By Kevin McCauley
Helen Gurley Brown, long-time editor of Cosmopolitan and a leader in the women’s sexual liberation movement, died today after a brief stay at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital. She was 90.
The author of "Sex and Single Girl" took over Cosmo in 1965 and remained in command until 1997. At her death, she was listed as editor-in-chief Cosmo’s international editions.
In a note, Hearst CEO Frank Bennack wrote: “It would be hard to overstate the importance to Hearst of her success with Cosmopolitan, or the value of the friendship many of us enjoyed with her. Helen was one of the world’s most recognized magazine editors and book authors, and a true pioneer for women in journalism—and beyond. Life here will somehow not seem the same without her near-daily arrival at 300 West 57th Street.”
He remembers Gurley Brown as an icon. "Her formula for honest and straightforward advice about relationships, career and beauty revolutionized the magazine industry. She lived every day of her life to the fullest and will always be remembered as the quintessential 'Cosmo girl.'"
Donations may be made to The Pussycat Foundation, c/o Karen Sanborn, Hearst Corp., 300 W. 57th Street, New York, NY 10019, to fund media innovation at Columbia and Stanford Universities.
A fall memorial is planned. |