Iconic Entertainment Journalist Flo Anthony Bows Out After a Fierce Battle with Cancer at 74

In an unfortunate turn of events, the entertainment world bid farewell to pioneering journalist Flo Anthony on Thursday, following a courageous battle against cancer. She was 74 years old. Anthony's passing was confirmed by Jack Hirsch, biographer of her late husband, the renowned boxer Michael Spinks. Throughout her exceptional career, she shattered barriers and made history as the first Black woman to work for both the New York Post’s entertainment and Page Six departments, and the first woman in the NY Post's sports department. Before venturing into journalism, Anthony honed her skills as a publicist, representing boxing legends such as Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Butch Lewis, Mike McCallum, and Michael Spinks himself. In 1985, she joined the New York Post's sports department as an agate clerk and swiftly climbed the ranks to become a celebrated celebrity reporter, breaking countless exclusive stories involving high-profile figures like Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Mike Tyson, and Robin Givens. Anthony graced our screens regularly on shows such as "Inside Edition," "The Insider," "Entertainment Tonight," CNN, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, and Court TV. She co-hosted E! Network's "The Gossip Show" for six seasons and was a frequent guest on programs hosted by the likes of Joan Rivers, Ricki Lake, Rolonda Watts, and more. As recently as 2025, she made an appearance in CNN’s three-part documentary series “American Prince: JFK Jr.” In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Anthony served as editor-in-chief of Black Noir magazine and Black Elegance magazine. Through her company, Dottie Media Group, she recorded syndicated radio shows "Gossip on the Go With Flo" and “Flo Anthony’s Big Apple Buzz.” Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on March 4, 1952, Anthony graduated from Howard University. She leaves behind her longtime partner, Michael Spinks, whom she married in January. With Flo Anthony's passing, the entertainment world loses a trailblazer who paved the way for Black women in journalism and made significant contributions to the industry. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.