PARIS (AP) - Marcel Marceau, the master of mime who transformed silence into poetry with lithe gestures and pliant facial expressions that spoke to generations of young and old, has died. He was 84.

I saw Marcel Marceau in college and was able to meet and speak with him (albeit through gestures: I didn't know if he didn't speak English or he was just really full of himself as a mime) after his performance. I gotta say, he was a true master, and moved me to laughter and tears and an inspiration to know my body. The next day I enrolled in a mime class and from there as I grew i studied ballet and Jazz and modern and Tai Chi and on into my soul.

I know we all hold a dim view of mimes these days but no one has ever since moved me as he did. I think mime will probably die with him, for arts of the body have no legacy for grandchildren of grandchildren to look at or listen to and be inspired by.

Rest well, Marcel, and thank you so much for booking Purdue University that Spring day.