'New York Times' obituarist Sam Roberts says he writes about life – not death

Sam Roberts discusses the art and methodology behind crafting obituaries, emphasizing their role not as mere announcements of death but as compelling mini-biographies that celebrate life and illuminate the overlooked yet transformative moments in individual histories.

Identifying the Transformative Moment Defining a Person's Significance

Sam Roberts describes his primary goal in obituary writing as finding the "rosebud moment" in a person's life—the turning point that changed their direction and ultimately shaped their legacy. He explains that this term comes from Orson Welles' film Citizen Kane, where "Rosebud" evokes a key memory of innocence and formative change. In obituaries, the rosebud moment marks the instance or epoch that makes a life worthy of broader notice and reflection. Roberts seeks out these pivotal experiences and achievements that not only define individuals but also highlight their contributions, sometimes previously unrecognized. For example, he recalls writing about a young man at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory who, virtually unknown, played a crucial role in the success of the first moon landing by confidently dismissing a false alarm, a decision with far-reaching impact.

Constructing Compelling Opening Sentences That Engage Readers

The first sentence of an obituary is vital, serving as a hook that both captures the reader’s attention and frames the subject's importance through careful language and narrative strategy. Sam Roberts highlights one of his favorite opening lines from an obituary he wrote about Jesus as if it were penned in 33 AD: “Jesus of Nazareth, a Galilean carpenter turned itinerant minister, whose appeals to piety and repute as a healer had galvanized a growing contingent of believers, died on Friday after being crucified just outside Jerusalem, only days after his followers had welcomed him triumphantly to the city as the anointed one and the son of David.” This example illustrates the balan ...

Obituary journalism presents editors and writers with unique editorial and ethical decisions in both who is memorialized and how a life is represented. Insights from seasoned obituarists like Sam Roberts and editor Eyder Peralta shed light on the continual challenges of selection and balance in this journalistic craft.

Selection Decisions for Obituary Coverage

With Only Three to Four Obituary Slots Available, Editors Must Judge the Newsworthiness of Approximately 150,000 Deaths Daily Across Diverse Fields and Achievements

Sam Roberts highlights the daunting scale of choices facing obituary editors: an average of 150,000 deaths occur worldwide each day, but The New York Times typically has room to publish just three or four obituaries daily. Editors must therefore judge the newsworthiness of lives led across a vast range of fields and accomplishments, making difficult decisions about who is recognized with a published obituary and who is not.

Nyt Expands Obituary Subjects to Fictional Characters, Animals, and Objects, Reflecting Evolving Commemoration

The evolution of commemorations at The Times extends beyond traditional figures. Roberts notes that the paper has published obituaries for fictional characters such as Hercule Poirot, for animals like Gus the neurotic polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, and even, recently, for inanimate objects such as a vacuum cleaner belonging to Senator Chuck Grassley. This expanded scope reflects changing notions of what—and who—is deemed worthy of reflection and remembrance, challenging traditional definitions of significance in obituary journalism.

Balancing Critical Information Against an Individual's Legacy

Obituary Writers Should Balance Ethical Violations or Crimes With Career Successes to Prevent a Single Failure From Overshadowing Decades of Contributions

The process of crafting an obituary also requires careful ethical consideration of which elements of a person’s life to highlight. Eyder Peralta points out that while family-written obituaries may avoid unflattering details, news obituaries must sometimes include controversies or indiscretions, as notoriety itself can be newsworthy. The challenge lies in how to weigh personal failings, mistakes, and even crimes against the full measure of a lifetime’s achievements.

Placement Decisions Shape Perceptions of Flaws Versus Achievements In Defining ...

Sam Roberts reflects on the nature of fame, the impermanence of recognition, and the true measure of a life's impact, drawing from his career as an obituary writer and the lessons learned from major tragedies.

Fame and Recognition Are Temporary and Often Misaligned With True Impact

Roberts observes that public perception of legacy can shift dramatically over time. He recalls how George H.W. Bush was considered a "loser" after his defeat for reelection, yet upon his death, he was hailed as an elder statesman. This transformation highlights the fleeting and mutable nature of fame and recognition.

Roberts further illustrates the misalignment between celebrity and genuine impact with a philosophical question: Who is greater, Hannibal—known for his historic military campaigns—or the anonymous inventor of the spade? He casts his vote for the creator of the spade, emphasizing the enduring, practical impact of unheralded contributors over the celebrated deeds of military leaders or celebrities.

Recognizing That Individuals Possess Extraordinary and Meaningful Stories

Roberts stresses that every person leads a life rich with significance and meaning, whether or not they achieve public renown. He recalls how the New York Times’ "Portraits of Grief," published after 9/11, and coverage of lives lost to COVID-19 revealed the irreplaceable presence of individuals such as postal workers, teachers, or neighbors—people who may be overlooked bu ...