Director Robert Altman Dead at 81

Robert Altman, the caustic and irreverent satirist behind "M-A-S-H," "Nashville" and "The Player" who made a career out of bucking Hollywood management and story conventions, died at a Los Angeles Hospital, his production company said Tuesday. He was 81. (AP)

Altman had many connections to the Chelsea Hotel and its residents. We had the pleasure of meeting Altman's wife Kathryn at a party thrown by Scott Griffin here at the Chelsea this year.  Scott Griffin produced Arthur Millers'  Resurrection Blues in London earlier this year and Altman directed.

Chelsea Hotel resident Gerald Busby is responsible for the score of Altman's film Three Women.