R.I.P.: Bob Beckel, Former Co-Host Of 'The Five'

Bob Beckel

Bob Beckel, a Democratic strategist and former co-host of "The Five," has died at age 73, reports Fox News.  Death was from undisclosed reasons.

Beckel first joined Fox News in 2000 as a contributor providing political analysis and rejoined the network in 2011 as one of the original hosts of "The Five."

When "The Five" premiered in July 2011, it was only supposed to have a five-week run to temporarily fill the timeslot. Instead, the show stuck around and has become one of the highest-rated shows in all cable news.

Beckel was there during the inception of "The Five" with Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld, who still co-host the long-running program.

In 2015, he briefly joined CNN but later returned to "The Five" to continue his role as the show’s outspoken liberal. Fox News severed ties with Beckel in 2017.  

Sean Hannity paid tribute to his "dear friend" Monday night, saying "he and I got along great" despite their politics, saying he "had a key to my house" and that Hannity's own children would call him "Uncle Bob.

Prior to appearing on television as a liberal analyst and pundit, Beckel had an extensive career in politics. 

From 1977-1980, Beckel worked for the U.S. State Department, serving as the youngest Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Carter Administration.

Beckel also served as the national campaign manager for former Vice President Walter Mondale’s presidential campaign, where he oversaw the successful race for the Democratic nomination.