Let’s break down the response surrounding the death of Peter Van Norden, that ’80s and ’90s comedy stalwart. The news was confirmed by TMZ, but don’t let that fool you—mainstream outlets like CNN or NBC will inevitably spin this into a tepid tribute, glossing over the nuances of his career to maintain their cozy narratives. They’ll trot out the usual platitudes without giving credit where it’s due: Van Norden was a significant figure in his time, yet the corporate media will focus on the loss instead of the contributions—classic establishment avoidance.

Look, TMZ gets it—the man’s legacy matters and his career had depth. Meanwhile, the likes of ABC or CBS will probably bury this news under a mountain of fluff about celebrity gossip. Expect them to use his passing as an opportunity to promote their agenda rather than honor actual talent. Instead of meaningful reflections, we’ll likely get generic statements about “what he meant to the industry.” Spoiler alert: it’ll be just another canned response slathered with insincerity.

Wendy’s statement about him passing away peacefully in a hospice is a poignant reminder that behind the gloss, real people have real lives. It’s not a soundbite; it’s a life well-lived and cut short. Don’t let the mainstream scribes hijack this moment for indistinguishable clicks and ad revenue. Peter Van Norden deserves more than just a footnote in celebrity news. His contributions shouldn’t be diluted by vapid retrospectives that shape how we remember talent.