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UPDATE: Longtime Meet the Press Host Tim Russert Dies of Coronary Embolism
Saturday June 14, 2008

Tim Russert
Tim Russert speaks during a taping of "Meet the Press" on November 25, 2007 in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Meet the Press host Tim Russert died of a coronary embolism Friday, the network said.

He was 58. An autopsy is being performed, his doctor said.

(See other stars gone too soon.)

Former Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw announced Russert's passing on NBC at 3:39 p.m., saying that he had collapsed and died early Friday afternoon. Russert was recording voice-overs for Sunday's show at the time.

Read celebrity remembrances of Russert here.

Russert had just returned from Italy with his family.

Brokaw called him a "beloved colleague” and said that, given the election, this was one of the most important years in his life. Russert, he added, had “worked to the point of exhaustion."

The Buffalo, New York native started his career as former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo's press secretary and one-time chief of staff to the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

He eventually crossed over to political journalism, becoming host of Meet the Press in 1991. Famous for asking tough questions to politicians, he was the show's longest host ever.

Russert — who was the Washington Bureau Chief for NBC News and host of a weekly interview program on MSNBC — was also the author of two-best-selling books, including 2004's Big Russ and Me about growing up in a predominantly Irish working-class neighborhood.

In 2008, Time Magazine named him one of the world's 100 most influential people.

"Most candidates are not eager to present themselves for Tim's incisive scrutiny, which is fed by his prodigious study and preparation," Cuomo wrote of Russert. "But they have little choice: appearing on Meet the Press is today as vital to a serious candidate as being properly registered to vote.

"Tim never forgets where he comes from," Cuomo added. "He never lets us forget either, and we love it!"

In 1995, the National Father’s Day Committee named him “Father of the Year,” and Parents magazine honored him as “Dream Dad” in 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Vanity Fair correspondent Maureen Orth, and his son, Luke, 22, who just graduated from Boston College and hosts the XM radio show 60/20 Sports with James Carville.

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PagePosted by Mandi Illuzzi at 9:03 am ET     Permanent Link | 60 Comments
Categories: Tim Russert | Death


11:31 AM Anonymous Says:

~ What a sad death this is to those who knew and loved him.

nursingstudent:

Is that really what happened? Wow, isn't that similar to what the other guy on NBC, David Bloom, died of? Scary.

10:49 AM Linda Says:

My family was shocked to hear the news of this world famous news man we all will miss Mr.Russert my his family feel all our prayers

9:45 AM Anonymous Says:

I'm sorry to hear that Barbara Streisand was difficult, and that's why Minnie Driver & Josh Borlin broke up in 2001, sorry I never commented on this before, but Barbara Streisand seems like a nice person otherwise, etc.

9:32 AM Insider Says:

Strange that Mr. Russert (bless his soul) who testified in the Valerie Plame case dies the week prior to Scott McClellan who is to testify regarding Bush/Cheney's involvement. I can't help but wonder if our CIA boys (CIA HQ's named after Father Bushy)didn't send him a fruit basket to send McClellan a message that He's next?? Just a Thought. Thoughts and prayers to the Russert Family!

2:02 AM DaDaDa Says:

ETC, Do you have a life?

12:17 AM Anonymous Says:

I have always looked forward to Tim's interviews and comments on various political topics. He made it easy to understand and was a very lovable tv personality. I loved to hear him talk about "Big Russ", his dad. The world has definately lost a great man. May God bless his family and keep during this tragic time.

12:08 AM Anonymous Says:

I had no idea about R. Kelly's mom passing away from lung cancer until today, 6/14, and it sucks to hear that him & his wife, Andrea Lee, are supposedly going through a divorce right now, and hopefully, they'll remain amicable for the sake of their kids? It sucks to hear that he was abusive to Andrea and she considered filing a restraining order, which she didn't, and that takes a lot of guts to do, etc.

12:04 AM Anonymous Says:

I'm sorry to hear that R. Kelly's mom died after a long bout of lung cancer in 1997, and I am happy to hear that R. Kelly was acquitted today of the child pornography charges, 6/13, and I'm glad he was never charged with anything else from those other sex cases, controversial statements, etc.

10:30 PM Annie Says:

I've been watching the news more closely today since hearing of the passing of Tim Russert. One thing that stands out in my mind is that everyone who was interviewed today said that Russert never failed to ask how peoples' families were, specifically their children. I think that says a lot about the man he was. Sunday mornings will never be the same.

10:27 PM Anonymous Says:

Congrats to Warren Beatty for becoming the 36th annual American Film Institute Lifetime Acheievement honoree on Thursday night, 6/12, and Warren Beatty is still Mr. Hollywood, etc.

9:55 PM Erin Says:

The world is a little less knowledgeable. What a loss to his family, friends and to everyone who looked to him for truth in journalism. God bless his family. What a wonderful man!

9:16 PM bet Says:

that is very sad story. He always sound he love his job.

9:15 PM Anonymous Says:

I watched his shows most of the time. He is a man with the great sense of humour and great dedcation. My condulances to his family.

8:45 PM Anonymous Says:

What a horrible loss! He really made politics interesting and engaging. He also seemed like such a genuinely good person. I loved Meet the Press because of him. He will be so missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

8:39 PM nursingstudent Says:

The sad thing is- the flight coming back from Europe most likely called the embolism. When you sit on a plane or anywhere for long periods of time with your legs dangled like that, the blood does not move fast through the lower extremities which causes it to clot...

He will be truly missed. My heart goes out to his wife, son, and family...

8:30 PM Sherry Says:

I am just stunned. What a great loss to those of us who crave the truth. Total class act. My heart aches for his family. He was a Prince among journalist. I always liked Meet The Press, but, it was he who kept me watching.

7:53 PM Anonymous Says:

He was a class act and will be so missed. Definitely too young to die.

7:29 PM jokeypo63 Says:

OMG, I am very shocked & stunned. Tim Russert was main reason why I watched Meet The Press on Sunday mornings. He was an outstanding journalist especially in the political field. MTP & MSNBC will not be the same without him. My heart goes out to his wife & son. I will miss him. What a Shame.

7:15 PM Anonymous Says:

It's a shame that Tim Russert, 58, died of a cornoary embolism, at least we know the cause of death, etc.

7:15 PM DMT Says:

You never know when your time is up.....my goodness, what a loss to the news world.

7:14 PM Anonymous Says:

I don't know what to say, except, god bless his family & friends, etc.

6:59 PM hollywood1999 Says:

Unbelievable. I watched Meet the Press every Sunday and I usually watched Tim Russerts show on MSNBC. His objectivity as a reporter was unmatched by any others in his field. The passion that he had for politics and country was unrivaled by any other commentator on television. Lastly, his absence on this earth will be mourned by his viewers for years to come. No one did it better Tim...God bless you and thank's for the memories.

6:37 PM Orion Says:

How awful!! Who's going to tell us what's going on with the politicos AND make sense of all the senselessness in D.C.? God be with him. He was a good person.

6:13 PM Anonymous Says:

One bright morning when my work is done. Man will fly away home.
R.I.P. Tim-You will be greatly missed.

6:08 PM everblue Says:

WOW!! I am stunned by this news. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. I will miss his LARGE presence on Meet the Press and for coverage of political events.

5:37 PM Selita Says:

Wow, I'd sometimes watch that show on Sunday's. Very tragic indeed. Wasn't expecting this. My deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family.

5:28 PM Anonymous Says:

I am shocked. My condolences to all who cared for him.

5:13 PM Glad I'm Not Famous Says:

I'm so shocked. I respected his commentary -- he was so astute. My condolences to both his families - the Russert family, as well as his NBC family; in broadcasting, you really DO become like a family. How sad.

5:07 PM nicole Says:

I am shocked. I always looked forward to seeing him on election nights. May God bless his family at this time.

5:03 PM Anonymous Says:

My condolences to the family of Mr. Russert. I enjoyed watching his show.

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