Thank You, Howard Burns, For Being a Stand-Up Guy

Howard Burns, an 18-year veteran of The Hollywood Reporter, parted company with the paper this week. And I didn't want his departure to go unnoticed by this blog. It's important to acknowledge those who have made a huge difference in our lives and careers, and Howard was the guy who hired me part-time back in 2000 during a time when I was a struggling freelancer. I'm still a freelancer (long story), but far less struggling due to Howard, who not only gave me escalating responsibilities and pay with each succeeding year but took me back without rubbing my nose in it after I'd made the ill-fated decision to take a position in publicity at E! a year ago. He is also the guy who paved the way for me to be involved in Past Deadline, which is one of the ongoing joys of my life.

I've no doubt that Howie will land in a great situation next year. He's too sharp and savvy and talented not to. But what most defines the man is his loyalty, his decency, his integrity and his honesty, all qualities that are too often in short supply in the corporate world and even shorter in the entertainment industry. Thanks, Howard, for giving me such an amazing platform to house my ink-stained ramblings. Godspeed, my friend.

Comments

[Mr. T]

Hoiward Burns was an asshole. He was and is truly evil, and physically threatened me and tried to blacklist my company for no reason. I stay anonymous on the advice of my attorneys which I may and will take litigation against him. Good riddance. Now the Hollywood reporter can become a legitimate newspaper once again.