**File Photos** Veteran newspaper columnist Robert Novak has died after losing his battle with brain cancer. Novak, 78, hit the headlines after revealing the identity of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame in one of his columns in the Chicago Sun-Times. Writing a column in the Sun-Times for decades, he later became a household name in the US as co-host of CNN's 'Crossfire'. He is survived by his wife Geraldine and children Zelda and Alex. Robert Novak is the syndicated columnist who claims CIA agent Valerie Plame's identity was revealed to him through the Vice President's office. Plame and her husband are now suing the Vice President, Rove and Scooter Libby Washington D.C, USA- 2005 Credit: Carrie Devorah / WENN