Darren McGavin, probably best known for "A Christmas Story", has died at the age of 83.  When I was young, his portrayal of Kolchak - The Night Stalker was one of the highlights of my week.  Even after the series ended, I watched just about everything that came out that he was in; I only watched "A Christmas Story" because he was in it (though I have come to prefer it to every other Christmas movie out there).

Per Fangoria's website, Akira Ikufube, who composed music for over 250 movies including the Godzilla soundtracks has died.  He was 91, and died of multiple organ failure in Tokoyo.