Famed Hollywood gossip columnist ARMY ARCHERD has died, aged 87.
The writer lost his battle against a rare cancer, believed to have stemmed from asbestos exposure during World War II when he served in the U.S. navy. He passed away at a Los Angeles hospital on Tuesday (08Sep09).
A stalwart showbiz reporter for industry publication Daily Variety – Archerd worked on the paper for more than 50 years – one of his biggest scoops was breaking the story that Rock Hudson had AIDS in 1985.
He later admitted it was one of the hardest stories he had to write.
Archerd kickstarted his journalism career at the Associated Press, before becoming resident columnist at Variety, where his Just For Variety column was a must-read in Hollywood circles.
He is survived by his wife, Selma, a son and two stepsons.