Van Johnson, Bettie Page & Robin Toner

Sad news today — from the world of entertainment, and the world of journalism.

Late word from the AP about a Hollywood heartthrob: NEW YORK (AP) — A close friend says Van Johnson, Hollywood star of the movies’ golden age, has died. Family friend Wendy Bleiweiss says Johnson died Friday at an assisted living center in Nyack. He was 92. Johnson was known for his boy-next-door wholesomeness and was a major heartthrob in the 1940s. Among his films were "A Guy Named Joe" and "The Caine Mutiny". His co-stars included Elizabeth Taylor and June Allyson. Many of his early films had World War II themes, including "30 Seconds Over Tokyo".

Earlier we learned that a very different heartthrob, the pinup star Bettie Page, had passed. More here.

Finally — really sad news from another newsroom. Trailblazing and highly respected political reporter Robin Toner died today of complications from colon cancer. Here’s the New York Times on one of their own.