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: