Steve Jobs, 56, 1955-2011
We all know that Apple Inc. was the brainchild of Steve Jobs, an idea which catapulted him to become one of the most successful business magnates in the world. Steve was also fortunate to finding love in Laurene Powell Jobs, who he married in March 1991 at the Yosemite National Park. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2003 which he chose to cure with alternative medicine. Most people believed that this choice led to his untimely death which happened on October 5, 2011. Laurene's inheritance included Steve's shares in Apple and Disney, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world with a fortune of $20.7 billion.
Burt Reynolds, 82, 1936-2018
When veteran actor Burt Reynolds had a heart attack on September 6, 2018, he left a huge fan following behind! It sure is great that he lives on through his films! Reynolds was 82 when he died. His ex-wife and his son held a private memorial service for him and it was held at a North Palm Beach funeral home. Some big names attended the ceremony – like Sally Field and Doug Flutie. Reynolds’ body was then cremated in Florida, at the God Coast Crematory. The TV and film industry lost an element of history that day!
Elizabeth Taylor, 79, 1932-2011
Elizabeth Taylor cemented her place in history as one the best actresses of our time back in the ‘40s when she joined the entertainment industry. She became a respected figure during the classical age of cinema, and her personal life was equally fascinating.
Taylor struggled with poor health at different stages of her life, and in 2011, a congestive heart failure claimed her life. In her final days, her health had deteriorated gravely and she could only get around in a wheelchair.
Farrah Fawcett, 62, 1947-2009
In 2006, Fawcett found out that she had cancer and three years later, the disease claimed her life at the age of 62. Farrah’s Story which aired on NBC in 2009 chronicled how she fought the disease. After her passing, Fawcett received her fourth nomination for producing the documentary. The fifth episode of the documentary followed her to Texas as she visited her father and mother; her mom died in 2005 at 91. Fawcett's death didn’t immediately receive much media coverage because just a few hours following her death, pop icon Michael Jackson also passed away. The last photo of Fawcett was taken around April 2009 at the airport.
John Lennon, 40, 1940-1980
The Beatles’ co-founder, singer-songwriter, and peace activist John Lennon had his last photo taken the very same day that he died. The picture shows him signing a copy of Double Fantasy for Chapman for fan Mark David Chapman. It turned out that Chapman would shoot Lennon four times in the back hours later. The incident happened right outside Lennon’s Manhattan apartment, and they rushed him to the nearest hospital but he never made it. Lennon's remains were cremated right away at the Ferncliff Cemetery and his ashes scattered in Central Park. Chapman pleaded guilty to the crime and was imprisoned. He's still doing time and has been denied parole several times.
Erin Moran, 56, 1960-2017
Remember Happy Days? Well, perhaps actress Erin Moran is happier now she’s getting some well-deserved rest wherever she’s’ gone to! Moran lost her battle with cancer and the deadly disease drained her in her last months. Many of her friends came forward after her death to share some of her last months of life and one of the very last pictures to have been taken of Moran was by her friend Steven Wishnoff. The photo was taken when Erin was at a fundraiser just a month before she discovered the telling blood stain on her pillowcase that led to her fatal throat cancer diagnosis.
Diana, Princess of Wales, 36, 1961 -1997
When Diana married Prince Charles and became the Princess of Wales, she easily became the most adored member of the 20th-century Royal household. She supported many charitable organizations that worked with the homeless, children in need, and folks living with HIV. Sadly, the marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles didn’t lead to a happily ever after. They were officially divorced in 1996 with reports of unfaithfulness from both parties arising throughout the separation process. Diana died a year after in Paris, France from a vehicular mishap where she sustained fatal internal injuries, on August 31, 1997. Over two million people mourned as her funeral was globally televised.
Gene Wilder, 83, 1933-2016
Actor, director, singer-songwriter, screenwriter, and author Gene Wilder is well remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry. His last acting role was a guest on Will & Grace in 2003 for which he won an Outstanding Guest Actor Emmy Award. From there, he turned to writing and published several books, including a personal memoir and two novels. Wilder passed on at his Stamford, Connecticut home on the 29th of August 29, 2016, from complications brought about by Alzheimer’s disease. He chose not to disclose that he suffered from the illness although he had been diagnosed three years before his death. Wilder’s last photo was taken a year before his passing.
James Garner, 86, 1928-2014
The younger generations may not know much of him, but James Garner was a prolific actor, producer, and voice artist. His career spanned almost six decades (pretty much until he died in 2014). Garner was popularly known for his performances in Maverick, The Rockford Files, and The Great Escape, among heaps of others.
Garner had a great life with success in both his professional and personal lives—the latter in which he was married for 58 years with two children. On July 19, 2014, Garner died at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack. The first photo above is believed to be his last.
Tony Burton, 78, 1937-2016
Born in Flint, Michigan, Tony Burton was an actor and boxer. While still in school, he was both a heavyweight boxing champion as well as an all-state footballer. Only while serving his prison sentence for robbery did Burton develop an interest in acting. Therefore, he pursued a career in theatre. His achievements were well-marked by the prominent roles in the Rocky series, The Shining, and House Party 2. After a career spanning over five years, Burton, at the age of 78, went into eternal rest due to complications from pneumonia.
Freddie Mercury, 45, 1946-1991
Freddie Mercury, real name Farrokh Bulsara, was more than anyone could ever ask for in a performer. His four-octave vocal range and enigmatic stage persona as Queen’s vocalist made Freddie undeniably iconic. Before Mercury was whisked off into a life of intimate encounters with various men, he had a special place in his heart for a woman named Mary Austin who he considered as his common-law wife. Mary was by his side throughout his life until he died in 1991 due to bronchial pneumonia related to AIDS. His love for cats can be seen in this last photo shot a week before his death.
Sean Connery, 90, 1930–2020
With no less than an Oscar, an Academy Award, three Golden Globes, and two BAFTA's, the knighted Scottish star of seven Bond movies showcase an unforgettable career. The late Sir Sean Connery had been acting since 1954. Since appearing as a gangster in No Road Back, Connery steadily rose to the critical acclaim that we know today.
According to statements from his widow, Michele Roquebrune, the legendary actor, who was battling dementia, had his final wish granted. She confessed to The Daily Mail that he wished to pass away without a fuss. On 31 October 2020, Sir Thomas Sean Connery passed away in his sleep. He was in the Bahamas.
Jonathan Brandis, 27, 1976 - 2003
He started being involved with acting and modeling as a child. Jonathan Brandis eventually got his big break in the ‘90s playing in series like It and SeaQuest 2032. He was appearing on one magazine after the other, even making it on People with his then-girlfriend Tatyana Ali.
In 2003, however, he committed suicide in his house. His friends later shared that he was depressed. Two films in which he was working on were released posthumously, The Slainesville Boys and Bad Girls from Valley High. He was only 27 years old at the time of his death.
Eddie Van Halen, 65, 1955-2020
Most of you would know rock star Eddie Van Halen for the years he spent as the guitarist of the band called Van Halen. He was the co-founder of the band, and he also serves as the primary songwriter. He popularized the tapping guitar solo technique.
Many refer to him as among the greatest guitarists in history. Sadly, he passed away in 2020 after losing his battle with lung cancer. You could see from his last photos how he aged and looked weaker. Van Halen was 65 years old at the time of his death, and his fans later turned his Pasadena childhood landmarks into memorials.
John Ritter, 54, 1948–2003
He was filming 8 Simple Rules when he fell ill. John Ritter passed away on September 11, 2003, less than a week before he’d turn 55. Today, we got to be reminded of this tragic loss on the Autopsy: The Last Hours Of documentary series.
John was an incredible actor, who’s mostly credited for the Three’s Company and Three’s a Crowd series of the ‘70s and ’80s. The 8 Simple Rules film was released after his death. At that time, he was married to Amy Yasbeck, his second wife. His four children survive him.
Chadwick Boseman, 43, 1976–2020
The world was shocked when it was announced that Chadwick Boseman had died due to colon cancer. While he will forever be remembered as the man who made the world say "Wakanda Forever," he was also a talented actor who specialized in biographical films.
Some of these roles include playing baseball legend Jackie Robinson in the 2013 film called 42, James Brown in the 2014s Get On Up, and supreme court justice Thurgood Marshall in 2017's Marshall. His performance in 2018's Black Panther saw him named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2018 by Time Magazine.
Aretha Franklin, 76, 1942-2018
Acclaimed singer Aretha Franklin is an icon who simply requires no introduction! Franklin’s death brought together many celebrities of the entertainment industry and many politicians in mourning for her loss. It was on August 13, 2018, that Franklin was reportedly gravely ill. Though she was at her home, she was under hospice care and had her friends and family supporting her. While she was on her deathbed, many came and went, visiting her and sharing a few last moments with the legendary singer. Franklin died at age 76, and she reportedly died without a last will and testament. It was also said that she still had at least $3 million in unpaid estate taxes.
Benjamin Keough, 27, 1992 - 2020
One of the reasons for which Benjamin Keogh will forever be remembered is his striking resemblance to his grandfather, the King of Rock, Elvis Presley. Benjamin’s parents were Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough. They had him in 1992, just a couple of years before they got divorced.
Benjamin lived his life out of his mother’s spotlight. At the time of his death, he was living in his $1.8-million family house in Calabasas. He took his own life on July 12, 2020, at the young age of 27, leaving his entire family in mourning.
Lucille Ball, 77, 1911-1989
The strong representation that women have in comedic shows is all thanks to the contributions of Lucille Ball and other pioneers. Here’s Lucy and I Love Lucy are some of the shows that Ball had to her name.
The photo above would end up being her last taken at the 1989 Academy Awards. Ball succumbed to heart problems she developed just a month following the awards. She had surgery but days later, she passed away.
Doris Day, 97, 1922-2019
Doris Day, actress, singer and animal activist passed away surrounded by friends and family, on May 13th 2019 at her Carmel Valley home. Day had recently contracted a serious case of pneumonia which resulted in her death. The Legend had celebrated her 97th birthday just last month with nearly 300 fans who gathered in Carmel to celebrate with her. She is remembered for her successful career in Hollywood as America's sweetheart, arguably the top female box-office star in history, and as a passionate animal rights activist. She was married four times unsuccessfully to a string of abusive husbands and her only child, Terry Melcher died in 2005. He was affiliated with Charles Manson and narrowly escaped death during his 1969 killing spree of Sharon Tate.
Jan Crouch, 77, 1939–2016
She passed away at the age of 77 after having suffered a stroke in Orlando, Florida and being hospitalized for almost a week. Janice Crouch was the co-founder of the Trinity Broadcasting Network since 1973! The channel has now grown into being the world’s most successful religious channel out there. Through it, Jan had earned herself a $50-million fortune.
This was one of the very last times she was caught on camera. Although understandably older than what we had gotten used to through the Praise TV show, Jan always looked amazing in her own unique way.
Cass Elliot, 32, 1941–1974
Cass Elliot was renowned as one of the main vocalists for the Mamas & Papas. Her association with the group as a singer and songwriter was so strong that she was affectionately known as Mama Cass and even inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for her work with the group.
It's said that she brought soul to songs like California Dreamin', Monday, Monday, and Words of Love. But when the group broke up, she went solo, and is best remembered for her chart-topping hit, Dream A Little Dream Of Me. Elliot died in her sleep due to heart failure at the age of 32.
Nicole Brown Simpson, 35, 1959-1994
Being murdered is undoubtedly a horrible way to go, but of course, no one asks for it. On 13th June 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson was found outside her home in Brentwood, laying in a pool of her own blood. The German-born American model's ex-husband, the former NFL player, O. J. Simpson, was the main suspect, though he was found not guilty in the trial. Whoever did it, killed Nicole's friend Ron Goldman as well. We're not sure if justice was rightly served because for the brutal murder of these two humans, nobody was ever convicted. Nicole left behind two children whom she shared with Simpson.
Naya Rivera, 33, 1987 - 2020
We couldn’t have been more shocked to hear the news about Naya Rivera’s death in July 2020. She was involved in a freakish accident while on vacation with her four-year-old son, who luckily survived. Nava was declared missing at Lake Piru, just five days before her body was found.
She was an exceptional person, who became famous as a child, playing in The Royal Family, and as a grown-up with Glee and Step Up: High Water. It’s believed that the two were taken away by a strong current. Naya must have found the strength to help her son onto the boat before she could join him. She was declared dead on July 13, 2020, at the age of 33.
Regis Philbin, 88, 1931–2020
Regis Philbin was best known as the co-host of the talk show Live! With Regis, sharing the set at first with Kathy Lee Gifford and later on with Kelly Ripa. He was the original host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and America's Got Talent, and many other shows and games.
For Live!, Philbin bagged a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host, and for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, he won the Outstanding Game Show Host Award. On July 24, 2020, one month before his 89th birthday, he passed away due to a heart attack brought on by coronary artery disease.
Gary Coleman, 42, 1968-2010
Growing up, Gary Coleman was spending his life from one film set to the other. He was born in Illinois in February 1968. By the ‘70s, he had already landed a protagonist role in the Diff’rent Strokes series. He played in films like Dirty Work and On the Right Track.
However, as he got older, his health deteriorated. He went through two unsuccessful kidney transplants and heart surgery in 2009. After suffering a seizure in 2010, he was hospitalized, and eventually passed away, suffering a hemorrhaging stroke. In 2020 he was the subject of an episode of the Behind Closed Doors series.
Jerry Orbach, 69, 1935-2004
Jerry Orbach was a versatile film and stage actor, and a singer. He racked up film credits in Prince of the City and Beauty and the Beast. Orbach also found success on the small screen starring in NYPD and Law & Order. Orbach's love poems which he wrote to Elaine, his wife, were collated in a publication released in 2009.
He found out that he had prostate cancer in 1994. Orbach fought the illness for the better part of the decade that followed, but in 2004 he lost the battle. It was only after his death that the public found out about his long battle with the illness.
Lisa Robin Kelly, 43, 1970-2013
Actress Lisa Robin Kelly fell hard for banned substances, and she landed up in a rehabilitation center to treat her drug addiction. Well, who knows what happened in the Pax Rehab House of Altadena in California, because Kelly went to sleep and never woke up.
It was declared later that she had died of multiple substance intoxication. Her estranged husband ended up filing a lawsuit against the center for their negligence, but everything was settled on unspecified terms and swept swiftly under the carpet…
Phil Hartman, 49, 1948-1998
His is a story that has stuck around for ages. Phil Hartman was killed by his wife, Brynn Omdahl, who then committed suicide. Together, they had two children, but their relationship was incredibly rocky. The entire nation was in shock, as Phil was then at his peak. He was collaborating with The Simpsons, played in Small Soldiers, and participated in NewsRadio, all at the time of his death. Quite ironically, he had played in So I Married an Axe Murderer five years prior to his own murder. His legacy lives on through his children, Sean Edward, and Birgen Anika.
Kelly Preston, 57, 1962 - 2020
Even though it was a secret, Kelly Preston was battling breast cancer for the last two years of her life. Sadly enough, she gave in in mid-July 2020, and her death was announced by her daughter, Ella Bleu, and long-time husband, John Travolta. Up until the very last moment, she remained active on social media.
This was one of the last pictures she ever posted, celebrating Father’s Day. After her death, both John and Ella Bleu posted heart-warming tributes about her. She was going to participate in the film called Off the Rails. At the time of her death, Kelly was only 57 years old.
Joe Diffie, 61, 1958–2020
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in 2019, it has been claiming human lives left, right, and center. Sadly, among the thousands of lives it took was the 61-year-old American country singer, Joe Diffie. After having worked in the oil fields as a youngster, Diffie's music career took a real turn in the '90s. Home, Is It Cold in Here, and Bigger Than the Beatles were some of the songs that topped charts. Diffie's recent demise came as a shock not only to his family but also to his adoring fans.
Mac Miller, 26, 1992–2018
Mac Miller was a young and talented self-taught musician, rapper, and singer who could've reached the stars. His career saw a major breakthrough in 2010 after he released the mixtape K.I.D.S. and a year later, Best Day Ever. Unfortunately, though, his life ended on September 7, 2018, after his personal assistant found his body in his apartment. It was later confirmed that he had died of accidental drug intoxication and overdose. Miller's death shocked his fans as he was only 26 years old and had a bright future ahead of him. The devastation was unquestionably worse for his parents and brother.
John Wayne, 72, 1907–1979
He was born in Iowa back in 1907. John Wayne grew up to become one of the most legendary actors in Hollywood. He was married three times, lastly to Pilar Pallette, and had seven children, through which he’s now survived. Just some of the films in which he played include The Alamo and True Grit. The last time he made a public appearance before succumbing to cancer, was for The 51st Annual Academy Awards in 1979. In 2020 some old footage of him was used in the making of This Is War Bond documentary.
Don Shula - 90, 1930–2020
He briefly played football for the NFL before deciding to switch to being a coach. Don Shula became the best coach on NFL, having accumulated more than 300 wins with his teams. His last and most lengthy collaboration was with the Miami Dolphins which lasted between 1970 and 1995. In 2020 he passed away, due to yet unknown reasons. He was 90 years old by then and married to his second wife, Mary Anne Stephens. He left a huge legacy behind for other NFL coaches to follow and is survived through the five children that he had with his late wife, Dorothy Bartish.
Michael Jackson, 50, 1958 -2009
Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time, the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson shocked the world with grief when news of his death hit the stands on June 25, 2009, only two days before he was set to come back for his This Is It music tour. Debbie Rowe, who was once married to MJ and became pregnant with his two kids, was also left devastated. Soon after Jackson’s death, she was hit with allegations that she was not the biological mother of their children Prince and Paris. A resolution was eventually agreed upon, allowing Rowe to have supervised visitations after Jackson’s passing.
Tom Petty - 66, 1950-2017
Tom Petty was a talented musician but it seemed that it wasn’t in his stars to be around for very long! Petty’s body was discovered at his home, in full cardiac arrest on October 2, 2017. He was not breathing and was unconscious but he was resuscitated and rushed by an ambulance to Santa Monica’s UCLA Medical Center, only to die again on the evening of the same day. Alas, Petty was just 18 days away from popping a cork for his 67th birthday! Tom is survived by his wife of 16 years, Dana York, and two children.
Fred Willard, 86, 1933-2020
We couldn’t have been more saddened upon hearing the news about Fred Willard passing away on May 15, 2020. He died of natural causes at the age of 86 after having spent almost his entire life spreading laughter. Fred remained active as an actor until his very last moment, in fact, he even has an upcoming project, the Space Force series. Meanwhile, some of his most praised projects have been films like Anchorman and even the small role he had in Modern Family. Even though his long-time wife had passed away in 2018, he kept on working. He is now survived by their daughter, Hope, and his grandson, Freddie.
Stevie Ryan, 33, 1984-2017
Back in 2007, Stevie Ryan became a sensation when she started uploading her comedic videos on YouTube. She was born in California, in 1984. She committed suicide at the age of 33, in July 2017. All her fans were incredibly shocked to hear the news, as she remained active on social media until the very last day. She had hosted shows like Stevie TV and Online Nation. To her very last day, her profiles had a big follower base. In fact, on her YouTube channel, she still has over 86K subscribers. This picture was in one of her very last posts on Twitter.
Jerry Stiller, 92, 1927-2020
Jerry Stiller lived most of his life in New York. He was born in Brooklyn back in 1927. Jerry started pursuing acting in his late 20s, and that was when he met his wife, Anne Meara. Together, they would star the Stiller and Meara comedic duo that would deem them as household names. Jerry passed away in 2020 from natural causes. The last time he was in front of a camera was in 2019 with Kaye Ballard – The Show Goes On. Jerry’s now survived by his son, Ben Stiller, with whom they’d even made the Zoolander films working side by side.
Thuy Trang, 27, 1973-2001
Thuy Trang was a beautiful soul taken too soon from the world. The Vietnamese American actress achieved stardom after portraying Trini Kwan, the first Yellow Ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Since then, Trang had roles in other productions such as Spy Hard and The Crow: City of Angels. Although she could've reached greater heights in show business, her life came to an unexpected end on September 2, 2001. While traveling on Interstate 5 between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Trang and her girlfriends (including actress Angela Rockwood) had a fatal car crash. The accident caused the death of the 27-year-old while being airlifted to the hospital.
Elvis Presley, 42, 1935 -1977
In the mid-1950s, Elvis Presley rose to stardom with his then-unusual musical flair, alluring dance moves, and by that we mean his gyrating hips and good looks. All these combined caused massive public excitement. They had no idea that “The King” was just ahead of his time. In 1977, he suffered from a heart failure that was later found related to his use of prescription drugs. Elvis left behind a daughter from his previous marriage with Priscilla Beaulieu along with a mark that will last for years and years to come. The great music icon’s Memphis home, Graceland, is still open to the public.
Colby Cave – 25, 1994-2020
Colby Cave was a prominent ice hockey pro from Canada, who played the centre position for Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins of the NHL. He was born in 1994 and his pro career began in 2015. Besides Oilers and Bruins, Colby was also in the teams' respective affiliates, from the AHL (American Hockey League). His career was on the rise and he showed a lot of promise, but he suffered from a colloid cyst, which is a form of non-cancerous brain tumor. On the night between April 6 and 7, it caused complications that demanded immediate surgery, and Colby died on April 11, in Toronto, aged twenty-five.
Don Knotts, 81, 1924–2006
Don Knotts became famous for his roles as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife in the iconic sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. He was renowned for his comic timing in the role and changing the sitcom format by being a supporting character who is the comedic lead, as opposed to the usual opposite.
But it's not only as the two-piece suit-wearing deputy sheriff he was famous for. Knott's also starred as Ralph Furley in the highly-rated sitcom Three's Company. He came in when Susan Somers was leaving the show and incorporated many of her punchlines into his script. He passed away due to complications from lung cancer.
John Witherspoon, 77, 1942–2019
Whether it was as the Willie Jones in the Friday series or as John "Pops" Williams in the Wayans Brothers, John Witherspoon was renowned for playing fathers with an acute sense of comic timing, but with lots of wisdom to share as well.
Eventually, he would also play a grandfather when he put his voice to Robert Jebediah "Granddad" Freeman in the cult hit Cartoon Network animated series The Boondocks. Before all of this, he also dabbled in modeling and got his big TV break in the '70s detective show Barnaby Jones. Witherspoon died of a heart attack at his home at the age of 77.
Robert Conrad - 84, 1935-2020
From the Black Sheep Squadron, and the Centennial series of the ‘70s, Robert Conrad was able to create a fortune for himself. He passed away in February 2020 at the age of 84. Robert was somewhat of a series royalty with all the successful shows which he had taken part in. He decided to retire in the early ‘00s. In fact, the last film which he played in was back in 2002, and the film was called Dead Above Ground. He somehow managed to always remain relevant, though. In 2019, he even had a phone interview with the Ercan Large show.
Robin Williams, 63, 1951-2014
Not many people have the talent to make us laugh one minute and cry the other, which was what Robin Williams had in his lifetime of being a stand-up comedian and an actor. As an entertainer, his life seemed charmed on the surface but underneath, his well-being was nowhere near intact. Robin was battling with a long history of mental illness and being diagnosed with Diffuse Lewy Body disease which further aggravated his mental state had ultimately led him to take his life on August 11, 2014. His third wife, Susan Schneider was heartbroken by the loss of her husband and took part in the documentary, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind.
Jimi Hendrix, 27, 1942–1970
Jimi Hendrix was 15 and in high school when he got his first acoustic guitar. From then on, the rest was history as he became one of the greatest guitarists the world of music has ever experienced. One of his most unforgettable performances was when he played The Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock in 1969. Although private about his love-life, Kathy Etchingham was his girlfriend with whom he was living in. Jimi was photographed together with Black Betty, his beloved guitar, the day before he overdosed on prescribed sleeping pills and died on September 18, 1970, being one of the first members of the '27 Club.'
Mary Tyler Moore, 80, 1936-2017
While actress Mary Tyler Moore may seem well in this snap, it couldn’t be further from the truth! She often had a cheerfulness written on her face, and perhaps that was why people had forgotten just how bad the last years of her life were. Mary’s condition had been on the decline since perhaps even 1969, when she was diagnosed with Type I diabetes after her miscarriage. But it was from the 2000s that things got really bad. In 2011, she required surgical removal of a meningioma, and in 2014, she experienced heart and kidney problems and nearly went blind. She died on January 25, 2017, from complications after contracting pneumonia.
Natalie Wood, 43, 1938-1981
Over the years, a fair few celebrities have died in tragic accidents. Natalie Wood was one of them who died so young at just 43 years old. On November 29, 1981, her cold and hard body was found floating in the Pacific Ocean off Califonia's Catalina Island. She was in her nightgown, and it was a mystery for the authorities, surely. Later, the police found out that Wood spent the weekend in her yacht with her husband and a small party. Following an autopsy, her death was declared an accident. Still, drowning is a horrible way to die.
Bruce Lee, 32, 1940-1973
When you talk about martial arts, Bruce Lee's name will definitely come up. He was one of the most talented martial artists the world has ever seen. Lee was also a philosopher and an amazing actor. He was just 32 years old when he died, and his most awaited movie, Enter The Dragon, was just weeks away from the release date. During a dialogue replacement session for the movie in Hong Kong, he fell after having seizures. Although he recovered after been taken to the hospital, the cerebral edema returned two months later. It became the end cause of Lee's death on the 20th of July 1973.
Keith Flint, 49, 1969-2019
Keith Flint was a British singer who had a huge fan base, not just for his music, but also for his dancing and racing abilities. He was the founder of the electronic dance band, The Prodigy. Pictured above is Flint's last photo, taken when he took part in the Chelmsford Parkrun just two days before his death. He looks awfully happy and healthy in the photo, and no one could've predicted his actions that followed. In March 2019, at the age of 49, Flint took his own life. The journalist and author, Rob Hadgraft, posted these pictures on Twitter along with the sad news.
Rip Torn, 88, 1931-2019
Rip Torn was one of the actors who had an extremely long career in the film industry. He rose to fame in the '60s, and he became a household name after a series of prominent roles in productions like The Larry Sanders Show and RoboCop3. As many of us already know, Alzheimer's is a nasty disease that gradually changes who we are. Having suffered from the disease for a while, at 88 years of age, Rip Torn lost his life due to complications from Alzheimer's. Since he had a long life, may he now rest in peace!
Margot Kidder, 69, 1948-2018
The Canadian born actress Margot Kidder took home several awards for her mind-blowing talents. During her active career spanning over five decades, she was also an environmentalist and an avid supporter of LGBT rights. Kidder publicly spoke about suffering from bipolar disorder, a condition that could've triggered her suicidal thought on the 13th day of May 2018. She died by suicide from alcohol and drug overdose. Her body was cremated, and the ashes were scattered in her favorite places by her brother, John Kidder. In the hearts of her fans, Kidder will always be the lively Lois Lane from the Superman series.
Frida Kahlo, 47, 1907-1954
Frida Kahlo was a prominent Mexican painter during the early 1900s. She was married to another painter, also from Mexico, named Diego Rivera. The couple was in marital bliss for a decade before their divorce. A year later, they decided to remarry. Both Kahlo and Rivera had many affairs even though they were together. Kahlo suffered from several medical conditions from a young age, and her health only worsened over the years. In her final years, Kahlo underwent bone graft surgery on her spine, which later caused a serious infection. She lost her right leg below the knee, which triggered depression and anxiety. Kahlo passed on at 47.
Chris Cornell, 52, 1964-2017
It is common knowledge that depression takes the life of many around us. According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, over 50% of those who commit suicide suffers from depression. Chris Cornell was never secretive about suffering from mental health problems, as well as substance addiction. However, he turned his life over and was sober for years until a bad judgment following a performance with Soundgarden, ended his life. Cornell killed himself at 52 by hanging, and although drugs did not contribute to his death, his autopsy report informed that he had drugs in his system. Sadly, the rock musician left behind his beloved wife and three children.
Joe Jackson, 89, 1928-2018
Joe Jackson's life was not a boring one. His life was littered with controversy and drama even right to his deathbed! It was reported that Joe’s family members were banned from even visiting him, until eventually at the very end; they were allowed to see him. Joe died just two days after the ninth anniversary of his son, the iconic Michael Jackson’s death, and less than a month before his birthday. Joe had the support of his children and his wife at his death, in spite of everything they had gone through in their family (like his being unapologetic for his legacy of raising his kids using corporal punishment as discipline).
Lynn Cohen, 86, 1933-2020
After appearing on Broadway shows in the '70s, Lynn Cohen went back to the entertainment industry in the late '90s. One of her most remembered roles was on the successful TV show, S** and the City, where she played the part of the nanny of Miranda's son. She also had a significant role in the film Catching Fire, part of The Hunger Games franchise. Some of her other roles include a recurrent one on the TV show, Damages. Cohen passed away on February 14 at age 86. While the cause has not been released, it was likely due to age-related chronic health issues.
Daniel Lee Martin, 54, 1965-2020
Daniel Lee Martin was a country singer who had resided in the Tennessee area for most of his life. However, after charges were placed against him concerning child abuse, he moved to Florida. It was there that a police squad found him, with what seemed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Martin was about to be trialed for the aforementioned charges, after being indicted in 2018 for accusations of a similar nature. He released two albums during his career, and he opened for great musicians, including Willie Nelson. Martin had also worked as the host of Brotherhood Outdoors.
XXXTentacion, 20, 1998-2018
XXXTentacion was a rapper whose career started with uploading his music on SoundCloud. He later had the opportunity to pursue music professionally at a young age and was able to release a total of two albums, both of which were certified Platinum. Sadly, his life was cut short at the age of 20 back in 2018 after he was fatally shot by some robbers. They apparently stole a bag that had a lot of money in it. Authorities were able to catch the robbers, but they're still waiting for their trial. In 2019, his new posthumous album titled Bad Vibes Forever was released.
Cameron Boyce, 20, 1999-2019
Cameron Boyce's death caught the industry by surprise. During his short life, he managed to do much. He appeared on different films, including the Grown Ups franchise. Furthermore, he was part of The Descendants cast, and he had his show on Disney XD, titled Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything. Boyce was also a young philanthropist. He got involved in numerous charity initiatives, from bringing clean water to developing nations, to finding ways to solve homelessness in the US. Boyce had epilepsy, and a sudden attack, while he slept, was ruled as the cause of death.
Howard Hughes, 70, 1905 - 1976
Howard Hughes was a wealthy business magnate who was a notable producer in Hollywood during the late '20s. He worked on classic films like Scarface and The Racket. In the latter part of his life, he became an aviation enthusiast and put up the Hughes Aircraft Company. However, his unhealthy lifestyle and vices later made his health decline, and he eventually passed away in 1976 at the age of 70. The main cause of death was said to be his failing kidneys. Hughes' memory lives on today through the Howard Hughes Corporation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
John Mahoney, 77, 1940-2018
John Mahoney’s life left him when he was in a Chicago hospice in 2018, on February 4. Mahoney struggled with throat cancer, which was diagnosed in 2014. A friend of Mahoney’s named Anna Shapiro, shared that Mahoney was fragile and he had actually intended to have a routine procedure done. Of course, being very frail after stage three throat cancer didn’t leave his body much of a chance to survive the otherwise safe procedure. The Frasier star had beaten cancer, but his other body had taken a beating as well.
Amelia Earhart, 41, 1897-1939
American aviator Amelia Earhart now has nothing but her lasting fame to survive her. There have been hundreds of books written telling the tale of her life, and it is an interesting one. Here we speak of its end, though – one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in history! Earhart was on a mission to circumnavigate the globe with Fred Noonan when the pair went missing somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. There was an extensive search for them, but on July 19, 1937, Earhart and Noonan were declared lost at sea. On Jan. 5, 1939, Earhart was declared "legally dead."
Michelle Thomas, 30, 1968-1998
Michelle Thomas was starting on the path of what could have been a very successful career. Known for her comedic abilities, she had starred in the TV show Family Matters where she played Myra Monkhouse. Michelle had just been cast for a role in The Young and The Restless when she was diagnosed with a rare type of stomach cancer, which ended her life at the young age of 30. Michelle is fondly remembered by her family and coworkers, and on the show, she used to be a fan favorite for her charismatic demeanor and promising talent.
Aaliyah, 22, 1979-2001
It was in 2001, during the month of August when singer Aaliyah boarded a charter flight with eight others. Her companions were members of the Blackground Records company (Gina Smith and Douglas Kratz), stylist Eric Forman, security guard Scott Gallin, Anthony Dodd, family friend Keith Wallace, and of course, the pilot, Luis Morales III. Little did these people know that they would never leave the plane alive. The Cessna 402B aircraft crashed 200 feet from the end of the runway, and exploded, killing all on board. This occurred after shooting the video for Rock the Boat, as they had decided spontaneously to return to the U.S earlier than planned.
Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, 30, 1971-2002
Singer Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes was driving a Mitsubishi Montero SUV that she had rented when she swerved twice – once to avoid a truck, and then again to avoid an oncoming vehicle. The car ended up rolling several times over after it struck two trees and threw Lopes and three other passengers through the windows of the vehicle and into a ditch beside the road. Lopes died instantly, after severe damage to the base of her cranium. Lopes was the only occupant of the vehicle that sustained fatal injuries. The crash occurred on April 25, 2002, and the last few moments she was seen alive were recorded by another occupant in the vehicle.
River Phoenix, 23, 1970-1993
The last photograph to have been taken of actor River Phoenix was captured two days before his untimely death. It was on October 30, 1993, that Phoenix was scheduled to perform at a Hollywood nightclub with ‘Flea,' his close friend of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The nightclub was, at the time, partly owned by star actor Johnny Depp. In the early hours of October 31, Phoenix collapsed outside the nightclub, after a series of convulsions lasting over five minutes, as a result of a drug overdose. The toxicology results came back with high levels of cocaine and morphine in Phoenix’s blood, among other substances in smaller amounts.
Ian Curtis, 23, 1956 - 1980
Ian Curtis was a talented singer who is best remembered for being the frontman of the band named Joy Division. Despite the success he had, he was suffering behind the scenes because he was depressed and had epilepsy. These were the two main factors that pushed him to take his own life back in 1980. His unexpected suicide at the age of 23 actually happened when he and Joy Division were about to go on their first North American tour. After his death, the band later became a new group called New Order.
Bradley Nowell, 28, 1968-1996
Bradley Nowell wed Troy Dendekker in 1996, on May 18. Seven days after his wedding, Nowell, lead singer of the ska-punk band Sublime, was set to begin a five-day tour across Northern California, to be followed by a European and East Coast tour. It was during the band’s stay at Ocean View Motel that Bud Gaugh, the band drummer, discovered Nowell lying on the floor. At first, Gaugh thought that Nowell had just passed out, too drunk to climb into bed – but the yellow film surrounding Bradley's mouth confirmed he had overdosed on heroin. Hence, his wife was widowed after just a week of marriage!
Roger Moore, 89, 1927-2017
Sir Roger Moore’s death was announced on May 23, 2017, and it was revealed that it was after losing his battle with prostate cancer. Moore was in the presence of his closest and most dear people – his friends and family. Moore had had several other ailments. In 2013, Moore was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In 2012, Moore suffered a bout of pneumonia so severe that he had to learn how to walk again and even had a pacemaker fitted. In 1993, he removed his prostate gland from his first encounter with prostate cancer. He had also admitted to having several skin cancers, in 2012.
Candy Darling, 29, 1944-1974
Candy Darling was a transgender icon of the ‘70s. Lymphoma claimed the life of dear Candy Darling on March 21, 1974, when she was 29 years old. The tragic death happened at Cabrini Health Centre, in the Columbia University Medical Center division. A letter Darling had penned was left on her deathbed, describing that she had actually lost the will to live and she even made reference to the phrase “bored to death." She also mentioned that she always knew she wouldn’t last, and added that she did wish she could meet everyone again.
Anthony Bourdain, 61, 1956-2018
The renowned chef/host was alive and well until June 8, 2018, when he was found dead. Bourdain hanged himself in the Le Chambard Hotel (not your typical pricey luxury hotel but a highly frequented chateau-like place) near Colmar only 17 days before his 62nd birthday. He was traveling with friend Eric Ripert, and it was when Bourdain missed dinner and breakfast that Ripert grew concerned. Bourdain’s toxicology results were clear of narcotics and only showed a trace of therapeutic medication. It seemed that his suicide was an impulsive act, as it was also confirmed by public prosecutor Christian de Rocquigny du Fayel that Bourdain’s body bore no signs of violence having been inflicted on him.
Kate Spade, 55, 1962-2018
Yet another celebrity to have been discovered dead by the housekeeper was design expert Kate Spade. Spade’s body was found hanging in her Manhattan apartment and her untimely death was ruled as a suicide. The death occurred on June 5, 2018. Spade left a note for her daughter. It was revealed by her husband Andy that Kate had suffered from both depression and anxiety for several years and that she was actually seeking help actively. He claimed that Kate had shown no signs that she was intending to take her life and that her death came as a total shock.
Chris Benoit, 40, 1967-2007
It was in 2007, on June 25, that police entered the home of professional wrestler Chris Benoit. Benoit’s home was in Fayetteville, Georgia. The WWE requested a welfare check on Benoit after he missed some events that took place, without notice. It was then that the awful scene was discovered – the dead bodies of Benoit, Benoit’s wife Nancy, and the couple’s 7-year-old son, Daniel. Investigations led the authorities to no suspects, and they were determined that Benoit had committed the murders before claiming his own life as well. Nancy was bound before her death, Daniel was drugged with Xanax, and Benoit hung himself on his lat pulldown machine.
Hunter S. Thompson, 67, 1937-2005
A self-inflicted gunshot wound straight to the head took the life of journalist Hunter S. Thompson on February 20, 2005. Thompson killed himself at Owl Farm in Woody Creek in Colorado. The suicide happened while his son Juan and his daughter-in-law Jennifer, as well as his grandson, were all visiting him for a weekend. He was on a phone call with his wife Anita when he cocked the gun. His body was found by Juan, who discovered what had happened about half an hour after the shot. Juan shot three blasts into the air after calling the sheriff, to mark his father’s passing.
Ryan Dunn, 34, 1977-2011
Stuntman Ryan Dunn’s Porsche 911 GT3 swerved off the road and collided with a tree before bursting into flames with Dunn and Zachary Hartwell in the vehicle. It was nine days after Dunn’s 34th birthday. The last picture of Dunn was posted by him hours before the vehicle crash, on his Twitter account. It was a picture of him drinking with Hartwell at a bar in West Chester. Dunn’s blood tests showed he had alcohol levels more than twice the maximum legal limit. Of course, they must have been speeding too, which resulted in the impact of the fatal collision. It happened on June 20, 2011.
Cory Monteith, 31, 1982-2013
Glee star Cory Montieth was 31 years old when he was found unresponsive in his Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel room. It was the day he was meant to check out, after a 7-night stay, and when he failed to do so, the staff of the hotel entered the room. Later, it was confirmed that he was dead and the cause of death was only revealed later. An autopsy report revealed that Montieth’s death was a result of multiple narcotics toxicity after alcohol and heroin were detected in his blood, with morphine and codeine as well. His self-inflicted death was actually accidental, though. It happened on July 13, 2013.
Luke Perry, 52, 1966-2019
Actor Luke Perry’s death came to him as a massive stroke when he was at his home in Los Angeles. The date of the stroke was February 27, 2019. After he suffered a second stroke while on life support, his family made the difficult but necessary decision to remove him from life support. Perry then died of complications on March 4. Perry was actually engaged to Wendy Bauer at the time of his death. It was said that he was buried near his deluxe house in Tennessee, where Perry had a farm and resided since 1995. However, later it was reported that he was cremated and the ashes were spread on the farm.
James Gandolfini, 51, 1961-2013
James Gandolfini was photographed dining in Rome on June 19, 2013. This would eventually be his last meal with his wife Deborah Lin and his son Michael who found him dead later that day due to a heart attack. As the protagonist in HBO's hit series The Sopranos, Gandolfini was loved for his take on Tony Soprano, a New Jersey family man going through an existential crisis while also being an Italian-American mobster. He was to be awarded at the Taormina Film Fest in Sicily before his untimely death and was posthumously inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, in 2014.
Luis Valbuena, 33, 1985-2018
Venezuelan baseball infielder Luis Valbuena had played 11 seasons in the Major League Baseball. He started his baseball career with the MLB in 2008. He played for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, and the Los Angeles Angels. Valbuena was married to Mayela Eatherington and they had a son together. At 33, Valbuena was sadly killed in a car accident in December 2018 after bandits tried to steal from him. His fellow players namely José Castillo and Carlos Rivero were with him during the incident but only José had suffered the same fate.
David Foster Wallace, 46, 1962-2008
Writer David Foster Wallace apparently suffered major depressive disorder for over two decades, as revealed by his father. The antidepressants that Wallace was in allowed him to be productive. In 2007, Wallace stopped taking the primary antidepressant phenelzine, after experiencing severe side effects. It was on his physician's advice, but his depressive state recurred and other treatments like electroconvulsive therapy didn’t help. He eventually went back to the phenelzine but found it was ineffective. In 2008, on September 12, he penned a two-page suicide note and hanged himself from a rafter of his home.
René Angelil, 73, 1942-2016
René Angélil was 49 when he had a heart attack. But it wasn’t a fatal one, of course. That was back in 1991. In 1999, Angélil was diagnosed with cancer, but he had made a full recovery. In 2009, it was reported that he underwent a medical procedure related to his heart and arterial blockages. It was planned for months and wasn’t heart surgery. In 2013, Angélil had surgery again, for throat cancer and in 2014, he stepped down from being Dion’s manager. In September of 2015, the shocking news that he had just months to survive was circulating. On January 14, 2016, Angélil died two days before his 74th birthday.
Antonin Scalia, 79, 1936-2016
US Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia had the most peaceful of deaths (perhaps only a tie with Stephen Hawking) in that he died in his sleep, at the ripe old age of 79. Scalia’s body was found in the morning of February 13, 2016, in his Cibolo Creek Ranch. The afternoon before, Scalia had gone quail hunting and had enjoyed a good dinner. He was pronounced dead by natural causes, although his physician did reveal that Scalia sported a history of heart issues like high blood pressure. In fact, Scalia was deemed too fragile for surgery for a torn rotator cuff shortly before his passing!
Cloris Leachman, 94, 1926–2021
Cloris Leachman was born in Iowa in 1926 and started acting in the mid-40s. She never stopped until she passed away quite recently in January 2021, from natural causes. Cloris was 94 years old when she died in her sleep. She may no longer be with us, but we’re still to see the last of her.
At the time of her death, Leachman was working on two films, Not To Forget and High Holiday, both of which will now be released posthumously within 2021. She’s survived by her countless memorable performances in movies like The Last Picture Show and the five children she had with George Englund.
Larry King, 87, 1933–2021
It would be safe to say that the TV industry would be looking a lot different today had it not been for Larry King’s contribution. He was born in New York City, back in 1933. At the time of his death, in January 2021, he was 87 years old and worth approximately $50 million.
His most recent projects were two shows, Larry King Now and Politicking with Larry King, which aired on three channels, Hulu, Ora TV, and RT America. He had been married eight times, lastly to Shawn Southwick, since 1997. He contracted COVID-19 and passed away from complications with the disease while hospitalized.
Siegfried Fischbacher, 81, 1939–2021
Ever since the ‘80s, Siegfried Fischbacher’d been performing with his duo, Siegfried & Roy, with white lions and tigers. They were so successful that even though almost two decades have gone by since they stopped, they are still remembered. His partner was the first who passed away from COVID-19 in 2020, and less than a year later, Siegfried did too.
Fischbacher had only just announced his terminal diagnosis with pancreatic cancer days before it took his life. He was 81 years old and apparently, worth close to $120 million. According to The Daily Mail, he chose to spend his final days at his house in Las Vegas.
Frank Sinatra, 82, 1915-1998
Singer-actor Frank Sinatra died at the age of 82, with his wife at his side, at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA in 1998, on May 14. Sinatra had been ill in the last years of his life and frequented the hospital for problems with breathing and his heart, as well as increased blood pressure, bladder cancer, and pneumonia. On top of it all, he was diagnosed with dementia. Allegedly, Sinatra’s children were not told of his final hospitalization. In commemoration of his death, the lights on the Empire State Building in NY were turned blue and the Las Vegas strip lights were dimmed in his honor.
Patty Duke, 69, 1946-2016
Actress Patty Duke breathed her last breath on March 29, 2016, as a result of incurring sepsis from an intestine rupture when she was 69. Duke’s son, Sean Austin (of The Lord of the Rings fame), revealed later to the public that his mother was in immense pain before her death. Duke had bipolar disorder, which left her feeling like she was suffering ‘manic depression’ as she had described it. Duke spent much of her life serving as a mental health advocate. Upon her death, Sean established the Patty Duke Mental Health Initiative in her name and invited the public to contribute.
Bill Paxton, 61, 1955-2017
William Paxton or more known as Bill Paxton who starred in the movies Nightcrawler, Twister, Apollo 13, Frailty, Mighty Joe Young, and Titanic, was photographed at the 2017 NAACP Awards before dying from a stroke on February 25, 2017, just two weeks after this public appearance. Bill’s death was a result of heart problems stemming from complications brought on by his aorta and heart valve surgery which was done ten days prior to his untimely death. His widow and wife of 30 years, Louise Newbury, was left behind with their two children, James and Lydia.
Philip Seymour Hoffman, 46, 1967-2014
It’s unfortunate to lose great people to addiction. Philip Seymour Hoffman was one we lost to that circumstance. Only two weeks after his photo above was captured at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, Hoffman died due to drug overdose from a mixture of dangerous illegal substances. Mimi O’Donnell, his widow, had a hard time moving on but learned to forgive her husband and herself for what had happened. Hoffman was a talented actor who appeared in the movies Synecdoche, Flawless, The Master, and The Hunger Games as Plutarch Heavensbee, the game maker. He also starred in Capote which won him an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA.
David Bowie, 69, 1947 -2016
David Bowie was a gift to the music industry and was a true artist who was never afraid to be authentic even if it meant reinventing himself from Ziggy Stardust to The Thin White Duke. Staying true to Bowie, he made sure to leave one final remembrance before he departed this world. The legendary musician released his 25th album Blackstar just two days before he died on January 10, 2016, after suffering from liver cancer for a year and a half. Somali-American supermodel Iman, married to Bowie for 24 years, said she will never consider marrying anyone again as David will always be her husband. Who can ever replace such a legend?
Don Rickles, 90, 1926-2017
Most of us know the Toy Story franchise, but we won’t judge you if you didn’t. Just use the power of the Internet to find out. One notable character here is Mr. Potato Head voiced by Don Rickles, an actor, and writer considered to be the first and finest insult comic. His most noteworthy full movie portrayals where on Run Deep, Run Silent, and Kelly's Heroes, although according to his memoir Rickle’s Book, his grandchildren were most impressed by his role as Mr. Potato Head! He was happily married to Barbara Sklar from 1965 up until the day he died of kidney failure on April 6, 2017, at his home in Beverly Hills, California.
Glenne Headly, 62, 1955-2017
Glenne Headly, the actress who was widely loved for her role on Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), died at 62 due to complications from a blood clot that occurred in her lungs called pulmonary embolism, on June 8, 2017. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her husband Byron McCulloch, whom she married in 1993, and their son, Stirling. Headley ended up having her last movie role on Just Getting Started, released six months before she passed - with the untimely death happening mid-way through the making of the half-hour comedy television series, Future Man.
Jack Palance, 87, 1919-2006
He was the ultimate antagonist in the films The Mercenary and The Professionals and it transcended not only in his acting but also in real life because of his passionate work attitude. Jack Palance even had a star to his name etched on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Back when dating apps weren’t yet available, Jack found love and 30 years of marriage with Elaine Palance. The spirit of Jack lives on in Elaine’s home in Bourne which she filled with art, antiques, and memorabilia of their love despite Jack passing on November 10, 2006. He died of natural causes at age 87.
Ernest Borgnine, 95, 1917-2012
We find another passionate artist in Ernest Borgnine, distinguished for his Cheshire Cat-like smile and career that spanned over 60 years in the entertainment industry. Borgnine got hitched five times, with his last love being Tova Traesnaes who was by his side during his death of kidney failure at an L.A, California Hospital on July 8, 2012. His career started in 1951 and he had appearances in over 100 feature films which branched over to television series as well as voiceovers in animated films. This talented man even won an Oscar for Best Actor for the movie, Marty.
JFK, 46, 1917-1963
On November 22, 1963, the 35th American President, John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy, a.k.a JFK was with his First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. They were riding an open limousine for a motorcade through downtown Dallas when the President got killed by two rifle bullets that hit the base of his neck and head. Imagine how devastating it was to sit in a car with your dead loved one?! Jackie went through this on that fateful date, refusing to change out of her pink Chanel suit even if it was already blood-soaked, to show what the murderer did to her husband. The public assassination became the most infamous political murder of the 20th century.
Sondra Locke, 74, 1944-2018
Sondra Locke jump-started her movie career in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter which got her nominated for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress in 1968. Locke further practiced her acting prowess in movies like Any Which Way You Can, Willard, Every Which Way But Loose, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Sudden Impact. After her marriage to sculptor Gordon Anderson, Locke married Clint Eastwood. However, marital issues and Eastwood’s adultery had led to the end of their 13-year relationship. Locke released her autobiography The Good, the Bad, and the Very Ugly – A Hollywood Journey in 1977. At the age of 74 on November 3, 2018, a cardiac arrest took her life.
James Dean, 24, 1931-1955
It is somewhat chilling to find out that a person who died in a vehicular crash had loved racing. James Dean was a part of that irony. By some means, this tragedy propelled him further into being a film icon as an intensely loyal cult followed right after his death in 1955. While on a road trip speeding down California’s highway, his silver Porsche 550 Spyder nicknamed “Little Bastard” crashed into an onrushing Ford Sedan, killing the 24-year old instantly. Dean’s most remembered love was Italian Actress Pier Angeli. It was a heartbreak that they did not end up together because Angeli’s mother disapproved of the relationship.
John Avildsen, 81, 1935-2017
Adding to the line of personalities that died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A was John Avildsen who died on June 16, 2017, of pancreatic cancer. Hollywood's history would’ve been different if Avildsen did not exist as a director. His most distinguished film was Rocky in 1977 which won him an Academy Award for Best Director. He also directed movies such as The Formula, Lean on Me, Inferno, and who can forget The Karate Kid movies. Yes, folks! He directed them. The first three at least, which were honestly the best ones. After divorcing his first wife, he found love the second time around in actress Tracy Brooks Swope, in 1987.
Andy Warhol, 58, 1928 - 1987
Andy Warhol is considered to be one of the most influential artists of his generation. His vision and talent led him to become one of the most renowned names in the pop art movement. Furthermore, he was responsible for bringing numerous celebrities to light and was even involved in a band! Andy was the manager and promoter of The Velvet Underground. His studio, called The Factory, became a gathering place for people in the industry—from models to socialites. In this last picture, we can see him heading to the New York hospital. Unfortunately, Andy died due to complications from his previous gallbladder surgery. He was then 58.
Kurt Cobain, 27, 1967-1994
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana frontman, was a significant icon in the history of alternative music and was married in 1992 to Courtney Love, having their daughter in the same year. Their life would’ve been perfect if it wasn’t for the drugs that the two sometimes shared. Cobain’s mental condition was never clinically diagnosed and his drug use might have dragged him further into his sad fate. On April 8, 1994, Cobain was found dead from a self-inflicted shotgun wound to his head in his Seattle home. The coroner’s report estimated that he died on April 5, 2018, and that a high concentration of heroin and traces of diazepam was found in his body.
Chester Bennington, 41, 1976-2017
Linkin Park’s lead vocalist Chester Bennington looks quite happy in this photo that was snapped just a few days prior to his death. Also, six days before his passing, he had filmed a Carpool Karaoke episode. Bennington’s housekeeper discovered his body on July 20, 2017, after he committed suicide by hanging. He had openly shared his struggles with depression and substance dependence, but that couldn’t have prepared anyone for how he chose to end his life. Bennington’s funeral service was held at the South Beach Botanic Garden and alongside his closest friends and family, several musicians also attended.
Bob Marley, 36, 1945-1981
Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley became both a cultural and international musical icon for blending rocksteady, ska, and reggae in his compositions. Unfortunately, Marley passed away at the age of 36 in Miami, due to melanoma. As a committed Rastafari, he infused his sense of spirituality into his music. The last photo of the reggae icon was taken in Munich, Germany a couple of months before he succumbed to cancer in 1981. Marley was credited for popularizing reggae music the world over. His memory lives on through his music and the scores of merchandise that he inspired.
Robert F. Kennedy, 42, 1925-1968
Robert F. Kennedy was the 64th U.S. Attorney General and later a New York senator. The last photo taken of the late senator shows him after he was fatally shot by 24-year-old Palestinian Sirhan Sirhan. It happened on June 5, 1968, at The Ambassador Hotel as the senator made his way through the kitchen. Just as he got to the crowded kitchen passageway and turned to the left to shake a busboy’s hand, Sirhan opened fire, hitting the senator three times. The busboy, Juan Romero, cradled the senator and placed a rosary in his hands in the moments that followed as they waited for an ambulance. He died the following day.
Chris Farley, 33, 1964-1997
Comedian and actor Chris Farley was well known for his energetic and loud comedic style. He was a member of the Second City Theatre in Chicago and he later became a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL). His film acting career included appearances on Tommy Boy and Beverly Hills Ninja. For the better part of his life, Farley was obese and at the time of his passing, he tipped the scales at 296 pounds. He also abused drugs and booze, leading to his suspension several times from SNL. On December 18, 1997, Farley’s brother found him dead in his apartment. The autopsy revealed that Farley had overdosed on morphine and cocaine.
Leonard Nimoy, 83, 1931-2015
Leonard Nimoy dabbled in multiple careers as a film director, songwriter, photographer, singer, and actor. He will always be best remembered for portraying Spock in the Star Trek franchise. Nimoy had his start in the entertainment business in his early twenties when he took acting classes. His daughter and son followed in his footsteps and produced the documentaries Remembering Leonard Nimoy and For the Love of Spock, respectively. Nimoy disclosed to the public that he suffered from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in 2014. He fell into a coma on February 25, 2015, and passed away due to COPD-related complications two days later. This last photo of him was during a hospital visit.
ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY, 62, 1933–1995
People who watched Bewitched will remember Elizabeth Montgomery’s daring role as Samantha Stephens on the series. The series was one of the most popular shows in the United States when it aired, even becoming its second-rated show for its debut season. With such a legacy, it’s no wonder fans were left shocked after Montgomery’s death in 1995 due to complications from colon cancer.
True fans of the actress will know that’s far from the only thing she did in her career. She launched her career through her father’s popular series Robert Montgomery Presents and was in films like The Legend of Lizzie Borden.
ALEX TREBEK, 80, 1940–2020
Alex Trebek passed away in November 2020 after a 20-month battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. Before his death, he was widely known as the game show host of the famous general knowledge quiz show Jeopardy!
He was 80 years old at the time of his death, but he had been contracted on the show until 2022. Such was his legacy on the show that he’d become almost synonymous with it, even though he also hosted other game shows in his lifetime. Shows like Battlestars and Double Dare are an honorable mention.
JENNI RIVERA, 43, 1969–2012
Jenni Rivera was a significant figure in Latin pop culture, and it was deeply saddening to see her leave in such a tragic manner. She died in a plane crash near Monterrey, Mexico, in December 2012. Before her death, she had established herself as a boundary-defying and hugely influential Latin singer.
In the male-dominated sphere of Banda music, she managed to sell over 20 million records worldwide, making her the highest-earning Banda singer in history. She also won 22 Billboard Latin Music Awards and received four Latin Grammy nominations. She was particularly active in charity and civic causes, even becoming the spokesperson for a non-profit organization.
GIANNI VERSACE, 50, 1946–1997
Beyond being a genius fashion designer, Gianni Versace was also well-recognized in the world of pop culture. He was one of the first designers to connect the music and fashion industries. He was also a pal to celebrities like Tupac Shakur, Princess Diana of Wales, and Madonna, among many others.
The combination of his genius and connections led to his name becoming one of the most popular brands in the world. He was shot by the infamous spree killer Andrew Cunanan in July 1997. Even now, the name Versace lives on, embraced indiscriminately in every corner of the globe.
JULIET PROWSE, 59, 1936–1996
One of Juliet Prowse’s best features was her legs, which were considered incredibly attractive. With this natural endowment, plus the combination of her beauty and acting brilliance, she built an incredible career as a dancer and an actress. In a career that spanned four decades, she worked and eventually had an affair with legendary celebrities Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
That’s only a tiny part of her fascinating legacy, as she was fantastic and quite successful as a stage performer. Although she never achieved as much success on film and television, she seemed satisfied with her accomplishments before her death from pancreatic cancer in 1996.
BOB HOPE, 100, 1903–2003
Bob Hope lived the entire length of a century. That’s an astonishing accomplishment in itself, but this fascinating man went further and took it upon himself to make others laugh in his lifetime. True to his name, he brought hope and inspiration to his audiences through his numerous talents. He was a comedian, actor, athlete, author, vaudevillian, singer, and dancer all in one.
He’s hosted the Oscars 19 times, more than any other host. Hope’s generous acts include volunteering to entertain American military personnel around the world in a total of 57 tours. This man with a heart of gold died from pneumonia at the age of 100.
Joey Feek, 40, 1975-2016
Country singer Joey Feek and husband Rory had their start in the CMT talent show, Can You Duet, where they finished third. They were signed by Vanguard/Sugar Hill Records which released three out of their eight albums. They had a daughter, Indiana, in 2014, and they soon found out that she had Down Syndrome. Just three months later, they discovered that Joey had cervical cancer. She went through cancer treatment and she was even declared cancer-free, but in 2015, it came back and spread to her colon. Joey passed in March 2016 with her husband Rory by her side.
Notorious B.I.G., 24, 1927-1997
In the last snap of rapper Notorious B.I.G, he was pictured with fellow musician and friend Puff Daddy. Also known by the stage names Biggie Smalls and Biggie, Christopher Wallace was considered one of the world’s greatest rappers. He was a big part of the East Coast-West Coast music feud and it led to his murder by an unknown assailant during a Los Angeles drive-by shooting. The incident happened on March 9, 1997, and his second album was released just sixteen days following his death. When recording that album dubbed Life After Death, Wallace was involved in a car accident that left him unable to stand and walk.
Dale Earnhardt Sr., 49, 1951-2001
Pro auto racer Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr. was best known as a NASCAR stock car racer. He had his start as a racer during the 1975 World 600 Winston Cup Series, and he went ahead to bag 76 wins, including the Daytona 500 in 1998. On February 18, 2001, Earnhardt was involved in a three-car collision during the final race lap. His vehicle collided with racer Ken Schrader’s vehicle and they subsequently made contact with Sterling Marlin’s racing auto. Just seconds following the crash, Michael Waltrip took the lead and Earnhardt’s son, Dale Jr., followed in second place. Earnhardt died instantly on the scene.
Muhammad Ali, 74, 1942-2016
“The Greatest” pro boxer, Mohammed Ali, is amongst the 20th-Century's Most Celebrated Sports figures. Ali famously sold his image and name for $50 million in 2006 and at the time of his death, his fortune was estimated between $55 million and $80 million. In 1984, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his health continued to deteriorate over the years. From 2013, he was in and out of medical care for a myriad of issues. On June 2, 2016, he was hospitalized for a respiratory illness and died the next day. The last photo of him was taken when he was on a Facetime chat on May 22, 2016, with his daughter.
George Harrison, 58, 1943-2001
English musician George Harrison gained fame as The Beatles’ guitarist. Harrison embraced Indian culture and fused it into the instrumentation for the band's work. His last photo was for the Jools Holland album released in 2001. Harrison had penned the song Horse to the Water that featured on the album. In 1997, Harrison discovered that he had carcinoma and underwent a radiotherapy treatment program. At that time, it was believed that he had beaten the illness and he publicly blamed years of smoking for his condition. In November 2001, Harrison succumbed to his illness.
Karl Lagerfeld, 85, 1933-2019
Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld's physical condition was already deteriorating by January 2019. By February 18, he was admitted to the American Hospital of Paris and that was his place of death. It was the morning after he was admitted into the facility that he died and the entire ordeal was a result of his battle with pancreatic cancer. Lagerfeld had detailed his wishes for his memorial service and arrangements after his death and that included no formal funeral and cremation. He further wished for his ashes to be spread in top-secret locations alongside his mother and his late partner, Jacques de Bascher.
Hugh Hefner, 91, 1926-2017
The last photo of Hugh Hefner was taken on August 6, 2017, at his Los Angeles home. The editor-in-chief and founder of the Playboy magazine later extended the brand to include Playboy Clubs around the world as well as his infamous Playboy mansion. Hefner passed away from sepsis at his Holmby Hills home on September 27, 2017. He previously had an E.coli infection that brought about the sepsis. As part of his last testament, Hefner rests at the Los Angeles Westwood Memorial Park because he wanted to spend eternity next to Marilyn Monroe.
Anna Nicole Smith, 39, 1967-2007
Anna Nicole Smith was quite the blonde bombshell, as you could easily tell! She had it all, it seemed! Unfortunately, she happened to also have a tragic life to go with it. Anna’s son Daniel was only 20 years old when he died, and the awful death took place three days after Anna delivered her daughter Dannielynn Birkhead. To make it worse, Daniel actually died in his mother’s hospital room from an overdose, during a visit he made to see his mom and his new-born half-sister. The same fate met Anna in 2007 when she died of accidental overdose.
Andy Kaufman, 35, 1949 – 1984
This photo is believed to have been the last taken of actor/performance artist Andy Kaufman before his death on May 16, 1984. Kaufman had been diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer and he passed away at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he had visited frequently for treatment. Efforts to find a cure, including radiotherapy, natural remedy treatments, and psychic surgery had all failed. Given that elaborate ruses and pranks were a huge part of his career, several theories have floated around over the years that Kaufman indulged in a grand hoax by faking his own death.
Albert Einstein, 76, 1879-1955
Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein developed the theory of relativity which makes up one of the pillars of modern physics. He is perhaps best known for coming up with the formula of mass-energy equivalence E = mc2 dubbed the world’s most famous equation. Einstein suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm on April 18, 1955, causing internal bleeding. Disregarding his well-being, he refused surgery, saying that it was tasteless to use artificial means to prolong life. Pathologist Thomas Stolz Harvey removed and preserved Einstein’s brain with his family’s permission, hoping that the future would decode what made Einstein so intelligent. The last photo of his was taken in March 1955, in Princeton, NJ.
Avicii, 28, 1989-2018
While it is most certainly nothing to be proud of, of this list of celebrity deaths, DJ Avicii, or Tim Bergling, takes the cake for the most inventive and unique suicide method. Bergling was actually on vacation in Muscat when he was seemingly consumed by his thoughts and lost grip of his will to live. On April 20, 2018, it was said that Avicii slit his throat and wrists with a broken wine bottle. Ouch! It was no secret that Avicii had dealt with many physical problems as well, like acute pancreatitis and that he had his gall bladder and appendix removed in 2014, leading to his retirement from touring in 2016.
Stan Lee, 95, 1922-2018
Comic book writer, producer, editor, and publisher Stan Lee was Marvel Comics’ creative leader for decades. Lee co-created some of Marvel’s most iconic fictional characters, including Spider-Man, Ant-Man, the X-Men, the Scarlet Witch, Iron Man, Black Panther, and Thor, amongst others. Lee had disclosed in 2018 that he had been battling with pneumonia. He was rushed to the Los Angeles Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on November 12, 2018, for related complications but he didn’t make it. His death certificate listed congestive heart problems and cardiac arrest as underlying issues. This last known photo was taken two days prior when Lee met up with Roy Thomas, his successor as the Marvel editor-in-chief.
Martin Luther King Jr., 39, 1929-1968
Activist and Baptist minister Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader and visible spokesperson of the civil rights movement. He won the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality. Posthumously, he received the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He famously gave the “I Have A Dream” speech on August 28, 1963. On April 4, 1968, James Earl Ray fatally shot King who was standing on the second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel. King required emergency chest surgery that proved futile. The autopsy revealed that he would likely have suffered a heart attack because he had a 60-year-old’s heart. His last photo was taken the day prior outside the Lorraine Motel.
George Michael, 53, 1963 - 2016
George Michael was a famous singer and songwriter whose career began in 1981. His contribution to pop music is barely equaled by the biggest stars of the music industry. George was also very private off the stage. Before his death in 2016, he was filming a biographical documentary, which was out after he had passed.
George died on Christmas Eve, December 25, 2016. That documentary revealed how that holiday season was already sad for the pop star, as it was tied to two heartbreaking moments in his life. One was the fear of losing his mother, who was ill at the time. The other moment was when he was waiting to hear his partner’s Anselmo Feleppa’s AIDS test results.
Paul Walker,40, 1973-2013
Paul Walker was well-known for The Fast and the Furious film franchise and strangely enough, his death on November 30, 2013, had something to do with fast cars! Walker lived a philanthropic life and was off to a gala when he got on a red Camaro GT. The vehicle caught fire after colliding into two trees and a concrete lamp post. As it turned out, the Camaro was running at least 80 mph in a 45-mph zone which killed Walker and the driver. Paul was a private man, but his untimely death brought forward his relationship with girlfriend Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell who was left devasted.
Amy Winehouse, 27, 1983-2011
With her expressive voice, unique style, and her affinity towards combining jazz, soul, and, rhythm and blues, there was no doubting Amy Winehouse’s enormous talent. Yet, her addiction to booze and substances overshadowed all this. Winehouse won five Grammy Awards for her album Back to Black and was already a worldwide phenomenon when she died young at 27 from alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011. She was last seen and photographed in the streets of London days before her death. Amy’s ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, blamed himself for her fate as he introduced her to these vices. Reportedly, he was only able to visit her grave three years after her passing.
Christopher Reeve, 52, 1952-2004
Many of us know Christopher Reeve as Superman. However, the actor also starred in other movies like The Bostonians, Street Smart, and Rear Window. Reeve, during his lifetime, had more than one near-death experience. In 1995, he fell off his horse and paralyzed from the neck down. On another occasion, he went into anaphylactic shock, and this time, Reeve claimed that his soul literally left his body. On 10th October 2004, he went into cardiac arrest after suffering from sepsis. Unfortunately, this time the doctors weren't able to revive him. Reeve died at the age of 52, and his widowed wife died of lung cancer less than two years later.
Katherine Helmond, 89, 1929–2019
The lovely American actress Katherine Helmond will be dearly missed. Known for her portrayal of the feisty Mona Robinson on the sitcom Who's the Boss?, Helmond also made it to TV series such as Soap, The Upper Hand, and Everybody Loves Raymond. She was active in show business for a whopping 63 years before deciding to retire in 2018.
At the time, Helmond's state was quite fragile, and she was dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Complications related to the brain disorder ended up costing Helmond's life in 2019. She passed away at her Los Angeles home at the age of 89.
PRINCE PHILIP, 99, 1921-2021
He may not have been king, but he was well-loved by his queen, children, grandchildren, and the general public. So Prince Philip really wasn't missing out on much without Kingship. He also lived a pretty eventful life, which included fighting his own family during World War II, since he was originally Greek-Danish, but fighting for Britain.
Why could he never be king? Because he married into the British royal family. Either way, he did receive the title Duke of Edinburgh, and in this capacity, he did 22,219 engagements and appearances and 5,493 speeches in his career. He passed away in April 2021, two weeks before his 100th birthday.
RUSH LIMBAUGH, 70, 1951-2021
Rush Limbaugh will go down in history for good and bad things. He is renowned as one of the most popular and highly paid radio personalities in America, with a show that attracted 15.5 million listeners and a net worth of $600 million. But he was also a pretty controversial figure.
His most divisive points of view were in subjects about intimate consent, LGBT matters, feminism, and climate change. But he was still respected and earned a place in the National Radio Hall of Fame, among other accolades. He was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in January 2020 and passed away in February 2021 due to lung cancer complications.
LARRY FLYNT, 78, 1942-2021
Magazine publisher Larry Flynt Could've been dead a lot sooner. He was a victim of one of America's most notorious serial killers, Joseph Paul Franklin, although he survived the attack. It did, however, leave him paralyzed from the waist down. This didn't stop him from building one of the most powerful adult entertainment brands in the world.
His work in publications like Hustler magazine and its namesake Hustler TV stood at the forefront of the adult entertainment industry. However, publishing each magazine was a major battle for him. He was ranked number one in the Arena magazine list of 50 Powerful People in P*rn. He died in February 2021.
CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, 91, 1929-2021
Christopher Plummer is recognized for many things. One of these is playing Captain Georg von Trapp in the acclaimed 1965 film The Sound of Music. But it was later on in his career that he achieved true acclaim in his career. It all started in 2009 with an Oscar nomination for the 2009 film The Last Station.
He didn't win that year, but he won the following year for the film Beginners. In 2017 he earned another nomination for the film All the Money in the World, making him the oldest Oscar nominee in history. Plummer died in February 2021 from complications after hitting his head during a fall.
Andy Hallett, 33, 1975–2009
The American singer/actor Andy Hallett left us way too soon. He was only 33 when he passed away in 2009 due to congestive heart failure. His death was caused by a health issue that troubled him for years: a dental infection that spread through the bloodstream to his heart.
Sadly, Hallett's career in show business was much shorter than everybody expected. He appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Enforcers, and Chance, but he's best known for his recurring role in the TV series Angel, which aired between 2000 and 2004. He also performed in two songs that were included in the series' soundtrack.
James Avery, 68, 1945–2013
While James Avery enjoyed an outstanding three-decade career as an actor, we will always remember him for his notable role as Philip Banks in the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Besides appearing in the hugely popular comedy series, Avery also made it to productions such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Brady Bunch Movie.
In 2013, Avery passed away at the age of 68 due to complications following open-heart surgery. In 2020, Will Smith reunited The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's cast for an online conference, and the actors enjoyed the occasion to honor the chuckle-worthy work Avery did on the show.
Marcia Wallace, 70, 1942–2013
There's a chance you've never seen the face of the hilarious American comedian Marcia Wallace before. But you will certainly recognize her voice: after all, she was the actress behind the memorable Edna Krabapel, the disillusioned school teacher in the animated series The Simpsons.
But Wallace has also shined in live-action comedy series such as The Bob Newhart Show and Full House, in which she played Mrs. Carruthers. In 2013, Wallace died from pneumonia and sepsis; at the time, she was also dealing with breast cancer. Following her death, The Simpsons' creators decided to retire Edna Krabapel in her honor.
Liberace, 67, 1919-1987
Liberace passed away at the age of 67 after suffering some complications with pneumonia and AIDS. His career had peeked for two entire decades between the ‘50s and ‘70s. While he was still alive, he had released over ten albums and numerous biographies. In fact, at the time of his death, he’s said to have been worth a bit over $110 million! He was secretly diagnosed as HIV-positive two years before he passed away, and this was one of the very last pictures of him ever taken. In 2020, archive footage of him will be used for the Look Over Me – Liberace documentary.
Brittany Murphy, 32, 1977-2009
Girl, Interrupted star Brittany Murphy was last seen posing for the opening of Tt Collection's Pop-Up shop in Los Angeles. She looked quite thinner than usual, maybe because of a new diet, but you wouldn’t think that she was suffering from anything. Two weeks after this photo was taken, her death shocked the world. She died primarily due to pneumonia complicated by anemia and various intoxications on December 20, 2009. Murphy’s husband, Simon Monjack, soon followed her in death five months later in the same house and supposedly the same causes. The death of this Hollywood couple remains a mystery up to this date...
Richard Pryor, 65, 1940-2005
With roles in movies such as See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Silver Streak, Mad Dog Time, Harlem Nights, and Lady Sings the Blues, we can say that comedian Richard Pryor had a successful career with an Emmy Awards and five Grammy Awards to show off. He was also a social critic who dealt with contemporary issues and racism in his funny and thought-provoking standup acts. Although he was married seven times to five different women and have had many affairs, one woman stuck by his side until he passed away on December 10, 2005. Her name is Jennifer Lee Pryor whom he divorced in 1982 and re-married in 2001.
Garry Shandling, 66, 1949-2016
In 1986, Garry Shandling created It's Garry Shandling's Show for Showtime which got nominated for four Emmy Awards. In 1992, he moved on to The Landers Show which aired on HBO and became an even more massive hit, giving him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 1998. Gary even hosted the Grammy Awards four times and the Emmy Awards three times over. Although he was never married, he dated Linda Doucett for a few years before she ended their relationship. Shandling had hyperthyroidism and at age 66, died of a pulmonary embolism. In his last picture, Shandling was beside one of his closest friends, comedienne Kathy Griffin.
Jim Morrison, 27, 1943-1971
The Doors' Jim Morrison’s death remains a mystery, in a way. Morrison was found dead in the bathtub of the apartment he owned and resided in with Pamela Courson, in Paris. It was March of 1971. The cause of Morrison’s death was officially announced as heart attack, but no autopsy was done on his body despite the fact that Morrison had shown signs of feeling alone and unhappy, making suicide a likely cause of his death. The autopsy was not performed because it wasn’t a requirement by French Law. Morrison's death was two years after the Rolling Stones Brian Jones’ demise, to the day!
Tupac Shakur, 25, 1971-1996
Tupac Amaru Shakur was one of the greatest hip-hop stars of all time. Better known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, he was one of the world’s best-selling artists, having sold an estimated 75 million records. His music focused on addressing contemporary social issues plaguing inner cities as a form of activism against inequities. The last photo of Shakur was taken on the night that he lost his life to a drive-by gunman. On September 7, 1996, the unknown occupants of a white Cadillac pulled up beside Shakur’s sedan and fired at him multiple times. Despite getting medical treatment, Shakur died of internal bleeding on September 13, 1996.
Alan Rickman, 69, 1946-2006
Alan Rickman was truly one of the finest British actors both in theater and the silver screen. He became a familiar name and face to the American public when he took on the role of Hans Gruber on Die Hard (1988) and proceeded to gain further notice from the Harry Potter series with his performance as Professor Severus Snape. Rickman was 19 when he met then 18-year-old Rima Horton in 1965. The two became longtime partners and when Rickman finally decided to "put a ring on it", they had a secret ceremony in New York, in 2012. Their love story continued until Rickman’s death on January 14, 2016.
Carrie Fisher, 60, 1956-2006
Carrie Fisher will always be Princess Leia of the Star Wars fame. Fisher died due to cardiac arrest on December 27, 2016, when the filming had already wrapped up for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The movie was released a year after her death, paying tribute to the late actress. Her mother, Debbie Reynolds, also died the day after Carrie passed. Paul Simon, Carrie’s husband from August 1983 to July 1984, shared his sentiments on Twitter, saying it was too soon to lose Carrie and that she was a wonderful girl. Carrie's last photo was taken on the streets of London five days before she died, courtesy of a fan's selfie.
Joan Rivers, 81, 1933-2014
Joan Rivers broke the glass ceiling of male-dominated late-night television with the debut of The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers in 1989. She then took over daytime TV with The Joan Rivers Show which won her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host. In 1987, she had a setback when her husband Edgar Rosenberg committed suicide which was when she developed bulimia nervosa but soon overcame it. Rivers was working until the very end before she passed away on September 4, 2014, at 81. Her last photo was taken only a day before she died. Here, she's smiling with a fan at the Laurie Beechman Theater backdoor.
James Raymond Jordan Sr., 56, 1936-1993
Now that The Last Dance documentary series has been concluded we can’t help but look back to the story of Michael Jordan’s father, James Raymond Jordan Sr. He played a significant role in Michael’s life, as if it wasn’t for him, he wouldn’t have developed such a fascination for sports. He died tragically after being shot in his car in 1993. He was only 56 years old. Thankfully by then, he had already seen his son climb the ranks on NBA as he had already played with the Chicago Bulls for so many years. His body was found two weeks after the incident.
Amanda Peterson, 43, 1971–2015
Since her adolescence, Amanda Peterson has been battling with one dangerous monster—substance addiction. Perhaps she would have tried to be more abstinent had she known that it would claim her life at the age of 43. The actress's career was a fairly short one, having ended in 1995. Peterson, well-known for her role as Cindy Mancini in Can't Buy Me, Love, was found dead at her house in Greeley, Colorado, in July 2015. After leaving Hollywood for good, Peterson almost got into the right tracks, after attending university college. However, her life was a rocky road, and it ended as a consequence of a drug overdose.
Judy Garland, 47, 1922 - 1969
Judy Garland's final picture was taken not long before her accidental barbiturate overdose in 1969. She will eternally be remembered as the young Dorothy from the all-time classic movie The Wizard of Oz. Judy is also considered to be one of the most important American artists of the 20th century. While her remarkable career is nowadays praised by all, in life, she was forced to deal with multiple accusations of being unattractive. Suffering deeply from the pressures of stardom and chauvinist studio executives, she sadly became drawn to alcohol and drug addiction. Judy was married 5 times and had 3 children, including the popular actress/singer Liza Minnelli.
Princess Margaret, 71, 1930 - 2002
Princess Margaret's entire life was always shadowed by her older sister, Queen Elizabeth II. If Elizabeth was the family's golden girl, Margaret was known as the royal rebel. As a young woman, she fell in love with a divorced Group Captain named Peter Townsend. Her plan to marry him was denied by both the British government and the Church of England. Years later, she married the photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. Known as a heavy smoker, Princess Margaret struggled with health issues and underwent a lung operation in 1985. She died after suffering the last of at least four reported strokes in 2002.
Bill Fralic, 56, 1962-2018
Bill Fralic placed sixth in 1984 and eighth in 1983 as the first offensive lineman to finish in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy balloting twice. He was the second overall pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 1985 NFL Draft and became a starter for the Falcons during his rookie season. Between 1985 and 1993, Fralic played eight seasons for the Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions as their offensive guard. Fralic was eventually named All-Pro both in 1986 and 1987. The relentless run blocker died at age 56 on December 14, 2018, after his battle with cancer.
Fidel Castro, 90, 1926 – 2016
Fidel Castro’s final photo shows him receiving a portrait of himself from Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang. The Cuban state television made an announcement that Castro had passed away on November 25, 2016. However, the cause of his death has never been disclosed. He died at 90 after suffering from a deteriorated health since retiring in 2008. Castro’s older brother Ramon had died just nine months before at the age of 91. The Cuban leader was cremated the day after his death and nine days of public mourning followed. Castro’s ashes are entombed at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetry.
Brandon Lee, 28, 1965-1993
Native to Oakland, California, Brandon Lee was a young and thriving actor and martial artist. His death was one of the worst accidents to ever happen in the film industry. On March 31, 1993, Lee was filming a scene in The Crow where his character gets shot by thugs. Usually, dummy cartridges with no powder are used for shooting scenes, but in this unfortunate case, without the crew's knowledge, there had been a live round in the gun. Amidst filming, the revolver actually fired and shot Lee in the stomach. After being in surgery for 6 hours, Lee died at the age of 28.
Eva Perón, 33, 1919-1952
Eva Peron was a girl who was born into a poor family. After moving to Buenos Aires at a very young age, she met Juan Peron, who later became her husband and the president of Argentina. Eva Peron was the country's First Lady from 1946 up until her passing in 1952. During her short life span, Eva fought for labor rights and women's suffrage. After being diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer, Eva underwent a hysterectomy hoping that it would help her get better. She was also the first Argentinian to undergo chemotherapy. Sadly, after battling cancer for over two years, she died in 1952 at the age of 33.
Johnny Cash, 71, 1932-2003
Having sold over 90 million records, Jonny Cash was one of the world’s best-selling artists. Not just a country artist, Cash embraced the gospel, rock and roll, folk, and blues music. In September 2003, Johhny Cash succumbed to diabetes complications while hospitalized at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital. It was highly likely that his wife June’s passing about four months prior could have worsened his state. The last photo of the music icon was taken during one of his performances just two months after his wife’s death. During that performance in Hiltons, VA at The Carter Ranch, he had to be carried onto the stage because there were no ramps for the handicapped.
Prince, 57, 1958-2016
On April 7 and 20 in 2016, singer-songwriter Prince was attended to by a family medicine specialist by the name of Michael T. Schulenberg. Prince had two performances scheduled for the 7th of April, which he postponed until April 14, and he performed in spite of not feeling well. The statement released said that Prince had influenza. The next morning, he was unresponsive and so was rushed for emergency medical attention. He left when he regained consciousness (against medical advice). Prince attended a show on April 19 and was pictured on April 20 at Dr. Schulenberg’s office. On April 21, 2016, Prince was found dead by accidental prescription drug overdose.
Carol Channing, 97, 1921-2019
Carol Channing passed on January 15, 2019, and she left as a legend to be remembered for her stellar performances. Channing certainly cemented her space in film history, and of all her works, Hello, Dolly! was the one she was recognized the most for. She was 97 years old at the time of her death. Channing died in her California home. She was considered a pioneer and an icon. She was recognized for the great big smile on her face and her sense of humor had never aged, in spite of the decades upon decades that passed!
Harry Dean Stanton, 91, 1926-2017
For over six decades, Harry Dean Stanton gave us great music and he also contributed to a series of acclaimed films. Stanton appeared in films like The Godfather Part II and his very last lead role in the 2017 drama Lucky.
At 91, Stanton was still hard at work and he also appeared in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. Later in 2017, Stanton breathed his last at the LA-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from natural causes. He never married or had any children.
Leonard Cohen, 82, 1934-2016
Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen was 82 years old when he died in 2016, on November 7. Cohen suffered from leukemia, which eventually contributed to the end of his life. A bad slip and fall at Cohen’s home resulted in his death in his sleep that same night. On the November of 10th, Cohen’s death was announced – which happened to be the very day of his funeral service. The funeral was held in Montreal. Cohen had left instruction to be laid to rest as per Jewish rites and it was a humble affair, with a pine casket, laid in the family plot.
Bob Ross, 52, 1942–1995
There is no other landscape painter that was loved more than Bob Ross. He lived his life in Florida from the moment he was born to the moment he passed away in 1995. Bob had served 20 years in the military before devoting himself to his painting. He passed away at the age of 52 after suffering some complications with his lymphoma, which he had kept a secret from the public. Bob’s The Joy of Painting show is still being watched to the very day, and his legacy is still standing. This was one of the very last pictures of him ever taken.
Walt Disney, 65, 1901–1966
To this day, Walt Disney’s works are being watched, reworked, and admired. After all, his legacy will be kept alive for many years to come through all the different characters that he’s created, and of course, Disneyland. His works have been awarded a total of 22 Academy Awards. He was a great artist, but unfortunately, he was also a great nicotine addict. At the age of 65, he died of lung cancer in 1966. Despite everything, he has influenced many different generations and will continue to do so with his exceptional films.
Charlie Chaplin, 88, 1889–1977
There is no doubt in the world about how great of a filmmaker Charlie Chaplin was. His films made an incredible impact on his generation. Charlie was born in London back in 1889 and passed away in his sleep at the age of 88 in Switzerland. His health had been deteriorating over the last decade he was alive. His films, however, are still considered to be some of the greatest films ever made. Of course, we are talking about films like The Great Dictator, Limelight and even Modern Times in which he acted, produced, and directed.
John Belushi, 33, 1949–1982
He was one of the brightest comedic minds of his time, yet, he sadly suffered from an intense addiction to narcotics. John Belushi was born in Chicago back in 1949. He died incredibly young, though, at the age of 33 from a heroin and cocaine overdose. He was one of the original cast members of the long-standing Saturday Night Live show and had even participated in unique films. A few of them were National Lampoon’s Animal House and The Blue Brothers. This was one of the very last pictures ever taken of him. In 2019, footage of Belushi was featured in The Movies That Made Us.
Leslie Nielsen, 84, 1926–2010
He started his career in the mid-50s, and by the time he passed away in 2010, Leslie Nielsen had appeared in more than 100 films and 150 TV series. Without a doubt, Leslie was one of the greatest comedic minds out there. He’s responsible for The N**** Gun film series of the ‘80s and ‘90s, but also for movies like Airplane!. Leslie passed away from pneumonia in Florida, and this was one of the last times he was caught on camera. He had earned a wide variety of acting awards while he was still alive. Leslie was even inducted in both Canada’s and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Joan Crawford, Age At Death Unknown, 190?–1977
Joan Crawford's face will forever bee associated with Hollywood’s Golden Age. She might have passed away more than four decades ago, but she is still remembered until today. In fact, old footage of hers was featured in The Movies documentary series in 2019. She was an Academy Award-winning actress with a career that lasted more than five decades. Like the true diva she was though, she never actually revealed her age. Joan was born sometime between 1903 and 1908 and passed away in 1977 in her 70s.
Kobe Bryant, 41, 1978-2020
Kobe Bryant was a very successful basketball player, who played for almost 20 years with the Los Angels Lakers. He is regarded by many as one of the best basketball players of all time. Bryant died in a tragic helicopter crash, along with his young daughter and 9 other people. His last Instagram post shows him with LeBron Jame, his long-time friend and sports rival.
Kirk Douglas, 103, 1916–2020
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers marked Kirk Douglas’ film debut. He became a box-office star in the ‘50s and went on to appear in over 90 films. He set up Bryna Production in 1955 and produced films like Spartus under the company. During the '90s, Kirk went through a tumultuous period, surviving a chopper crash and then suffering a stroke. He managed to pull through and enjoyed another two decades without much incident. Sadly, he passed away from natural causes at 103 years old on February 5, 2020. He’s survived by his wife Anne Buydens, who is currently 100 years old. Together, they were able to have four children.
Johnny Carson, 79, 1925–2005
Johnny Carson suffered a severe heart attack at his house in Malibu which resulted in his death back in 2005. He was 79 years old by then and had, without a doubt, lived his life to the fullest. He was incredibly influential and had even been awarded both a Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Kennedy Center Honor in the ‘90s. Johnny used to be a comedian, a TV host, and an author. His most memorable work had been hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson between 1962 and 1992.
Roy Horn - 75, 1944–2020
When Ray Horn met Siegfried Fischbacher in Bremen all those years ago, even they weren’t expecting the success that their magician duo would receive. The last time that they performed together was in 2009, in Las Vegas. Roy was attacked by a tiger during a show, in 2003 which left him partially paralyzed, but he sadly wasn’t able to survive the coronavirus outbreak. He passed away at the age of 75 in May 2020. Although he initially responded well to his treatment, he suffered some complications which lead to his death.
Bettie Page, 85, 1923-2008
Bettie Page was a successful pin-up model who rose to fame back in the '50s. She basically made the hair trend of having bangs quite popular. Having worked with Hugh Hefner a lot, she earned a lot of respect from the late magazine publisher. During the late '50s, she left the modeling scene and had plans of becoming a missionary. The latter part of her life got quite problematic because she became depressed and had paranoid schizophrenia. In 2008, she fell ill and passed away at the age of 85. In case you didn't know, Beyonce was actually channeling Page in her Video Phone music video.
Lauren Bacall, 89, 1924-2014
In quite a poetic way, Lauren Bacall was born in The Bronx in 1924 and died in Manhattan in 2014. Her life speaks for itself. The very first film in which Lauren played, To Have and Have Not, was a huge success. Not only did she jumpstart her career, but she also started dating Humphrey Bogart.
Unfortunately, after having two children, death did them apart, as Humphrey died in 1957. Lauren went on to play in films like Murder on Orient Express and remained active until her very last day. Her last project was with a Family Guy episode in 2014.
Andy Griffith, 86, 1926–2012
By playing in series like The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, Andy Griffith was able to become a household name. He had an almost six-decade-long career as an actor and a comedian. Andy passed away in his family house in North Carolina after suffering a heart attack just two days after his 86th birthday. He is now survived through his two children. Andy’s health problems started with his Guillain-Barre syndrome diagnosis in the early ‘80s, which caused his feet to paralyze. Although he was bound in a wheelchair, his last acting role was in 2008 with the Play the Game film.
Anton Yelchin, 27, 1989-2016
Anton Yelchin’s most memorable role was in the three Star Trek films as Pavel Chekov. He came to prominence after appearing in Spielberg’s mini-series, Taken. He also starred in Trollhunters which was released after his death. Yelchin died in a freak accident on June 19, 2016, outside his Studio City, California house. His body was discovered between a brick pillar and his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Apparently, when Yelchin exited the vehicle, it rolled back down the steep incline of his driveway, trapping him against a security fence and the pillar. He died of blunt traumatic asphyxia. His final photo came off of his Instagram account posted just three days before he died.
Karen Carpenter, 32, 1950–1983
She might have died at an incredibly young age, but Karen Carpenter had achieved becoming an incredibly famous songstress. Both as a solo artist and as part of The Carpenters band, her voice can still be heard on the radio to this very day. Although it wasn’t known at the time, Karen was suffering from anorexia nervosa. The illness ended up playing a big role in her health, and she passed away at the age of 32 in 1983 from heart failure. She was married for a little less than three years to Thomas James Burris at the time.
Peaches Geldof, 25, 1989-2014
From a young age, Peaches Geldof was able to share her brilliance with the world. In fact, by the age of fourteen, she was already writing articles for The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian. She grew to be a TV personality, a columnist, and a famed model. However, much like her mother before her, she apparently was suffering from an addiction to heroin. She was found dead in 2014, at the age of 25, due to a heroin overdose. This was one of the very last pictures taken of her. She’s there with her husband, Thomas Cohen, and one of her two sons.
Gregory Peck, 87, 1916–2003
He lived a life filled with achievements and accomplishments. Gregory Peck passed away at the age of 87 after contracting pneumonia. By then, he had already earned his legendary status; after all, he had played in films like To Kill a Mockingbird and Roman Holiday. Gregory passed away while married to Veronique Passani. Throughout his life, he’s had five children, only two with Veronique. He also had five Academy Award Nominations and a $40 million fortune at the time of his death. Though he had stopped acting since the ‘90s, he was never forgotten.
Sharon Tate, 26, 1943-1969
Of all the deaths we have discussed thus far, that of actress Sharon Tate is arguably the most tragic. It was two weeks before Tate was due to give birth to her baby, on August 8, 1969, when Tate entertained two of her friends at her home. Barbara Lewis and Joanna Pettet had joined Tate for lunch. For dinner, Tate dined with Wojciech Frykowski, Jay Sebring, and Abigail Folger. It was shortly after midnight that they were all killed at Tate’s home. Three of the victims were stabbed multiple times, and Tate, in particular, was stabbed sixteen times – five stab wounds were fatal in and of themselves.
Alexander McQueen, 40, 1969-2010
British design expert Alexander McQueen was struggling with mixed anxiety and was severely depressed for at least three years prior to the day he took his life by hanging, on February 11, 2010. It was revealed after his death that he was lonely, guarded, and secretive and also struggling to deal with the death of his mother. McQueen was found to have intoxicated himself with a mix of cocaine, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills before he hung himself, which resulted in his death by asphyxiation. His body was discovered by his housekeeper, at his London home in Green Street.
Dustin Diamond, 44, 1977-2021
Dustin Diamond made a name for himself in the popular early '90s TV show Saved By The Bell. He played Samuel "Screech" Powers, one of the more popular characters in the show cast. He continued with the show until it was eventually canceled, then returned for another show incarnation of the show called The New Class.
He later dabbled in Standup comedy and had small roles in shows like Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star and American Pie Presents: The Book of Love. Sadly he was always typecast as his saved by the bell character. He passed away from lung cancer on 1 February 2021 after completing one round of chemotherapy.
Cicely Tyson, 96, 1924-2021
Cicely Tyson became well known for playing the role of strong black women in films and on stage. She remained a strong black woman right until her final days, doing an interview on Live! With Kelly and Ryan just before her death on 28 January 2021.
She gained prominence with her role in the off-Broadway play, The Blacks. Her filmography includes roles in The Blue Bird, The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter, and Fried Green Tomatoes. She has also won a BAFTA, three Primetime Emmys, a Tony, and an honorary Oscar for her contribution to the industry. Even in her old age, she was still doing 60 push-ups every morning.
Caroline Flack, 40, 1979-2020
Caroline Flack was an actress and winner of the competition Strictly Come Dancing. She went on to hos and present numerous shows, including I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, Love Island, and The X Factor. Unfortunately, news of her death rocked the UK and the world on February 15, 2020. According to media outlets, Caroline would've committed suicide. As fans, friends, and coworkers expressed their grief, many believe constant reports of Caroline in celebrity news might be at fault. Caroline was often under intense scrutiny by the media, which might have added to her mental stress.
Tammy Wynette, 55, 1942–1998
She released her first album under the title Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad back in 1967. A year later, she and her baby-daddy Euple Byrd called things off, which lead to Tammy’s first D-I-V-O-R-C-E, and her album with that same name. Tammy passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 55. After four failed marriages, she had finally settled down, with George Richey, with whom she spent almost 20 years. To the day, she is considered one of the most influential figures in country music of the past century.
Nancy Wilson, 81, 1937-2018
With five decades in the music industry, song stylist Nancy Wilson released over 70 albums and acquired three Grammy Awards during the course of her career. Her voice touched on blues, jazz, R&B, pop, and soul. Wilson was first married to drummer Kenny Dennis in 1960 whom she divorced ten years later. On May 22, 1973, Wilson once again tied the knot with a Presbyterian minister named Reverend Wiley Burton within a month of knowing each other. Nancy passed away on December 12, 2018, when she was 81 years old. She died inside her home in Pioneertown, California after her lingering suffering from health issues, specifically with kidney cancer.
Steve Irwin, 44, 1962-2006
Steve Irwin was an Australian TV personality, zookeeper, and conservationist. The Crocodile Hunter, which he co-hosted alongside his wife Terri, broadcast internationally and accorded him worldwide fame. Some of the other shows he co-hosted with his wife include Croc Files and The Crocodile Hunter Diaries. The Irwins also operated and owned the Australia Zoo. On September 4, 2006, Irwin died after a stingray’s barb pierced him through the heart while filming the Ocean’s Deadliest documentary underwater. The last photo pictures Irwin with a friend just two days before his death. The documentary aired in January of 2007 on the Discovery channel without any mention about the accident that claimed Irwin’s life.
Selena, 23, 1971-1995
The “Queen of Tejano” music, Selena Quintanilla-Perez, was a singer-songwriter, who was also into modeling, acting and clothing design. Billboard magazine recognized her as amongst the most revered and top-selling Mexican-American entertainers of the 1990s. In partnership with MAC, her makeup collection was released posthumously and became the brand’s best-selling celebrity line yet. Selena’s registered agent Yolanda Saldivar shot her in her hotel room at the Days Inn on March 31, 1995. Selena had confronted Salvidar earlier about embezzling funds from her boutique businesses and fan club. Selena's last photo was taken the night prior to her death.
Clark Gable, 59, 1901-1960
Clark Gable was dubbed “The King of Hollywood” because over his nearly four-decade-long career he had featured in almost 60 films as a leading man. Films like Gone with the Wind, and his posthumous credit in The Misfits, characterize Gable’s career.
A heart attack took Gable’s life at the age of 59 in 1960, and he was interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. Gable left behind his wife Kay, who gave birth to their son John Clark in 1961.
Audrey Hepburn, 63, 1929–1993
She was a true Golden Age actress and one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. Audrey Hepburn was born in Belgium back in 1929 and passed away after battling her rare type of cancer in 1993. She was suffering from pseudomyxoma peritonei that had metastasized in her intestines. After going through her chemotherapy, she eventually stopped shining. Audrey, however, is still remembered through her movies. Some of them were Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, and My Fair Lady, among many others. In 2020, she was featured in an episode of Autopsy: The Last Hours Of.
Kenny Rogers, 81, 1938-2020
An honoree of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Kenny Rogers was an 81-year-old music mogul. The '70s saw Rogers's rise to fame, with the release of eight studio albums that decade. Among them were The Gambler and Kenny, which were among his all-time biggest hits. After a six-decade-long career, Rogers decided to retire, well into his late seventies. We have to say that it was a decision well-made because less than three years later, on March 20, 2020, Rogers died of old age. He was lucky enough to pass on peacefully at the comfort of his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, surrounded by family.
Heath Ledger, 28, 1979-2008
As a 2o-year-old handsome actor in 1999, it was easy for Heath Ledger to be typecast into roles with no depth. In fact, at the start of his career, he took almost any role just to avoid being typecast. But of the many parts that Ledger played, his most quintessential will always be that of The Dark Knight’s Joker, which earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The movie was released after his death of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs on January 22, 2008. Michelle Williams, the mother of Heath’s daughter, said that she couldn’t find meaning in what happened to the actor.
Marilyn Monroe, 36, 1926-1962
Born as Norma Jean, Marilyn Monroe was an epitome of beauty with unparalleled charisma and an over-all star factor to boot. Marilyn was married three times in the span of her life and she was last married to playwright Arthur Miller whom she divorced 19 months prior to her barbiturate overdose. Just like most cases of substance abuse, she first started taking sleeping pills to help her sleep but soon became dependent. Although the blonde bombshell had quite a tragic life, she remains an iconic woman in the American pop culture more than half a century later.
Penny Marshall, 75, 1943-2018
Penny Marshall shot into the '70s spotlight when she played Laverne DeFazio on the sitcom Laverne & Shirley, which got her three Golden Globe nominations. Later on, Marshall began directing movies in the ’80s. The box office hit Big directed by Penny ended up grossing $151 million, making her the first woman to direct a feature film that grossed over $100 million. A League of Their Own and Awakenings were films that were also directed by Marshall. When she died of complications relating to diabetes, her ex-husband of ten years, Rob Reiner, posted on Twitter about how much he loved Penny and how much she will be missed.
Natasha Richardson, 45, 1963 - 2009
Back in the day, the name Natasha Richardson had heaps of significance. It would have even today, had she lived past the age of 45. The British-American actress had many great roles in film, television, and theatre too. Among her credits were Gothic, The Handmaid's Tale, and The White Countess. The mother of two was wife to Liam Neeson at the time of her death. You can tell she was a thrill-seeker as her death was a consequence of a skiing accident in Quebec, Canada. The cause of death was later revealed as an epidural hematoma, and as sad as it is, at least Richardson died doing something she loves.
Max von Sydow, 90, 1929–2020
Although Max von Sydow was Swedish by birth, his change in citizenship in 2002 made him a Frenchman. His award-winning career in acting dates back to the late '40s, and since then, he has appeared in a huge number of movies and television series. Von Sydow lived a long and prosperous life spanning 90 years before he passed away in March, 2020. While his family and fans were devastated by the loss, no cause of death was revealed to the public. The Seventh Seal, Pelle the Conquerer, and Game of Thrones were among the many productions he appeared in during his seven-decade-long career.
Donna Summer, 63, 1948–2012
She was born in Boston back in 1948, and soon enough, Donna Summer became one of the best Disco singers out there! She traveled all around the world singing, creating music, and performing. However, Donna passed away relatively young at the age of 63 in Florida. She was battling lung cancer even though she wasn’t a smoker. Her songs like Love to Love You Baby, I Feel Love, and Hot Stuff still play on the radio all around the world today. The last album she ever released was in 2008, and it was called Crayons.
Luciano Pavarotti, 71, 1935-2007
A voice like his only gets discovered once in a lifetime. After all, the opera singer was worth $275 million at the time of his death. Luciano Pavarotti’s talent was immense. He was born in Italy in 1935 and passed away at the age of 71, having lived a life filled with achievements and accolades. He was doing a farewell tour when he first got his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2006, and that’s around the time that this picture of him was taken. Pavarotti succumbed in 2007. The last house in which he lived, in Modena, has been turned into a museum.
Ray Charles, 73, 1930-2004
Ray Charles earned his nickname as “The Genius” because he pioneered the soul genre and released a long list of classic hits throughout his lifetime. Glaucoma blinded Charles when he was a child, but that didn’t limit his artistic abilities one bit.
Sadly, Charles’s life was plagued by illnesses, and at 73, he underwent a hip replacement surgical procedure. Charles recovered after the surgery but his liver failed and it resulted in his demise in 2004.
Dusty Springfield, 59, 1939-1999
While still alive, Dusty Springfield was one of the best singers in Britain. She’d been singing and performing for all her life, either as part of The Springfields or solo. Her songs like I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself and Son of a Preacher Man have never been forgotten. Tragically, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. At the time, she continued making music while on chemotherapy. Years after she’d gotten over it, Dusty’s cancer came back, only this time, it took her life. Dusty passed away in 1999 at the age of 59. She was posthumously inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Linda Tripp, 70, 1949-2020
She was working as a civil servant when the Clinton-Lewinsky affair scandal broke. Linda Tripp played an important role in the unraveling of the story, and even though she’s withdrawn herself from the spotlight, every documentary on the subject features her name. This was one of her last public photographs ever taken. Linda first told us about her struggle with cancer in the early ‘00s. On April 8, 2020, it took her life, as she died due to pancreatic cancer at the age of 70. Linda had long stopped working for the government. She owned and operated the Christmas Sleigh shop with her husband, Dieter Rausch.
Phil Spector, 81, 1939–2021
When it came down to producing and making music, Phil Spector once used to be one of the industry's biggest names. That was at least until he got incarcerated for the murder of Lana Clarkson. He was born in The Bronx in December 1939 and passed away in January 2021 at 81 while serving time.
His death was attributed to COVID-19, to which he had tested positive in December. Throughout his amazing career, he had worked with names like The Beatles, Ike & Tina Turner, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, and Leonard Cohen. He’ll be remembered through his music and his five children.
Peter Fonda, 79, 1940-2019
This photo of Peter Fonda is believed to be the last photo of him alive. He was a great actor and director, who was born in New York City in 1940. During his career, Fonda received several accolades, including two Golden Globes Awards. He lost his battle with lung cancer on the 16th of August 2019 when he died of respiratory failure. Fonda's family members decided to cremate his body, and his ashes were later scattered across Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. Just as his family lost a loving member, the film industry lost a legend.
Little Richard - 87, 1932–2020
It’s safe to say that the entire music industry would have been completely different today without Little Richard’s contribution. His songs like Tutti Frutti and Good Golly Miss Molly shifted the industry in his favor, creating what’s now known to be rock 'n roll. He fell ill to bone cancer at the age of 87. Richard lost his battle on May 9th, 2020. He is now survived both through his timeless music and through his only son, Danny Jones Penniman, who was by his side at the time of his death.
Leonard Cohen, 82, 1934-2016
The legendary Leonard Cohen was a famous Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist who composed hit songs like Chelsea Hotel no. 2 and Hallelujah. He explored themes such as isolation, religion, politics, and personal relationships in his line of work. He had several women in his life but never married. Cohen was in a relationship with Suzanne Elrod from 1970-1979 and they had two children named Adam and Lorca. On the night of November 7, 2016, Cohen fell from his home and died peacefully in his sleep with no doctors present at the age of 82. He remains immortalized into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as he was inducted in 2008.
Beth Chapman, 51, 1967-2019
Beth Chapman fought a long and arduous battle against cancer. However, despite all of her and her family's efforts, she passed away in June 2019. Beth rose to fame for her participation on the show Dog the Bounty Hunter, where she appeared alongside her husband, Duane Chapman -nicknamed Dog-. Beth was also part of Dog and Beth: On the Hunt and Dog's Most Wanted. She passed away during the production of this last show. Her family was devastated but determined to celebrate her life. Beth maintained a positive attitude until the very end.
Bernie Mac, 50, 1957-2008
Bernard McCullough, popularly known by his stage name Bernie Mac, was a great comedian who is remembered to this date. After having made many people laugh through the years, Mac passed on at the age of 50. He was open about suffering from sarcoidosis, a disease that inflames tissue. In 2008, just two months before his 51st birthday, Mac was hospitalized. On the 9th day of August, he had a cardiac arrest and lost his life to complications of pneumonia. In an interview with People, his sister-in-law revealed that Mac was in a constant struggle to breathe. The family mourns the loss of a great person, and so do we.
Verne Troyer, 49, 1969-2018
Actor Verne Troyer was certainly not a face one could easily forget! His death was reported to have been on April 21, 2018, and he was aged 49. There was no cause of death released initially and it was reported as a possible suicide. High levels of alcohol had been detected in his blood and this suggested alcohol poisoning, which was later confirmed as the cause of death. Later, though, his death was ruled as a suicide. Troyer's remains were cremated and his ashes stored at Colon United Methodist Church Columbarium in Michigan.
Stephen Hawking, 76, 1942-2018
Arguably the most famous physicist in history, Stephen Hawking’s life and contribution to the world ended on March 14, 2018, after his 55-year-long struggle with motor neuron disease. Hawking died at 76 years old, in England. It was announced by his family that he had had a peaceful death. Hawking was eulogized by figures from all scopes – entertainment, science, politics, and more. At the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Winter games of 2018, the IPC President, Andrew Parsons, delivered a tribute to Hawking in his speech. It was known that he didn’t believe in heaven or a God, and we do wonder what he had to say about it all now!
Whitney Houston, 48, 1963-2012
Whitney Houston, at times referred to as “The Voice” for her supreme vocal talent, is still considered one of the best-selling artists in music with her records of over 200 million sold worldwide. Unfortunately, the nightingale was found submerged in a bathtub on February 11, 2012. Death reports said that Houston drowned and died due to the effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use. Bobby Brown, whose marriage with Whitney lasted from 1992-2007, shared that he simply wished for her to be remembered for the music that she gave to the world. Despite her sad demise, I Will Always Love You will always be playing in the hearts of true hardcore Whitney fans.
Mark Salling, 35, 1982-2018
Mark Salling was actually scheduled for a prison sentence under a plea arrangement (as advised by his lawyer) after he admitted to being in possession of unlawful, inappropriate imagery of minors. A search warrant led to the discovery of over 50,000 images of this nature and things were looking very bleak for Salling. His body was then found in an LA riverbed a couple of miles from his home, and it was later announced that he had died by suicide. Investigators did not disclose who had found the body or even why the police were looking for him.
Beatrice Arthur, 86, 1922–2009
Beatrice Arthur lived a long and beautiful life before she found peace. Born as Bernice Frankel in Brooklyn, New York, she served as a Marine and worked as a medical technician before pursuing a successful acting career. Although her profession as an actress dates back to the late '40s, Arthur only gained recognition in the '60s for her role in Mame. The talents and services she contributed to Hollywood earned her several awards, and they were surely a sign of a life fulfilled. Just two weeks before her 87th birthday, Arthur passed away from cancer in the comfort of her home in Brentwood.
Tanya Roberts, 65, 1955–2021
Although Tanya Roberts hadn’t acted in a while at the time of her death, she was far from being forgotten. Her last appearance on TV was in 2020 with The Beastmaster Chronicles documentary. She was born in New York City in 1955, October, and passed away in early January 2021 due to a urinary tract infection.
She has left a gigantic legacy behind her in modeling and acting. After all, Roberts had played in some of the most memorable series, like the original Charlie’s Angels and That ‘70s Show. At the time of her death, she was in a relationship with Lance O’Brien and worth approximately $10 million.
Patrick Swayze, 57, 1952-2009
Dirty Dancing, Point Break, Donnie Darko, and Ghost were just some of Patrick Swayze’s beloved movies as a famed actor and dancer. In early 2008, he found out that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer which took his life a year and a half later on September 14, 2009. His mother, Patsy Swayze, was known as an American film choreographer, dancer, and dance instructor. Because Patrick attended dance lessons with his mother, he was able to meet his wife Lisa Niemi. Lisa helped him finish his memoir, The Time of My Life which was released on the same month that he died.
Tammy Faye, 65, 1942 - 2007
Popular evangelist Tammy Faye had the world on the palms of her hands. She and her former business partner/husband, Jim Bakker, were two of the best-known Evangelists in the United States because of The PTL Club show. They were also the owners of the Christian-themed water park Heritage USA. In 1987, Faye lost control of The PTL Club after a controversy involving serious abuse allegations against Bakker. She divorced Jim Bakker in 1992 and married building contractor Roe Messner the following year. In 1996, Faye was diagnosed with colon cancer. She discussed her sensitive health situation publically before ultimately losing the battle to cancer in 2007.