Robert Altman, 1925 – 2006

Film director Robert Altman died on Monday night at a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 81. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Joshua Astrachan, a producer at Altman's Sandcastle 5 Productions in New York City, told The Associated Press that a news release is expected later in the day.

Seen as one of the heavyweights of modern American filmmaking, the Kansas City, Missouri-born director directed such films as M*A*S*H, McCabe and Mrs. Miller, Nashville and Short Cuts. His latest film, A Prairie Home Companion, was released earlier this year.

Mr. Altman is survived by his third wife Kathryn Reed and five children.

To read an interview with Mr. Altman conducted by Rob Kendt, click here.

Now needing to see more than just Popeye,

James "I'm A Little Behind" Comtois