With word of the passing of Pulitzer Prize-winning NY columnist and popular author Jimmy Breslin, fans around the world paused to remember the champion of the working class. Joseph Fusco, a filmmaker and lifelong New Yorker, considers himself one of those fans.
Fusco, Director of the documentary “Finish Line: The Rise and Demise of Off-Track Betting,” recounts how he scored an interview with his idol for the film. Breslin, known for his straight shooting and unique take on the world, did not disappoint in delivering an encounter to remember.
“Breslin was the quintessential blue-collar guy with a mean disposition and an even meaner sense of justice for the working man. And he was everywhere. He was in the Daily News. He pitched Piels Beer and Grape Nuts cereal on TV. He was a favorite on talk shows. What schlubby columnist has that kind of reach today? Jimmy Breslin oozed personality. Period.”
Reminiscing on the impact Breslin had on New York, Fusco concludes, “When I learned of his passing I realized that even titans must fade away…and how lucky we are to have them in the first place. They just don’t make ‘em like Jimmy Breslin no more.”
They certainly don’t. Rest in peace Jimmy.
(Read more from Joseph Fusco’s piece on Huffington Post here.)
Very sad to hear of the passing of #JimmyBreslin. His contribution to #OTBdoc was unforgettable. He was one in a trillion.
— Joseph Fusco (@MrJosephFusco) March 19, 2017