Why does Robert Osborne on TCM slur his words?

In the past year or so fans have been noticing that TCM host Robert Osborne doesn’t look so well and sometimes he seems to have difficulty with words.  Also his speech seems a little difficult or impaired, but nobody seems to know the answer to the question about what might be causing this.

Some people say that he has lost weight under medical supervision and that his old clothes don’t fit him well.  Others have said that a weight loss of 10 pounds in a man his age should be compensated by better lighting so as to not reveal the unflattering effects of the weight loss.  Lately, however, he looks as though he has gained weight, and as of April 1, 2015, he seems to be the heaviest he’s ever been.

More recent photos of Robert Osborne here: Daily Pics TCM.

Well, he is eighty and there could be a lot of things that could cause a man his age to slur his words.  A recent tribute to Osborne on the occasion of his 20 th anniversary as on air host featured a blooper reel wherein he seems a little tipsy, and in one instance he implies that he is indeed drunk.

Another one of the usual suspects would be Bell’s Palsy — an irritation of the nerves serving his face.  This usually runs it’s course and goes away but sometimes it lingers on for a long time.  This doesn’t seem to be the case.

The medical reasons number into the hundreds, but he still has the energy to get to work,  so how bad can it be ?  As a matter of fact sometimes he speaks perfectly, but then again we don’t really know when segments were actually filmed.

Check out possible causes of slurred speech: http://symptoms.wrongdiagnosis.com/cosymptoms/slurred-speech.htm

Osborne is  a good guy and he’s great at his job so let’s hope there is nothing seriously wrong with him.

74 thoughts on “Why does Robert Osborne on TCM slur his words?

  1. The one guy who made all the spelling mistakes didn’t understand your reply. Ha,Ha,Ha Even typing on the phone would not explain it. Mr. Gene London Who Provides costumes from his collection for TMC exhibits has no information concerning Robert’ s health.

  2. Whatever he likes or does not like, he can’t dislike her any longer. In either case, I have no clue. Maybe one of my readers knows about this.

    Damien

  3. Came across this thread doing a quick search on Mr. Osborne. Found the comments entertaining. 😉
    And for the record, if I recall correctly, I do beleive Mr. Osborne made mention of being married for many years when he allowed himself to be interviewed by Alec Baldwin. I present that my recollection may be wrong.

  4. I stumbled upon this post while looking up Robert Osborne.

    All I can say is that he is seeming to show his age more lately, but the man is in his early 80s. I’d say he’s pretty awesome overall.

  5. I don’t see what being gay, straight, or bi has to do with Robert Osborne or any other television host on TCM. If they’re doing their job as fantastically as Robert does STAY OUT of his and others personal lives. If he appears to be different at times and you think he may be ill, wish him well and let it go. Just love and pray for him. EVERYONE DESERVES A PERSONAL LIFE. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL!!!

  6. Robert is great! I am a Lawyer/Broker who is excellent in all things movies. As the second of six children, I would escape into the world of movies. So relaxing. Back to hosting, I am an expert on public speaking and in addition to an camera relaxation without the but a nerves. I wish Robert a long career.

  7. There is nobody like Robert Osborne- his knowledge, his personality, his calmness, his expert selections. I miss seeing him so much – TCM should definitely leave the selection of movies to him. Mankiwitz is no comparison. Nor the young inexperienced. I am older and so much appreciate his knowledge of Hollywood and what was perceived as a good movie back then. What is being shown on weekends is really sorry. I have relied on Robert for my entertainment for years

  8. I think that people should back off. We all love Robert. Don’t mention his slurring or if his gait is off. Let it go, the he can be back the way he is.

  9. RIP Robert Osborne. No one can compare to you; such a pro. Ben is good, too. Tiffany Vasquez is just awful. I turn the channel when I hear her voice.

  10. Robert Osborne was an important film historian and host on TCM. No one can replace him or even come close. His rare and incisive knowledge of classic film came from both the study of the industry as well as his marvelous personality which endeared him to many film actors, directors, and numerous other individuals who made classic film their life’s passion and shared with TCM viewers much insightful knowledge that would otherwise be someday lost with their passing. RIP dear Mr. Osborne. Your absence leaves a great void in the world of classic film as an art for all of us to appreciate.

  11. So very sorry for the lost of Robert Osbourne to TCM and his family and friends.

  12. oh dear i will miss him so much !! my mom had me watching classic movies from a very young age-and we would turn on the show early-just to hear mr osbourne-his insights, his tid-bits, his knowledge, his excitement for the stars-the best way to start off a classic movie-he was our muse !! rest in peace dear friend-thank you for the wonderful movie times-i am popping pop corn for you now-with real butter xoxo

  13. Yes, David. We will miss him, but look at the bright side, because of Robert Osborne and Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and Greer Garson, you grew up to a smart young gay man. You will not be a misfit.

  14. I’VE WATCH TCM SINCE WHO KNOW WHEN, BUT I SURE MISS ROBERTS SMILE AND HIS ACKNOWAGEMENT OF MOVIES, THEIR TIMES I WOULD THINK HE WAS READING MY MIND AS HE WOULD PUT A MOVIE ON THAT I WANTED TO WATCH. I WILL MISS YOU MR. OSBORNE YOUR THE GREATEST EVER!!

  15. Odd to say the least how this world could produce a wonderful man like Robert Osborne and one such as Donald Trump

  16. I realize this thread is 6 years old at this point, but couldn’t resist pointing out that “Renata” was wrong on all points. Not only was Mr. Osborne never married, but he had a male partner, David Staller, for the last 20 years of his life.

    The revelation didn’t matter to me. I loved watching him on TCM for 22 years. He WAS TCM.

  17. Robert Osborne, was the perfect host for TCM. I thoroughly enjoyed the way he related to his millions of viewers. As a movie buff myself, I learned even more about the many actors, actresses, writers, and directors by listening to R.O.
    Whether or not Mr. Osborne was married or not is not important.If he was gay, it matters not. He was a gentleman who was outstanding in his job.
    I looked forward to listening to him as much as I looked forward to viewing the movies.
    R.I.P. Robert.

  18. Honestly folks get over it. If in fact you enjoyed his company and if like me you invited him into your homes for 20+ years then be content that someone such as Robert brought the height of information and the epitome of entertainment to you. I SAY — BE CAREFUL when you attempt to step into someone else’s shoes and slight their private lives. It can ricochet and hit you between the eyes!! Let’s just be grateful that a power beyond our knowledge allowed someone of Robert Osbournes ilk to reside with us even 84 years is a short enough time and bring us such immeasurable happiness!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.