Death is never an easy thing to deal with but it's especially tough when it involves a colleague here at The Root and someone who I personally considered as a friend: Stephanie Holland.
As a staff writer, California native Holland covered all things entertainment including but not limited to all the best in Black TV, music, and film. But it was her niche knowledge about topics like wrestling, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), "Star Wars," women's basketball and more that made her such a unique and well-rounded addition to the team.
In the moments where she'd venture into covering topics outside of her beat, there were countless articles that showed a little bit more of Holland's funny and quirky personality like her annual tirade against candy corn and all those who love it around Halloween time; or her hilarious disgust to weird pumpkin spice flavored foods.
As a self-described "Blerd" (that's code for Black nerd, if you didn't know), there weren't too many things that Holland, 47, couldn't wax poetic about. Whether that was a bevy of songs by white folks that Black folks can't get enough of, or advice on how to survive a holiday potluck -- Stephanie was a wealth of knowledge and surprising information. Her interviews with a myriad of celebrities from Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo to "Insecure" star Natasha Rothwell also made her a notable reporter who left an invaluable impression on those she spoke to.
But what shined even brighter than the work she did was who she was outside of her 9-5 and her infectious personality. When I got the chance to finally meet her to cover the Primetime Emmys in person back in 2022 and 2024, I had high hopes that the bond we created online was going to translate offline without a hitch -- and I was right. Holland was just as warm, inviting, funny, no nonsense but still gracious and forgiving. She was even-tempered, fair, and a welcomed face to see during our daily meetings.
Over the years, Holland and I bonded over our mutual love of our respective mothers, daytime soap operas (specifically "General Hospital"), who the next James Bond should be, "Black Panther" lore, what's Black on TV, our fatigue over endless reboots and remakes, our mutual aversion to all things horror movies (with the exception of Jordan Peele) and more. On a personal note, Holland made me more empathic, understanding and I am lucky and blessed to have worked so closely with her for the time that I did. She was more talented than she gave herself credit for, more patient than she realized, and more quick-witted than she let on.
She was a gem, a wonderful collaborator, and an all-around good person. She was honest. She was kind. She was a great writer and a phenomenal woman wrapped in one. It's not often that you run into people like Holland in the journalism industry but I'm so glad I did. Covering Black entertainment won't be the same without her.
I, as well as the entire staff at The Root and G/O Media will miss Stephanie Holland dearly. We send our deepest condolences to her family and all those who knew and loved her. You made us all proud, Stephanie. Rest in love. This story will be updated in the weeks to come with further information about how to support Holland and her family during this difficult time.