Susan Stamberg is recognized as one of the founding members of the NPR network. Variety reported that Stamberg passed away at the age of 87 on October 16, 2025, after a five-decade career in broadcast journalism. Unfortunately, Stamberg was caught in a Star Wars controversy following the release of Return of the Jedi.
In 1983, just days after the release of the final movie in the trilogy, Susan Stamberg interviewed a young fan and allowed him to spoil major plot points of the films, including the fate of many characters. She was in hot soup following the incident, as NPR received an unprecedented amount of angry calls from audiences who had not seen the film yet.
The next morning, Stamberg made a heartfelt apology on air, taking accountability for the incident (via NPR):
You gave the plot away, you said. I’ve been waiting for that movie for three years, and now you have ruined it for me. How could you do a thing like that? Well, we are sorry.
The NPR legend’s mishap is infamous for being one of the biggest spoiler reveals in history, but this incident does not taint her immense legacy and influence.
From Spoiling Star Wars to Calling Archie Bunker a Bigot: Stamberg’s Unique Hollywood Legacy
Susan Stamberg has had a lasting impact on Hollywood, pop culture, and entertainment. She is known for confronting some of Hollywood’s controversial figures, not shying away from calling a spade a spade. Stamberg has a warm personality, adding a sense of comfort to her interviewing style.
This NPR newsroom photo — with Susan Stamberg at the center holding a cup of coffee — is classic.
Guy at the desk is smoking a cigarette. Which was common in newsrooms until 1980 or so.
There's a Rolodex on the desk. Albums on the bookshelf, and you can glimpse a turntable just… pic.twitter.com/gXjbINGAHC
Her 1988 interview with legendary director Elia Kazan remains one of her most intense on-air moments. Kazan was promoting his memoir when Stamberg pressed him for alleged skeletons in the closet by poking at his testimony on communist ties to Hollywood. (via TheWrap)
Perhaps one of her more widely talked about topics of coverage involved the character Archie Bunker on Norman Lear’s All in the Family, with her calling him a “bigot.” (via WQCS) Archie Bunker is a lovable but deeply bigoted individual who would incessantly make racist, sexist, and homophobic rants from 1971 to 1979. Here is a table of her work with NPR through the years.
Susan Stamberg embraced the absurd in 1979 for a science experiment that would become one of NPR’s most memorable moments (via NPR).
Endings Don’t Define a Journey: Why Susan Stamberg’s Biggest Controversy Should Be Buried
The Return of the Jedi controversy should be buried deep underground because Susan Stamberg deserves to be remembered for all the great contributions she’s made to entertainment journalism. A trailblazer in every sense, she was the first woman ever to anchor a national news program in the United States.
As one of the founding mothers of NPR, she even mentored young and upcoming journalists, rightfully earning her recognition in the Radio Hall of Fame as well as on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (via OPB).
Susan Stamberg, first woman to host national news program, dies age 87 https://t.co/7XX1HtKLNR pic.twitter.com/v3zx6j1z0U
Her interviews would not limit themselves, and would cover the far reaches of the world, from politics and news to the lives of the common folk. People would often tune in just to listen to her play her piano or talk with a jazz musician (via NY Times).
Fostering connections and creating a bright future for many, Susan Stamberg was a beacon of light for many, and we will remember her for all the contributions she’s made.
