McLaughlin, John

His death was announced on Facebook via "The McLaughlin Group" page. A message from "The McLaughlin Group" family stated:

“Earlier this morning, a beloved friend and mentor, Dr. John McLaughlin, passed away peacefully at the age of 89. As a former jesuit priest, teacher, pundit and news host, John touched many lives. For 34 years, The McLaughlin Group informed millions of Americans. Now he has said bye bye for the last time, to rejoin his beloved dog, Oliver, in heaven. He will always be remembered.”

The political commentary talk show hosted by McLaughlin began in 1982 and continued until his death. The show was featured mostly on station affiliates of the Public Broadcasting Service. At the time of McLaughlin's death, the program featured four political commentators: conservative syndicated columnist Pat Buchanan; conservative political journalist Tom Rogan of The National Review; liberal blogger Eleanor Clift of The Daily Beast; and liberal syndicated columnist Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune.

McLaughlin's final public message to his fans aired Aug. 13 on PBS. The longtime Republican also explained on his show's website that he had missed recent tapings because of poor health.

"Yet my spirit is strong and my dedication to the show remains absolute," he wrote.

McLaughlin was known for his loud and boisterous style when hosting the show. The comedian Dana Carvey, as a cast member of NBC's "Saturday Night Live," parodied McLaughlin in a sendup of his political talk show.

McLaughlin was a Jesuit priest who then became a speechwriter for President Richard Nixon. He moved on to write for the National Review magazine, and he hosted various radio and TV programs until he found great success with “The McLaughlin Group.”

He also appeared in several movies and made a cameo appearance on the television sitcom “Cheers".

For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.josephgawlers.com.