World Mourns Ground Breaking Cultural Icon That Paved The Way For The Kardashians And Jersey Shore

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

Millennials around the world are in mourning today, after the news that the reality TV pioneer Ozzy Osbourne has died aged 76.

Through the television show ‘The Osbournes’ – the LA-based Ozzy and his family became some of the first reality TV stars across the globe.

But it wasn’t always Californian mansions and endless credit cards, by his own admission, Ozzy’s post-war childhood was spent living well below the poverty line in the Aston area of Birmingham, UK.

In 1996, he relocated from England to the The United States, with a young family in tow – before becoming a household name through an appearance in the iconic Adam Sandler comedy movie ‘Little Nicky’.

Described as one of the founders of the revolutionary style of light entertainment television known as, John Michael Osbourne, or the “Prince of Darkness” – or simply ‘Ozzy’ was known for his incredible voice, charisma and wild lifestyle.

He is survived by his wife and six children – some of whom also became household names throughout 4 seasons of prestige television that documented their daily domestic life.

The series premiered on MTV on March 5, 2002, and became the most-viewed series ever on MTV. The final episode aired on March 21, 2005.

The Osbournes is cited as inspiration for some of the iconic reality TV series that followed their path, including Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Pimp My Ride, and Jersey Shore.

Prior to becoming the world famous Osbourne dad, Ozzy is believed to have worked as a musician in his native England.