Famous People Who Died

(Newser) - Anti-apartheid icon Helen Suzman has died peacefully in her Johannesburg home, her daughter announced today. She was 91. Suzman served in South Africa’s parliament at a time when few whites criticized apartheid, and for 13 years was the only legislator to publicly do so. She was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts. “She really was indomitable,” said a South African archbishop; the Mandela foundation called her “a great patriot.” More »

(Newser) - Grammy-winning jazz giant Freddie Hubbard died today in Sherman Oaks, Calif., a month after having a heart attack, the AP reports. He was 70. Revered among trumpet players, Hubbard collaborated with legends like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins as he established a blazing, hard-bop style that influenced a generation. "His playing is exuberant," said Wynton Marsalis, who admired Hubbard's "big sound" and "sense of rhythm and time." More »

(Newser) - This year saw the passing of many notable people, from Paul Newman and Michael Crichton to William F. Buckley and designer Yves St. Laurent. Here are a few that made the lists of the NY Times and LA Times : Tim Russert (b. 1950)—TV journalist and 16-year host of Meet the Press. Charlton Heston (b. 1923)—star of Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments, and later NRA activist. George Carlin (b. 1937)—legendary rabble-rousing comedian. Heath Ledger (b. 1979)—rising star's credits include Brokeback Mountain; Oscar rumblings for Dark Knight. Steve Fossett (b. 1945)—billionaire adventurer missing since September 2007. Albert Hoffman (b. 1906)—research chemist who discovered LSD.   More »

(Newser) - The death of Karl Rove's IT consultant in a plane crash last week has let loose a flood conspiracy theories, the Zoo reports. Michael Connell was due to testify in a case alleging voter fraud in Ohio in 2004, and had asked for police protection, according to some reports. He crashed while piloting his small plane. Many believe the crash is highly suspicious in light of the strategist's flying experience and involvement with the Republican Party. More »

(Newser) - The versatile and ever-sultry Eartha Kitt died today at age 81, the AP reports. Kitt, with her trademark purr, had a career as a dancer, singer, and actor that spanned six decades. Among her musical hits was “Santa Baby," now in common rotation during the holidays. Kitt, who retained her self-proclaimed “sex kitten” image well into old age, died of cancer in a Connecticut hospital. More »

(Newser) - The actor who played Johnny Cakes on The Sopranos is dead, the New York Post reports. John Costelloe, 47, shot himself in the head in Brooklyn last week, police and friends said. The former firefighter served a brief but pivotal role as the gay lover of a closeted mobster in the HBO series. Costelloe was currently getting rave reviews in an off-off-Broadway play. More »

(Newser) - He didn’t always like the plays of Harold Pinter, who died yesterday at 78, but Guardian theater critic Michael Billington says he’s sure they “will endure wind and weather, because he understood the insecurity of human life.” Billington, also Pinter’s biographer, remembers the “poet’s ear for language” and the way he “brilliantly skewered” political lies. But above all, Pinter “had a great talent for friendship and a remarkable sense of loyalty.” More »