David Carradine, Dead at 72.

Wow. Story here (HT: Althouse):

David Carradine, the star of the 1970s television series “Kung Fu” and the title villain of the “Kill Bill” movies, has died in Thailand, The Associated Press reported. The United States Embassy in Bangkok told The A.P. that Mr. Carradine had been found dead in his hotel suite in Bangkok, where he was working on a movie. He was 72.

Tragic. It's the end of an era, RIP.

UPDATE: Apparently, he was found hanged in his hotel room closet. Suicide? More forthcoming.

UPDATE#2: It most likely wasn't suicide, and it may have been accidental.

Tim Russert, 1950-2008

The nation has lost a true legend today, as Tim Russert has died. He collapsed at his desk, and had a heart attack. He was only 58. Good Lord, this is sad news. Tim Russert was an icon of journalism. Straight-up, honest, decent journalism. I have vivid memories of Sunday mornings, watching Tim Russert do his thing. He was an icon. Tough but fair, never tearing people down, and called it right down the middle. I'll never forget his Election 2000 coverage, with his dry-erase board.

It's a sad day for the nation. RIP, Tim Russert. There's a special spot in Heaven for men like yourself.

The tributes on TV were great as well. Really inspiring.

Charlton Heston, 1924-2008

Sad news as truly one the icons of film and American culture has died. Whatever your views on his politics, he was a legit icon. Heston's potrayal of Moses remains the persistent image of Moses in my head. He played many iconic roles, from Moses, to Ben-Hur, to Andrew Jackson, to Michelangelo, to Captain Taylor from Planet of the Apes. He had that stone-faced look, and that gravelly voice, that will forever be in our minds.

RIP, and my condolences to his family.

Thank You, Ric

The greatest of all time has bid his farewell, after a legendary thirty-six year career. Thank you, Ric, for all the memories.

Arthur C. Clarke, 1917-2008

In all the mess over the Obama-Wright controversy, I forgot to post about Arthur C. Clarke's passing away. A true genius, and a giant of storytelling. God rest his soul.

Thanks to Stubborn Facts for the tip.

William F. Buckley, 1925-2008

Author and conservative icon William F. Buckley has died at the age of 82. Needless to say, I didn't end up on the same page politically as William F. Buckley, but he was a great mind from what I've read of his work and heard, and always seemed an honorable man. God rest his soul.

Rep. Tom Lantos, 1928-2008

Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) has died, losing his battle to cancer. Lantos was a staunch defender of human rights, and by all accounts a decent man, so I'm sure, and it's amazing this even has to be said, that regardless of one's politics, all will respect his service, and send condolences to his family. RIP.