Long Island Native Alan Colmes, Liberal Fox News Alum, Dies At 66

Alan Colmes, author, radio and television host and liberal political commentator, died Thursday at age 66. According to a statement from the family aired on Fox News, he died after a "brief illness."

The Lynbrook native was best known for his work as a liberal voice on Fox, where he co-hosted the political talk show "Hannity & Colmes" with Sean Hannity. The show ran for 12 years until Colmes decided to step down. He remained a guest and commentator on other Fox shows.

"Although it's bittersweet to leave one of the longest marriages on cable news, I'm proud that both Sean [Hannity] and I remained unharmed after sitting side by side, night after night for so many years," Colmes said in a statement when "Hannity & Colmes" ended.

"Alan was a dear friend," Hannity tweeted Thursday morning. "I miss him dearly. Please pray for my friend and his family!"

He also shared this picture of the pair together:

Colmes began his career in comedy before shifting to political commentary, first on radio and then on TV. He wrote two books, "Red, White & Liberal: How Left Is Right and Right Is Wrong," and "Thank the Liberals for Saving America."

In 2011, Colmes spoke about his life and career at Hofstra University. Afterward, he spoke to Lynbrook Patch about growing up on Long Island.

“I haven’t been in Lynbrook for a while, which is where I grew up,” he said. At the time, he said being back on Long Island “really does feel like home. Living in the city, you forget that a few miles out you can be near the ocean.”

He is survived by his wife Jocelyn Elise Crowley, who teaches public policy at Rutgers University. Jocelyn Crowley is the sister of Monica Crowley, another Fox News commentator.

"I am heartbroken at the loss of my sweet brother-in-law Alan Colmes," Monica Crowley wrote on Facebook Thursday. "Alan was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He took his beliefs and work seriously and at the same time lived his life full of joy, laughter and commitment. He loved what he did for a living, and he loved those around him---without condition. During the most heated political debates, his infectious sense of humor would come through, and before you knew it, even his staunchest political opponents were smiling."
She continued: "He was incredibly kind, generous and warm---and completely devoted to my sister and our family. He was a gentle soul and a good man. He was my friend. And I will miss him every day."

Photo credit: Mrydzeski