Columnist Army Archerd is Dead at 87

Hollywood entertainment writer Army Archerd has died at the age of 87 from a rare form of mesothelioma (lung cancer), according to CNN. While you may not immediately know the name, you'll be amazed at the history behind this legendary writer.

Army got his start in the mailroom at Paramount Studios, followed by a stint at The Associated Press. He was one of the first journalists to reveal that actor Rock Hudson was suffering from AIDS. He is best remembered for the 52 long years he spent covering entertainment for Variety. R.I.P. Army Archerd.

• What Exactly is Mesothelioma?
• Celebrities Who Died in 2009

Photo Credit: Brad Barket/Getty Images.