NBC commentator Tim Russert died this afternoon after “being stricken” at his Washington DC office:

Russert, 58, collapsed while recording voiceovers for his Sunday morning interview program, NBC reported. He was initially reported to have suffered a heart attack while working in his office on Washington’s Nebraska Avenue, but the network said later only that he was “stricken at the bureau” and subsequently died. Further details were not immediately available.
Russert served as NBC’s Washington bureau chief and the host of “Meet the Press,” the top-rated Sunday talk show, which had an enormous influence on politics and was marked by his aggressive style of interrogation. As a frequent commentator on the “Today” show, “NBC Nightly News” and other shows, Russert wielded such clout that when he declared that Sen. Barack Obama had wrapped up the Democratic nomination last month, his pronouncement was treated as a news event in itself.
Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw gave MSNBC viewers the news of Russert’s death at 3:40 p.m.

That shit is FUCKED. Meet the Press was seriously the highlight of my Sunday.

The fashion world is mourning the death of iconic Paris designer, Yves Saint Laurent. He defined how modern women dressed with his elegant styles. Saint Laurent died following a long-term illness at 71. He is said to be the last of a legendary generation of designers, including Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, who made Paris the fashion capital of the world.

Saint Laurent was named most influential and enduring designer of his time in the world of haute couture. He was also able to touch every part of the fashion industry with his iconic pieces and by delivering this high level of dress to the masses. He was recognized at the young age of 17 for a cocktail dress design. Saint Laurent then enrolled in school for a short period of time and was immediately hired by Dior. When Dior died, Saint Laurent was put in charge of the House of Dior at 21.

He empowered women and gave them confidence. He left his mark in the world of fashion forever and will be missed.

Sydney Pollack was diagnosed with cancer about nine months ago. He died Monday afternoon in his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family. He was 73 and a notorious Hollywood filmmaker. Hollywood is grieving his death, as his works included many A-list actors. He was a great actor himself. One of his most memorable films was Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut” which he did with Tom Cruise. His most famous film, “Out of Africa” won seven Oscars at the Academy Awards. He also produced “Sense and Sensibility”, “Cold Mountain” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” His first love was acting and had roles in television shows like “The Sopranos” and in many Broadway productions. He will be missed greatly and Hollywood will continue to mourn this tragic loss.

Charlton Heston, the gun toting, NRA representing curmudgeon died today at the age of 84 in his Beverly Hills home. He ruled in the original Planet of the Apes movie and appeared in over 60 films throughout his career.

From Sky News in the UK:

The actor - who starred in epic roles from Moses to Michelangelo - had been battling Alzheimer’s disease in recent years.

His family said in a statement: “To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support.

“Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life.
“He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. “Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity. “We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor.
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Science Fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, author of 2001: A Space Odyssey among other works, died today at age 90. Kids of the ’80s (such as myself) probably remember Clarke mostly for his eponymous television shows, Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World, Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious Universe, and Arthur C. Clarke’s World of Strange Powers, all of which were badass. Clarke continued keeping up with technology to the end, recently posting the above clip to YouTube on the eve of his 90th birthday, looking back on his life while continuing to look forward to technological innovations still to come. He was indeed a rarity amongst men, humble in his vast genius. RIP Arthur C. Clarke.

Dude lived the dream, helping ABBA scan over 370 million records worldwide, but died in a pretty fucked up way:

A neighbor found the body of 62-year-old Ola Brunkert on Sunday evening at his house in a coastal area outside the eastern town of Arta, a Civil Guard spokesman told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.He said an autopsy was carried out and confirmed initial investigations. “It was an accident,” he said.

The spokesman said Brunkert hit his head against a glass door in his dining room, shattering the glass and cutting himself in the neck. He managed to wrap a towel around his neck and left the house to seek help, but collapsed in the garden.

Fuck it.