<p>The creator, executive producer and host of the National Public Radio game show Says You!, died Monday at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston with his family at his bedside. He was 66 and had been a longtime summer resident of the Vineyard.</p>
Richard Sher, creator, executive producer and host of the National Public Radio game show Says You!, died Monday at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston with his family at his bedside. He was 66 and had been a longtime summer resident of the Vineyard.
The weekly radio series he created has aired coast to coast for nearly two decades. A modern version of a parlor game, with comedic wit and wordplay, the show is played live and taped in front of audiences all around the country, including on the Vineyard last August at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown.
“It’s not a free-for-all, but it’s a free-for-all,” Mr. Sher told the Gazette in an interview before the show was staged. “No mosh pits or stage rushing,” he said.
Born July 18, 1948 in Easton, Pa., he was the son of the late Albert and Jeanne Sher. His parents were founders and owners of Sherwoods for Kids, a children’s furniture and toy store in Easton. Richard graduated from Dickinson College in 1970, and received his graduate degree in communications from Boston University. He also became a certified optician working at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear during his graduate studies.
Prior to his success with Says You! he worked as a freelance producer and writer for Boston television WBZ’s Evening Magazine and WCVB’s Chronicle. His media company, Pipit & Finch, produced video for commercial purposes and documentaries on issues he was passionate about, such as autism. He was a resident of Weston.
“Richard had the uncanny ability to see something unique in each of us,” said panelist Paula Lyons, who lives in Vineyard Haven with her husband Arnie Reisman, also a panelist on the show. “And when stirred and blended his recipe satisfied all appetites for hilarity and intelligent fun. We have had a fabulous run because of this warm and funny man whom we will miss more than we can now imagine.”
Mr. Reisman said: “Richard and I shared a view of the planet — cynical but zany. We bonded and became brothers, broken up by humor and joined by disagreements. He was an entrepreneur of a style of programming where it feels like a big party and everyone is welcome. We all loved him and he will be sorely missed. I will never forget him — he’s never given me a reason to. And I can hear him now comically chastising me for ending that last sentence with a preposition.”
Other regulars on the show are Carolyn Faye Fox, Tony Kahn, Francine Achbar and Barry Nolan. The supporting cast includes two seasonal Islanders, Flash Wiley and Julie Jaffe.
In the Gazette interview last summer, Mr. Sher described the difference between seeing the show live and hearing it on the radio. “You don’t get to see the reactions,” he said of the radio show. “The disbelief, the scorn and the disrespect born of 20 years of love.”
He is survived by his wife, Laura Price Sher and his son, Benjamin Payne Sher of Weston. Laura is program producer for Says You! working for Richard’s media company, Pipit & Finch. An exceptionally devoted father, Richard assisted coaching staffs in Little League baseball and Tri-Town basketball over the last decade. He was an active participant in the stewardship of the town of Weston over the past 18 years, a frequent contributor to the Weston Town Crier and vivacious voice at the podium during town meetings.
Says You! will continue its broadcasts for the time being.
Comments
I'm so sorry. I always listen
Patricia Duff Whidbey Island, WAI'm so sorry. I always listen to "Says You" with pleasure. Richard Sher was a bright light. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends.
Each week you asked us to,
Mark R. Scott SeattleEach week you asked us to, "See if you can discover the rose among thorns." Sure, Richard, we all did that. You are that rose. Shakespeare was right when he said a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. You were a rose without thorns. Thank you for having been here with us and brightening our lives.
We"re so sorry to hear this
Mary & Eddie Brighton, TNWe"re so sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers for comfort for the Shers and Richard's radio family.
Among other things, he had
David Holzman Lexington MAAmong other things, he had wisdom.
One of the few right
Dale Kaplan Guadalajara, Jal., MexicoOne of the few right decisions I have made was taking my mom to a "Says You!" taping at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, many years ago. Until she passed, in 2013, we would always listen to the show together, whenever we could, and remember joyfully the experience of having seen it performed. And when we were apart, we would compare notes on the show after listening separately...she at her kitchen table, with her evening cup of tea and a home-baked dessert; me, behind the wheel of a cab in Boston.
It was always like balm for the distance...and now I see that it is something that even unites Seahawks and Patriots.
No one went away from the radio feeling cheated, or less than edified and grateful and happy to have put everything else on the back burner for an hour.
What a tremendous achievement to have come up with and have orchestrated so smoothly and well and for so long (...much too short a time, if you ask me...).
Thanks for stopping in.
BTW
Now I know who's been giving me the skinny all these years...!
Going to the tapings was
Theo Seattle, Wa.Going to the tapings was something I looked forward to every time they came to Seattle. From his core, Richard exuded friendliness, wit, class and good humor, and he played the straight man to his witty colleagues with subtle grace. It's hard to imagine Saturday evening without him. Harder for his family and friends to have life without him. My condolences to them.
Hard to believe. The ONLY
Janice Beaudin BellinghamHard to believe. The ONLY thing that was ever allowed to interrupt our dinner...listening to Says You! on Saturday evening. So glad we saw the show live. He will be missed for a long while. I wish the family peace as they cope with his passing.
It is with deep sadness that
The Norton Family Bellevue, WAIt is with deep sadness that we heard of Richard's death. He was such a gentle soul and a great producer. He will be missed.
I hope that his radio family will continue Says You! in his honor.
Rest in Peace Richard, one of
Jimmy Kelleher EdgartownRest in Peace Richard, one of the funniest guys I ever met.
I can hear his voice....
Linda Federal Way, WAI can hear his voice....
We are so sad to hear this
Dave and Julia Kirkland WAWe are so sad to hear this news. We often listened on the way to an arts event, and we'd rather hear the show than a pre=performance lecture. Truly a loss for the public radio community, and our hearts are with all those who knew this gifted man. Benjamin, it was such a lift to hear the pride in his voice when he announced your presence as a score-keeper.
Richard brought so much joy
Carole A little north of SeattleRichard brought so much joy to my life. The Saturday evening program was a highlight. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
This is a huge loss. Says
Patrick O'Keefe SeattleThis is a huge loss. Says You! has been a highlight of our week for many, many years. We would arrange our Saturday evening schedule around Says You!, rarely missing a show. And never missing a Seattle taping. Richard and his crew brought joy to countless listeners and will be greatly missed. I hope WGBH and the Says You! crew continue producing the show as a tribute to Richard.
It is with great sadness that
Anne Williamson Shumaker Centre, AlabamaIt is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of Mr. Sher!!! His family, friends, and radio family are in my thoughts and prayers!!! The delightful radio program has been a weekend highlight for me!!!
I have loved the intellectual banter. I have learned much - - - and have been encouraged to think and reason. Thanks!!! I hope the radio program continues in Mr. Sher's memory!!!
Richard brought so much joy
Carole A little north of SeattleRichard brought so much joy to my life. The Saturday evening program was a highlight. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Very, very sad news. I had
George Berbeco Weston, MAVery, very sad news. I had the privilege of meeting Richard on the Little League Field while coaching Ben. I didn't know for quite a while that he was the host of one of my favorite programs. Having also competed With him in basketball coaching I got to greatly enjoy his prospective and opinions! Richard never held back!
He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Laura and Ben
I was so shocked and saddened
Cece Noll Tacoma WAI was so shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Richard Sher. The show and Richard were such a bright spot on Saturday evening. It will be a tough spot to fill. Condolences to the Sher family and all the frieds of Says You>
My wife and I listened to
Stuart Weibel Seattle, WAMy wife and I listened to Says You! most every Saturday night while having dinner. Richard and the panelists have become out welcome guests, and I hoped to attend one of the shows when they were in town. As a mariner, I often come across obscure terminology, and I often thought... I should send that in to Says You! We will miss you, Richard. Our condolences to his family. How blessed they are to have lived with his humorous, gentle nature.
This chain of comments is
Arnie Reisman Vineyard HavenThis chain of comments is such an amazing outpouring of affection and grief. And so much of it from the Seattle area, where we performed last October. Richard's family is very grateful for this love at this time. And so are we, the cast Of Says You. We will be meeting in a week to discuss the show's future. For the time being, since part of Richard's genius saw to it that each show was edited to be an "evergreen," that he removed all signs of topical references, we have nearly 500 shows that can be recycled and rebroadcast. So stay tuned. Meanwhile, thank you, all. We are still in shock.
Arnie, thank you for giving
Gregg Porter Seattle WAArnie, thank you for giving us an update. All of us at KUOW send our condolences, not only to Richard's biological family but also to you and his radio family. Please know our hearts are with all of you at this time.
I love this show. I saw it
eileen seattleI love this show. I saw it live each time it was in Seattle. My Saturday evening will not be the same. May his spirit live on. My sympathy to his family.
Oh my what a loss!to his
Betsy SeattleOh my what a loss!to his family and friends whom he so brilliantly involved in his work, and to his listeners for whom he provided such loving wit. Although he is likely irreplaceable, I do hope that Pipit & Finch will figure out a way to continue Says You! Deep condolences to his family, friends, co-conspiritors and listeners.
Lovers of words will miss him
Laura SeattleLovers of words will miss him...he's one of those folks who taught my grandkids that it's cool to be smart. Upward, Richard!!
My condolences to his family
Richard Bollinger SeattleMy condolences to his family and friends.
From the first time that "Says You" came on the air on KUOW ( our local NPR affiliate) Richard has been a regular part of my parents and my Saturdays. His humor and erudition (provide the definition and derivation ;-)) will be much missed.
My condolences to his family
Richard Bollinger SeattleMy condolences to his family and friends.
From the first time that "Says You" came on the air on KUOW ( our local NPR affiliate) Richard has been a regular part of my parents and my Saturdays. His humor and erudition (provide the definition and derivation ;-)) will be much missed.
Stunned... Says You and
Matt Levinthal seattleStunned... Says You and Richard Sher's wit and joy has been a staple for myself, friends and family for over a decade. Its no exaggeration to say that for many years my weekends have been scheduled around being in front of a radio every saturday at six! The loose, anarchy that broke apart the game show form has always been a thing of beauty. We will sorely miss what is surely the most arbitrary, good natured scoring of any game show in the universe!!
Many condolences to his family and friends and hope and thanks to you Mr. Sher.
"Definition of the word" -
amy hanegan Seattle"Definition of the word" - Sad, S A D Sad
Just heard of Richard's
Neil Skalitzky Columbus, WIJust heard of Richard's passing at the close of today's broadcast of Say's You on WPR... have been a weekly listener for years. I welcome the continued broadcast of the show, but, will dearly miss Richard's presence.
I want to add my condolences
Doug Montgomery Burien, WAI want to add my condolences to his friends and family for your loss. Richard Sher will be remembered and missed. He made my life more interesting and fun, for many years.
To turn on the radio and hear
Kelly Barry Seattle WATo turn on the radio and hear Richard's voice always made me smile, because I knew I was sure to be challenged in a very engaging way, just like the panelists and the live audience. Says You! is one of my favorite NPR shows and I hope we can all carry on the wordplay and the love of life in Richard's absence as I know he wants us to.
I've just now learned of
Mark Johnston Los Angeles, CAI've just now learned of Richard's passing and am both stunned and saddened. I've been an enthusiastic fan of "Says You" for years, not merely for its substance, but also for the joy and good humor the participants bring to every show. Listening to "Says You" is like joining a group of bright and quick-witted friends for an evening of fun, and I'm grateful to Richard for making it happen. He will be missed.
Sorry to lose a good man. I
Steve Allen Akron OhioSorry to lose a good man. I had to cry while listening to his last show. Adios ,Steve
I'm better for having
Joseph Bowman HoustonI'm better for having discovered "Says You". Thanks to Richard and all the others who made it possible.
I am so very sad to hear this
Patty Helsingius Sudbury, MAI am so very sad to hear this. I was shocked when they announced today's show was a tribute to Richard. My husband and I were lucky enough to go to very early tapings in Lincoln, Mass., when it was a small, intimate crowd. The world needs more Richard Shers. We miss you already, dear friend. Our hearts go out to his wife and son. Richard, we hope you are keeping the angels on their toes with your brilliance and wit.
Everyone will miss his
Marilyn Greenstein Duxbury, MAEveryone will miss his presence on the show and in life in general. Richard created a "brand" that should not disappear.
I could say alot of stuff
Lou Farkas Clarksville, TnI could say alot of stuff here...but it breaks down to this: I am sad.
So sorry to hear of the loss
TAMMY SCHREINER ReedsburgSo sorry to hear of the loss and my sincere sympathy to his family. He was like the acquaintance/colleague "friend" you never met but always looked forward to hearing from. When I read the tribute by public radio, what I wanted to say was already said which was that Richard was not only brilliant but kind. In contrast to the usual crassness and sarcasm in much of the entertainment media, Richard Sher reminded me to appreciate what is good.
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