Glenn O'Brien (March 2, 1947 – April 7, 2017) was an American writer who focused largely on the subjects of art, music, and fashion.

He worked as a writer and editor at a number of publications, including Rolling Stone, Playboy, Interview, High Times, Spin, and Details.

[11][12][13] During this period, O'Brien edited several iconic downtown novels, including Kathy Acker's Blood and Guts in High School[14] and The Correct Sadist by Terence Sellers.

[15] In 1980, he wrote the screenplay (which he also co-produced with Patrick Montgomery) for a film to be called New York Beat, starring Jean-Michel Basquiat[16] It was released in 2000 as Downtown 81, with post-production managed by O'Brien and Maripol.

It was the first major survey of the burgeoning graffiti art scene, which featured Basquiat, Fab 5 Freddy and Lee Quiñones.

After leaving TV Party, in addition to continuing his writing career, he attempted a stint as a stand-up comedian, and was a contributing editor of Allure, Harper's Bazaar, and Creative Director of advertising at Barneys New York.

[21] In January 2008, he was named editorial director of Brant Publications, which includes Interview Magazine as well as Art in America and Antiques.

[4] He lent his collection of early Basquiat works to various exhibitions, including Deitch Projects,[23] and is a co-author of a major volume on the artist.