1. Tim Russert
This one really got to me. I watched Meet The Press most weekends, and it's always a shock when someone - even someone you only know from television - dies before their time.
2. Harvey Korman
Known primarily as Tim Conway's straight-man, he was equally talented and funny in his own right - especially in several of Mel Brooks' films such as Blazing Saddles and High Anxiety.
3. George Carlin
Hilarious and inventive stand-up in his day. I preferred the hippie version to his later "curmudgeon" schtick.
4. Will Elder
One of Mad's founding artists. I was so in awe of his technique as a child, that I copied it shamelessly in most of my drawings.
5. Dick Martin
The funny half of Rowan and Martin. I have fonder memories of watching Laugh-In than perhaps any other show from my early childhood.
