The entertainment world is mourning the passing of a legend, famed columnist Army Archerd, who passed away Tuesday at a Los Angeles, California,  hospital at age 87. Archerd, a U.S. Navy Veteran who served during World War II, died of mesothelioma. Archerd penned a “must read” gossip column for the Hollywood industry trade paper Daily Variety for more than 50 years.

According to a report by the Associated Press, it is believed Archerd contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos during his military service, as asbestos was widely used to insulate vessels for decades. He began his journalism career with AP before moving into writing for the entertainment industry, and he was among the first journalists to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

According to a story by ABC News/Reuters News Service, the entertainment writer was so influential in the industry that when he criticized some derogatory lyrics penned by Michael Jackson in the 1995 song “They Don’t Care About Us,” the “King of Pop” called Archerd personally to let him know he planned to re-record the song.

Archerd is survived by his wife, Selma, a son and two stepsons.