Flo Anthony, a groundbreaking entertainment journalist who shattered barriers in mainstream media, has passed away at age 74 following a cancer diagnosis. Anthony made her mark as the first Black woman to work in both the entertainment and Page Six departments at the New York Post, establishing herself as a trailblazer in journalism. Her death was confirmed to media outlets by Jack Hirsch, biographer of Anthony’s husband, Michael Spinks.
Throughout her distinguished career, Anthony compiled an impressive resume of firsts and achievements. Before joining the New York Post in 1985, she worked as a publicist representing boxing legends including Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. During her tenure at the Post, she broke numerous high-profile celebrity stories and became the first woman to work in the sports department there. She also became the first Black woman to write for a supermarket tabloid, contributing to National Examiner’s column “Eye on the Stars.”
Anthony’s influence extended well beyond print journalism. She maintained a prominent television presence, appearing regularly on programs such as “Inside Edition,” “Entertainment Tonight,” and “The Insider,” as well as major networks including CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News Channel. Additionally, she co-hosted E! Network’s “The Gossip Show” for six seasons and served as editor-in-chief of Black Noir and Black Elegance magazines. Through her company, Dottie Media Group, she produced syndicated radio programming that reached audiences nationwide.
A Howard University graduate born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Anthony is survived by her husband, Michael Spinks, whom she married in January.
Originally reported by Variety →
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