John Hughes who died today — reportedly while out for a walk while visiting his family in NYC — virtually defined Hollywodo comedy in the ’80s, the decade when he helmed 7 of his 8 films as a director — most notably the classics “The Breakfast Club,” “16 Candles,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” He brought a distinct underdog sensibility to American comedy, beginning with his script for “National Lampoon’s Summer Vacation,” and continuing with the many films he wrote and produced, including the wonderful “Pretty in Pink” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.” He worked only sporadically after his biggest hits, “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2.” For years, there were rumors the reclusive Hughes would return to directing, which he abandoned after “Curly Sue” in 1991. Now that will never happen.