Fox News Host Alan Colmes Dies at 66

It's another sad news over at the Fox News Channel this week. Radio and tv host Alan Colmes died Thursday, February 23 at the age of 66. His death came just four days after fellow host Brenda Buttner succumbed to cancer at age 55.

According to Fox News, Colmes passed away after a brief illness although his family declined to elaborate. He was a 1971 graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in Communications and initially started his career doing standup comedy.

Moving on to develop a radio career in major stations in New York, New Haven and Boston, he eventually gained popularity because of his liberal political views. Colmes joined Fox News Channel in 1996 and became the liberal counterpart and co-host of the nightly political debate show, "Hannity & Colmes" along with Sean Hannity.

The network says Colmes' background in doing standup comedy made him a perfect sparring partner with Hannity and other conservatives at Fox News. A video tribute for Colmes showcased his quick wit and sense of humor. Overcome with grief, Hannity said: "Despite major political differences, we forged a deep friendship. Alan, in the midst of great sickness and illness, showed the single greatest amount of courage I've ever seen."

CBS News, on the other hand, says, Colmes was often mocked as too nice and easily overshadowed by the ever-aggressive Hannity. The liberal media watchdog fairness and accuracy in Media likened him to the hapless Washington Generals, the dependable losers to basketball's Harlem Globetrotters.

Despite criticisms, Colmes was a credible host who interviewed many famous politicians like Former President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Steve Forbes, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Ralph Nader and Ken Starr.

Colmes is survived by his wife Jocelyn Crowley and the family has requested privacy during this difficult time. A spokesperson passed this on to the press instead: "He was a great guy, brilliant, hysterical, and moral," the family statement said. "He was fiercely loyal, and the only thing he loved more than his work was his life with Jocelyn. He will be missed."