Death completed its triple crown of taking down talented people that we actually like and respect. First, came Tim Russert, whose passing was quickly and sadly followed by Stan Winston. Now comes news that Cyd Charisse, the actress and dancer perhaps best known for her role in Singing In The Rain, passed away today at the age of 86.

Born in Amarillo, TX, the classically trained ballerina truly seemed to value her dancing more than her fame. She was part of a pre cokepants era when stars seemed glamorous and untouchable. It's difficult to imagine Charisse getting anyone kicked off a magazine cover or complaining about the size of her trailer. So let's remember her as she would have wanted — with footage of her dancing alongside Gene Kelly.