Veteran actor Pat Hingle, best known as Commissioner James Gordon in the first four BATMAN films, died in North Carolina Saturday night at the age of 84, according to news reports. A spokeswoman for the family, cousin Lynn Heritage, said Hingle died of myelodysplasia, a type of blood cancer, at his home in Carolina Beach, North Carolina (per the LOS ANGELES TIMES).

Artist Edward D. Cartier, whose illustrations appeared in THE SHADOW and numerous other science fiction and mystery publications, has died in New Jersey at the age of 94, according to the ASSOCIATED PRESS (via VARIETY).

Cartier died December 25 at his home in Ramsey, New Jersey, according to his son, Dean Cartier, after suffering from Parkinson's disease for several years.

Eartha Kitt, a singer, dancer, actress and voiceover artist, died Christmas Day in Connecticut, according to the ASSOCIATED PRESS. She was 81. A family spokesman said she succumbed to colon cancer.

Kitt started as a dancer with the Katherine Dunham troupe, moving into acting and singing onstage, in movies and on television, landing the role of Catwoman on the BATMAN TV series in 1967 to 1968, replacing Julie Newmar.

Oliver Postgate, 83, died Monday near London. Postgate was best known for the British children's television animation he made with Peter Firmin in the 1960s and 1970s.

Postgate and Firmin first created IVOR THE ENGINE, followed by THE SAGA OF NOGGIN THE NOG, BAGPUSS and THE CLANGERS. Bagpuss, the "saggy old cloth cat," became an overnight licensing phenomenon nearly 20 years later, after being voted the top children's series of all time. Bagpuss and Clangers toys became firm favorites with original fans of the characters and a new generation.

ASIFA U.K. President Pat Raine Webb died Friday. Webb was an AWN contributor, animation festival regular, freelance researcher, writer and programmer in animated film with more than 30 years in the animation industry.

Webb passed away on Friday on a London bus of a severe heart attack, and is survived by her longtime companion Margot Grimwood.

On November 10, Erick S. Dyke, 41, died of complications arising after a battle with cancer. Dyke was the president and co-founder of Orlando, Florida based video game company n-Space.

Over n-Space's 14-year history Dyke served as its president, and together with his partner Dan O'Leary, created numerous hit video game titles, including CALL OF DUTY (DS), RUGRATS (PS and PS2), STAR WARS (DS), and MARY KATE & ASHLEY. Dyke was also involved in the creation and marketing of the company's original games, including TIGERSHARK (PC) and GEIST (Gamecube).

After a battle with leukemia, animation writer and blogger Emru Townsend has passed away. A post from his sister Tamu on www.healemru.com said he died peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday night.

Townsend was diagnosed less than a year ago with leukemia, and a condition called monosomy 7. He turned from writing about technology, animation and pop culture to his fight with the disease. While needing a bone marrow transplant himself, Townsend worked to raise awareness about the need for donors, especially in minority groups.

Bestselling author Michael Crichton, who wrote thrillers JURASSIC PARK, TIMELINE and THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, has died at age 66, reports the ASSOCIATED PRESS.

His family said he succumbed Tuesday in Los Angeles at age 66 after a private battle against cancer.

"Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," his family said in a statement.

Longtime Sesame Workshop producer Arlene Sherman has died. Sherman spent more than 30 years with the organization, starting out as a Production Coordinator and moving up to Co-Executive Producer for SESAME STREET.

After a yearlong battle with leukemia, veteran Disney and Hanna-Barbera animator and teacher John Ahern passed away Wednesday morning in Orem, Utah.