A little bit of Hollywood died yesterday.Army Archerd wrote for Variety since 1953, when he replaced columnist Sheilah Graham. That's not a typo. That's 1953, as in 56 years ago. That means he talked to everyone, saw everything, and wrote about just about everything that happened in Hollywood for more than five decades.
He was like a walking, talking Hollywood time capsule. He was well-liked among celebrities. He was the first person to report that Rock Hudson had AIDS, and he often reported from the red carpet at the Academy Awards. He was also a producer of several People's Choice Awards telecasts.
He wasn't just a reporter; he was also an actor, appearing in such TV shows as Adam-12, Ellen, Diagnosis Murder, Hotel, Burke's Law, Matt Houston, Columbo, Here's Lucy, The Lucy Show, Mannix, and many others.
Archerd's regular column ended in 2005, but he continued to write for Variety the past four years, including a blog he last updated in July.
Archerd died of complications from mesothelioma in Los Angeles.
Have any questions for Rich Sommer of Mad Men? Ask them here!
Syfy's Alice -- An early look
The TV Squad Podcast: Surprising shows, decade-end lists, and the Commenter of the Week!
