Robert Novak: Syndicated Columnist Known as the Prince of Darkness Dies

Robert Novak was an American conservative columnist and commentator. Born on February 26, 1931, in Joliet, Illinois, he began as a reporter for the Associated Press.

With Rowland Evans he wrote the Inside Report column starting in 1963, which became the longest-running syndicated political column. He was a regular on CNN programs such as Crossfire and Capital Gang. In 2003 he published the name of CIA operative Valerie Plame, setting off a leak investigation.

His memoir was titled The Prince of Darkness, after his nickname. He converted to Catholicism in 1998. Novak died of complications of a brain tumor in Washington, D.C., on August 18, 2009, at age 78.

Achievements: Co-author of the Evans-Novak Inside Report (1963-1993).

Birth: February 26, 1931 - Joliet, Illinois.

Profession: Columnist and commentator.

Interesting Facts: He was called the Prince of Darkness.