Longtime host dies at 58
By Staff Writer
Matt Holzman, longtime KCRW host and one of the Santa Monica radio station’s original producers, has passed away at 58 from cancer.
Holzman, who died Sunday night, was the host curator of KCRW‘s “Matt’s Movies”, and producer of “The Document” underwent a successful kidney transplant in 1996. Last year, however, the beloved host was diagnosed with cancer.
KCRW, a member station of National Public Radio, is based in Santa Monica and shared a tribute to Holtzman on Instagram.
“A dear member of our KCRW family passed away today. Matt Holzman dedicated his life to KCRW and helped shape it into the public radio station we all love. His imprint won’t be forgotten,” KCRW wrote. “It’s in the voices who emulated him, the producers he trained and the people who he pulled towards him like a magnet. We’ll miss his voice, his stories and the way he shared his passion with listeners everywhere. Rest In Peace, Matt.”
Born in Long Beach-born, Holzman attended UC Santa Barbara and earned a degree in computer science major before working for Anderson Consultant based in Chicago. After deciding that corporate work wasn’t really for him, Holzman made his way back to Southern California and into KCRW, which had around 20 employees at the time.
“Matt was one of the first people I met at KCRW when I started as a volunteer. He knew how to make people feel welcome and he knew how to be a really good friend. He was mine and I am lucky to have had him in my life. I’m crushed writing this and I’m going to miss him so very much,” wrote Jennifer Ferro for KCRW. “Many people shaped KCRW into what it is today. Matt Holzman’s imprint won’t be forgotten. It’s in the voices who emulated him, the producers he trained, and the people who he pulled towards him like a magnet.”
Holzman passed away with his family and partner Adria Kloke around him on Sunday, April 12, 2020.
