Arthur Gelb

Career and responsibilities

Gelb spent decades in reporting, editing and newsroom management. He was widely respected for mentoring younger reporters, shaping coverage priorities, and helping to oversee major editorial operations during periods of change. His official title as managing editor placed him among the top editors responsible for daily news decisions, editorial processes and staff coordination at a major national newspaper.

Writing and scholarship

Alongside his editorial duties, Gelb pursued writing projects. He authored articles and books, most notably studies of dramatic literature and the life of Eugene O'Neill, often working with his wife, Barbara Gelb. Their collaborative work on O'Neill is regarded as a substantial contribution to American theater scholarship and brought broader public attention to the playwright's life and legacy.

Selected positions and works

• Joined The New York Times newsroom, 1944.
• Managing editor, The New York Times, 1986–1989.
• Author and coauthor of books and articles on Eugene O'Neill and theatrical history.
• Longtime mentor and editorial leader within the U.S. newspaper industry (editor profile).

Legacy and death

Gelb's influence is visible in the journalists he trained, the editorial projects he steered, and the scholarship he helped bring to public attention. He remained a prominent voice on cultural and theatrical matters even after leaving senior management. Arthur Gelb died at the age of 90 on May 20, 2014, at his home in Manhattan, New York, from complications of a stroke. His career is remembered for its blend of rigorous newspaper practice and sympathetic engagement with the arts.