The death of celebrated Houston writer Ken Hoffman leaves us with few words

Houston has lost one of its biggest fans and best writers. Ken Hoffman, columnist for Houston’s CultureMap, died suddenly this weekend.

Hoffman wrote for the Houston Post and Houston Chronicle for decades before joining the CultureMap team in 2017.

The New Jersey native wrote countless articles about his adopted hometown and all its quirks, telling it like it is and sharing his love for Houston, the Astros, entertainment, television, food, dogs and more.

He also wasn’t afraid to say a sharp word when he saw fit. His latest article, published Friday, included a scathing critique of CenterPoint Energy and local leaders’ response to Hurricane Beryl. Culturemap reports that it’s already among the most-read articles of the year.

While many on the KPRC 2 team had a close and personal relationship with Hoffman, even more of us were fortunate to work with his beloved wife, Erin, for many years. As we mourn Ken Hoffman’s passing, our prayers are with Erin and their son, Andrew. Our thoughts are with them.

TRIBUTE NEWS

CultureMap has published several personal and touching stories about Hoffman on its website, which you can read here.

Recently retired KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley shared his condolences on Facebook:

“I first discovered Ken Hoffman when I moved to Houston in 1989, those Sunday “Letters,” and of course he became one of my favorite reads and one of my best friends. I respected not only his clever writing talent, but his unmatched ability to “tell things like they are,” see the dark side through the light side, and elevate even the most mundane subject to the top. My prayers go out to his wife, Erin, who I worked with at KPRC, and his son. Ken made us all laugh and think and appreciate what it means to be a Houstonian and a Texan, in our worst and best moments. We are all better for “knowing” him. RIP Ken.”

Former KPRC anchor Bill Balleza wrote:

“I just learned that Houston writer and humorist Ken Hoffman died this morning. Ken was an extraordinarily bright writer who left the Houston Chronicle after many years to write for Culture Map. I have known and loved this man for more than forty years, and he leaves his wife and son, and our city, with a sadness that is hard to measure.”

Former Judge in Harris County Ed Emmett posted on Facebook:

“The untimely death of Ken Hoffman leaves a void in the life of our community. Beneath that irreverent, humorous facade lay a fascinating person who knew how to be a true friend. I know he will be missed.”

KPRC 2 investigative reporter Amy Davis divided:

So sad to hear from Ken Hoffman. He just wrote an article about the blackouts two days ago.

He came to speak to the staff of The Daily Cougar at UH when I was still in school. He talked about how he handled the transition from the Houston Post to the Chronicle after it closed. He said that while other staffers left the post laden with boxes, upset, angry and crying, he used humor as only he could to lighten the low mood they all felt.

He said a reporter from TV News asked him what he was planning to do next and he replied that he had already started rehearsing for his next job. “Oh yeah, what’s that?” the reporter asked.

“Would you like fries with that?” Hoffman said.

Shortly after, he started working for the Chronicle… and then for CultureMap. A very talented and kind man. He will be missed.

#REST IN PEACE

Davis’ memory is linked to the title of a 1999 book Hoffman published called “You Want Fries with That?” about fast food, pop culture and life’s dilemmas.

Some of Hoffman’s favorite restaurants have also expressed their condolences.

Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen wrote:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and man Ken Hoffman. He was a great fan and friend of the Deli over the years and we extend our condolences to his family and friends.

Years ago, we put a namesake sandwich on the menu for Ken, an off-menu creation that he often ordered. Come enjoy a Ken Hoffman sandwich in his honor – chicken salad on toast with plenty of bacon.”

Pizza Hut Posted:

In memory of Ken Hoffman: A loved one and valued friend of the family

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Hoffman, a valued family friend and esteemed former writer for the Houston Chronicle. Ken was not only a brilliant writer, but a real human being whose words touched countless lives.

Ken’s friendship with my father and my late Uncle Fuzzy began many years ago, and his support and heartfelt articles about Fuzzy’s Pizza were crucial to our success. We will be forever grateful for his kind words and advocacy. His passion for storytelling and genuine love for our pizza made him a valued family friend and an essential part of our journey.

Ken’s legacy is one of warmth, kindness and an unfailing ability to lift up those around him. His contributions to the Houston Chronicle and his heartfelt articles about Fuzzy’s Pizza will be remembered forever.

May his memory be a blessing.

-Jeff Hajjar, owner of Fuzzy’s Pizza Katy

AN INTERVIEW WITH HOFFMAN

In 2007, local media blogger Mike McGuff sat down for an interview with Hoffman. After learning of Hoffman’s death, McGuff re-shared the interview. You can read McGuff’s memorial blog here and listen to the interview below.