew from the age of 10 that he wanted to work in news and had always been drawn to the celebrity lifestyle. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous made Leach rich and famous himself, allowing him to indulge in expensive clothing and cars. Leach put those riches to good use, however, through his frequent charity work. He gave money to Opportunity Village, an organization that helps to better the lifestyles of those with disabilities, and Keep Memory Alive, which supports brain health. In 2014, at the age of 72, Leach rode the SlotZilla zip line to raise money for the Opportunity Village.

Rest In Peace Robin Leach: August 29, 1941 - August 24, 2018

Source: John Katsilometes/Twitter