Eileen Brennan ...who died today.

Eileen Brennan, the American actress best known for her role as the tough-talking Army captain Doreen Lewis in the 1980 film comedy Private Benjamin, in which she starred alongside Goldie Hawn, has died aged 80.

Brennan earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress in the film, and when she reprised the role in a television sitcom, won an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

““I love meanies because they have no sense of humour. People who are mean or unkind or rigid cannot laugh at themselves. If we can’t laugh at ourselves and the human condition, we’re going to be mean.”

Christian Benitez ...who died today.

Former Birmingham City striker Christian Benitez has died at the age of 27.

The Ecuador international, capped 58 times by his country, was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains shortly after making his debut for Qatari side El Jaish on Sunday. His heart failed hours later, the Ecuador Football Federation said.

Mel Smith ...who died today.

Comedian, writer, film director, producer and actor Mel Smith, best known for his work on the sketch comedy shows Not the Nine O'Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones with comedy partner Griff Rhys Jones, has died. 

Smith, who, with Jones, also founded Talkback, one of the UK's largest producers of TV comedy and light entertainment programming, died at his home after a heart attack.

"As we say in England, it can get a bit trains pottery."

Watch Smith and Jones at their finest:

Kim Jong-il ...who died today.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has died of a heart attack at the age of 69. He had been in power since the death of his father Kim Il-sung in 1994.

The communist country's "Dear Leader" was reputed to have had a taste for cigars, cognac and gourmet cuisine – and was often criticized for his lifestyle while his people struggled in poverty. In 2010, he was ranked 31st in Forbes Magazine's List of The World's Most Powerful People.

“One is responsible for one's own destiny and one has also the capacity for hewing out one's own destiny.”

Click here to see Kim Jong-iL looking at things.

Kim Jong-il... who died today.

Christopher Hitchens ...who died today.

Author and journalist Christopher Hitchens has died at the age of 62.

He died from pneumonia, a complication of the oesophageal cancer he had, at a Texas hospital.

The publication of his 2007 book ‘God Is Not Great’ made him a major celebrity in his adopted homeland of the United States, and he happily took on the role of the country's best-known atheist.

He called Bill Clinton "a cynical, self-seeking ambitious thug", Henry Kissinger a war criminal and Mother Teresa a fraudulent fanatic.

"I sometimes wish I were suffering in a good cause, or risking my life for the good of others, instead of just being a gravely endangered patient."

Socrates ...who died today.

Brazilian World Cup footballer Socrates – full name Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira – has died at the age of 57.

Socrates was widely regarded as one of the greatest ever midfielders and was the star of Brazil’s 1982 World Cup team, scoring in the famous 3-2 win over Italy.

He played in two World Cups, winning 60 caps for his country and scoring 22 goals. He was also a qualified doctor. In 2004, aged 50, Socrates made an appearance as sub for Garforth Town in the Northern Counties League after a one-off deal to become player-coach.

“The beauty comes first. Victory is secondary. What matters is joy.”

Ken Russell ...who died today.

Ken Russell, the veteran film maker who directed Women in Love, The Devils and Tommy, has died at the age of 84

          




Known for a flamboyant style that was developed during his early career in television, Russell's films often courted controversy. The Devils - a religious drama that featured an infamous scene between Oliver Reed and Venessa Redgrave sexualising the crucifixion – was initially rejected by Warner Brothers. It will finally be released in its entirety in March next year, when it will form part of the BFI's centenary celebrations.

“Reality is a dirty word for me, I know it isn't for most people, but I am not interested. There's too much of it about.”