Arthur C. Clarke, a writer whose seamless blend of scientific expertise and poetic imagination helped usher in the space age, died early Wednesday in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he had lived since 1956. He was 90.

Rohan de Silva, an aide, confirmed the death and said Mr. Clarke had been experiencing breathing problems, The Associated Press reported. He had suffered from post-polio syndrome for the last two decades. [NYTimes.com]

Anthony Minghella, the British filmmaker who won an Academy Award for his direction of “The English Patient,” died Tuesday morning in London. He was 54.

The cause was complications of surgery he had a week ago to treat tonsil cancer, said Leslee Dart, his publicist. [NYTimes.com]

Ola Brunkert, a former drummer for the Swedish pop band Abba, was found dead on Sunday with cuts to his neck in the garden of his house in Arta, on the Spanish island of Mallorca. [AP/NYTimes.com]

Ivan Dixon, an actor, director and producer best known for his role as Kinchloe on the 1960s television series ”Hogan’s Heroes,” has died. He was 76. [AP/NYTimes.com]