Longtime journalist and historian Ted Talbert died Tuesday, his family confirmed to The Detroit News.
Talbert's sister, Edna Bell, told the News her brother, 70, was found Tuesday in his Detroit apartment. Talbert died of congestive heart failure and that he had been ill with heart problems for some time, she said.
Talbert was inducted into Michigan's Journalism Hall of Fame in 2000. He produced documentaries that focused on various aspects of the black experience in Detroit.
"Talbert's artistic style and knowledge of history have helped viewers understand the social, economic and political experience of Michigan's African American community," his induction text reads.
Talbert has written and produced nearly 20 films for most of the television stations in Detroit, but he has been with WDIV-TV, Channel 4, since 1989. His straightforward, accurate presentation of history has resulted in many awards, including four Emmys. He was honored with the Detroit Emmy Award for “Letterman of the Law,” a documentary about athletes who became lawyers. He has been honored with the Achievement of Merit Award from Ohio State University and the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Detroit chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The common thread in all of Talbert’s works concerns the struggles and successes of African Americans— heroes, champions and ordinary people.
Talbert’s passion to document the African American experience led to the Joe Louis Video Memorial at the Cobo Convention Center. The room features his award-winning documentary, “And Still the Champ,” a film showing Joe Louis as a winner inside and outside the ring. He is one of the founders of the Joe Louis Hall of Fame.
Born in Detroit, Talbert is a graduate of Northern High School where he was valedictorian for the Class of 1961. After graduation, Talbert attended Mt. San Antonio College near Los Angeles. Afterwards, he performed comedy routines in New York City.
Tributes online
Colleagues, friends and other admirers are sharing reflections online. A sampling:
Ken Coleman, past Detroit Charter Revision Commission member: My love of writing about Detroit's history was fueled by great grios like Ted Talbert.
Bill Johnson, Detroit public relations consultant: We went back a long time. Shared a lot of laughs. He was that kind of guy. Will miss him.
Harvey Ovshinsky, Ann Arbor writer: Ted was a passionate storyteller who, in every masterwork he produced about the mother city, epitomized the First Most Important First Rule of Storytelling: Content is all. Have something to say.
Jim McFarlin, writer: Ted Talbert was one of the finest documentary producers on this or any other planet. Oh, how I loved this man! He was such a tremendous help to me in my early years as TV critic at The Detroit News, a brother from the Old School who really took me under his wing. Through Ted I learned about the Tuskegee Airmen, Paradise Valley, the Detroit riots and so many other fascinating topics a young black kid from Spring Lake, Mich., never read in his history books.
Mike O'Hara, Detroit News sports columnist: Ted Talbert, friend and visionary without boundaries or limits. Missed already.
Devin Scillian, WDIV anchor and "Flashpoint" host: Sad news for those of us in Detroit media. The great, wise and wonderful Ted Talbert has passed away. Terrific filmmaker, and a lovely man.
Rochelle Riley, Free Press columnist: Another loss for Detroit, Michigan and journalism.
Tim Kiska, associate professor journalism: He was the best. I'm still stunned.
Alex Kimbrough, WJBK (Fox 2) director: I'm still trying to follow in his footsteps.
Kim Trent, WSU Board of Governors: An immensely talented documentary filmmaker and a really great guy. He will truly be missed.
Gerry Zonca, Interactive Media Group (Detroit): I still have the Motown Tie that he got for me when we worked at the station together. My favorite.
Carol Emanuel-Howard: I still have the 1985 (yes, 1985) Detroit Free Press/International Marathon shirt that Ted gave me when I was working at the station. His memory will live on!
Tracey M. Martin, Detroit attorney: Ted Talbert was a real artistic gem (I met him at WDIV back in the mid-90s) and a genuine all-around nice guy. Sad to see him go.
Linda Jones, writer, editor and speaker: Hadn't seen him in years but will always remember his vivacious spirit and ever-present smile.
Jill L. Day, Ypsilanti writer/editor: Thank you for all you chronicled of our collective journey.
Angelo B. Henderson, Detroit writer and motivational speaker: Ted used photos and film to tell stories.
