The death of those who are given fame and attention by the public at large sometimes hits harder than we expect. Whether it's falling on set in a tragic accident or contracting deadly diseases, their starting power does not make them immune to tragedies. From Brittany Murphys' mysterious death to John Ritter's, here are some well-known celebrities and the causes of their deaths.
Pelé: Colon Cancer
For more than six decades, Pelé dominated the world of soccer. During his lifetime he played in four World Cups and is the only player in history to win three. “I was born to play football, just like Beethoven was born to write music and Michelangelo was born to paint,” Pelé famously said.
Brazil's national hero some might say, he changed the game of soccer forever. He died on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, due to multiple organ failure, a complication of his colon cancer. When he died, there was an outpour of recognition for his legacy and many soccer players took to social media to speak about Pelé's greatness.
Kelly Preston: Breast Cancer
Actress Kelly Preston was born in Hawaii but spent her childhood abroad in Iraq and Australia. She began her career in the 1980s with roles in teen comedies like Mischief and Secret Admirer, but soon escalated to more serious dramas like the now-classic Jerry Maguire (1996). Previously married to actor Kevin Gage from 1985 to 1987, in a relationship with actor George Clooney, and engaged to Charlie Sheen (until he allegedly shot her in the arm), she met long-time love, John Travolta
. In 1987 while filming The Experts and the two were married in 1991 when she was pregnant with their first child. On July 12th, 2020, husband John and daughter Ella announced via their Instagram accounts that Preston had died after a two-year-long struggle with breast cancer, which had been kept private and out of public knowledge. She was only 57.
Luke Perry: Ischemic Stroke
Famous for the role in "Beverly Hills", Luke Perry also played in the TV Show "Riverdale" and was featured in blockbusters such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" in 2019, which was his final performance.
On February 27, 2019, Perry had a first huge ischemic stroke, and a second one a few days later. He was taken care of at the hospital when his family eventually decided to cut his breathing assistance on March 4. He was buried close to his home in Tennessee, where he spent a large part of his life.
Betty White: Natural Causes
Betty White was a "first" in many things, earning her the nickname "the First Lady of Television". Earning a Guinness world record for longest career in television, possibly her best-known role was that of Rose in The Golden Girls, which ran from 1985 - 1992. But her popularity resurged in the 2000s and she had roles in films like The Proposal and on shows like 30 Rock, appealing to a young audience.
Being actually older than the concept of sliced bread, Betty lived a long, healthy, and productive life, marrying three times and advocating for causes like animal rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Scheduled to turn 100 in January of 2022 and with magazine covers across the nation advertising as such, Betty's final, perfectly timed joke was peacefully passing away on New Year's Eve of 2021 at age 99, making all those celebratory covers instantly obsolete and ensuring toasts around the country went up in her honor.
Kirstie Alley: Cancer
Kirstie Alley died in December 2022 after a short battle with cancer. The 71-year-old Emmy-winning actress’ death was confirmed by her children. “She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead,” they shared. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother."
John Travolta, Alley's friend and former costar, paid tribute to the actress on social media. “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I've ever had. I love you Kirstie,” he shared. “I know we will see each other again.”
Aaron Carter: To Be Determined
Aaron shot to fame back in the late 1990s as a pop singer, releasing four studio albums, starting with his self-titled debut album in 1997 when he was only 9 years old which was a huge success. Aaron made regular appearances on Nickelodeon and toured with the Backstreet Boys as his older brother Nick was a member of the band.
On November 5, 2022, Carter died at the age of 34 at his Lancaster, California, home. It is reported that Carter was found drowned in his bathtub. A representative for Carter's team said the cause of death is still being determined.
Raquel Welch
After acting in One Million Years B.C., Raquel Welch became quite popular in the 1970s. Born in Chicago in 1940, Jo Raquel Tejada studied drama and ballet when she was little. She was so good at it that she even won small titles such as “Miss Contour” and “Miss Photogenic”. Back then, it was impossible to deny Raquel’s talent and the great things she was meant to do in the movie industry.
Her role in The Three Musketeers won her a Golden Globe award in 1973. Later, she released a book titled Total Beauty and Fitness Program. Recently, Raquel acted in the TV films The Ultimate Legacy and House of Versace. She unfortunately passed away on February 15, 2023 at age 82 after a brief illness.
Alex Trebek: Pancreatic Cancer
Trebek was a permanent fixture on the iconic game show Jeopardy!. As host of the show for 36 years, Trebek has entertained, challenged the minds, and warmed the hearts of millions of people all over the world.
On November 8th, 2020, Trebek sadly passed away from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer at 80 years old. After announcing his diagnosis in March of 2020, Trebek was able to live out his last months surrounded by friends and family. Though he will be deeply missed by millions of people, the legacy that he left on Jeopardy! and television game shows as a whole will be forever remembered.
Lisa Marie Presley: Suspected Cardiac Arrest
Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis and Priscilla, was found dead at 54. The news was delivered by her mother, saying, "She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment". Only five days earlier, she visited Graceland's Meditation Gardens where her famous father and late son, Ben, are buried. "She showed me where she'd be buried someday, right across from her father's grave," said her accompanying friend. "I said, 'Not for a long time,' and she was like, 'Nope, I got a lot to do still'". The famous estate will go to Lisa Marie's three daughters: Riley, Harper, and Finley.
As more information comes to light, it has been reported that Lisa Marie had been taking weight-loss medication and opioids months before her untimely death. She was on an extreme weight loss regimen and as a result, she lost 40 to 50 pounds in six weeks. She reportedly went back to opioids, an addiction she had been struggling with for a long time. On her last public outing, Presley seemed to struggle on the red carpet of the Golden Globes, as she had difficulty standing during interviews and needed assistance walking.
Barbara Walters: To Be Determined
Known for her iconic interviews with celebrities, presidents, and other heads of state, Walters had a journalist and television career that lasted more than five decades. She had been on several shows such as The Today Show, 20/20, The ABC Evening News, and The View.
She passed away in her home on December 30, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 93. She left behind a legacy of being the person to be interviewed by and made a lot of strides for women in journalism. Like many people in the business, she often pushed the buck on acceptable questions but she said herself "The hardest thing you will ever do is trust yourself."
Adam Rich: To Be Determined
Though he did significant voice-over work later in his career, Adam Rich is best known for his role on Eight Is Enough, where he played Nicholas Bradford. His character was the youngest child of the '70s sitcom's family, with the patriach benig played by Dick Van Patten.
He struggled with substance abuse in his adult life, but always had a fond place for the show that made him famous, showing his appreciation in a 2021 Instagram post where he said, "I’m grateful for the joy felt while working on [Eight Is Enough]...I do hope it may have brought you some joy as well." He was found dead in January of 2023 at the age of 54.
Christine McVie: To Be Determined
McVie died in November of 2022 after a brief illness at the age of 79. The sad news was delivered by her family on her social media and the band also bid farewell to Christine with a heartfelt message: "She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure," the rockers wrote in a social media statement. "She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life. We were so lucky to have a life with her. Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed."
She passed in a hospital after a short illness, surrounded by her closest family. McVie, who sang on classic hits like "Everywhere" and "You Make Loving Fun," joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970, and played alongside her then-husband John McVie.
William Hurt: Prostate Cancer
The 71-year-old Hollywood actor was famous for his Oscar-winning performance as a gay prisoner in Kiss of the Spider Woman, and his most recent portrayal was as General Thaddeus Ross in several Marvel movies.
In 2018, Hurt was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had been battling it until his death on March 13, 2022, a week before his birthday. The family shared a statement about his passing the next morning, saying "He died peacefully, among family, of natural causes. The family requests privacy at this time."
John Aniston: Natural Causes
John Aniston, a soap-opera legend and Jennifer Aniston's father, died in November of 2022 at the age of 89. He will be forever remembered for his role as Victor Kiriakis in the celebrated Days of Our Lives show.
His daughter Jennifer delivered the sad news on her social media: "Sweet papa… John Anthony Aniston," she wrote. "You were one of the most beautiful humans I ever knew. I am so grateful that you went soaring into the heavens in peace — and without pain. And on 11/11 no less! You always had perfect timing. That number will forever hold an even greater meaning for me now. I’ll love you till the end of time. Don’t forget to visit."
Angela Lansbury: Natural Causes
One of the last remaining beacons from Hollywood's golden age, Dame Angela Lansbury had a neigh-legendary career that lasted more than 60 years. Born in 1925, Lansbury definitely started her career with a bang. After being discovered before she turned 20, she played a secondary role in the acclaimed film Gaslight, an appearance that earned her an oscar nomination.
Her career kept skyrocketing in the years that followed, she took up the role of Jessica Fletcher in the TV series Murder, She Wrote, which ran for 12 seasons, alongside roles in film and theatre. Her staggering award record includes six Tony Awards, six Golden Globes, and an Academy Honorary Award. She was also nominated for an Academy Award two more times after Gaslight and had no less than eighteen Emmy nominations. She passed away peacefully in her sleep in October of 2022, at the age of 96.
Karl Lagerfeld: Pancreatic Cancer
This legendary photographer, fashion designer, creative director, and numerous other titles, took the world by storm when he left this world on February 19, 2019, at the American Hospital of Paris.
This iconic personality was adored by every member of the fashion world, from models to editors-in-chief, but also by worldwide celebrities such as famous singer and entrepreneur Rihanna. On the 20th June 2019, a celebration in his honor welcoming 2,500 guests took place at the Grand Palais, reflecting his work at Chanel, Chloé, and Fendi.
Bob Saget - Head Injury
The beloved Bob Saget was perhaps best known for being the wholesome family patriarch on Full House and its reincarnation of Fuller House. But he was also a notable stand-up comedian in his own right, winning a Grammy award for Best Comedy Album for 2014's That's What I'm Talkin' About.
It was, in fact, in the middle of a set of stand-up tour dates that Saget passed away. On January 9th, 2022, his body was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Florida. He had performed just the night before; he was 65. Saget apparently had injuries to the back of his head, possibly from a backward fall. At the time of his passing, the actor had COVID, an enlarged heart, and also had prescription drugs in his system.
Olivia Newton-John: Cancer
The iconic Olivia Newton-John, who rose to fame for her famous portrayal of Sandy in Grease, passed away at 73 at her Ranch in Southern California on August 8, 2022. Her widower John Easterling shared the news on social media by writing: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends."
"We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time. Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer."
Naomi Judd: Mental Illness
Naomi Judd was a famous American country singer and actress. She formed the music duo The Judds with her daughter Wynonna in 1983 and the successful duo won many awards including five Grammy Awards. Her other daughter, Ashley Judd, is a well-known actress and political activist.
Naomi Judd's daughters announced their mother's death on April 30, 2022, just a day before the country star was inducted into the Country Hall of Fame. Wynonna and Ashley Judd shared on Twitter that they "lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness." Naomi Judd had shared during an interview with Good Morning America in 2016 that she had been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety.
Robbie Coltrane: Multiple Organ Failure
While Robbie Coltrane was perhaps best known for his perfectly-played role of Hagrid in the Harry Potter film franchise (not to mention that famous line from the first film), he had a wide variety of roles under his belt by the time he passed away on October 14th, 2022 at the age of 72.
With roles in James Bond films and an OBE received from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his contributions to drama, he was also a noted comedian. In his later years, Coltrane suffered from osteoarthritis. The actor shared that he was in "constant pain all day, "and in 2019, he started using a wheelchair. He had been ill for a couple of years before his death.
Larry King: COVID-19
Legendary broadcasting giant Larry King was a fixture of radio and television for over 60 years. His career centered mostly on interviewing, in which his non-confrontational style opened the door for many well-known, often political, figures to feel comfortable appearing as his subject. His most famous project, the TV show Larry King Live, ran from 1985 to 2010.
King suffered from various health issues for the last 35 years of his life, beginning with a major heart attack in 1987 at the age of 54, a lung tumor in 2017, and a stroke in 2019. In January of 2021, he was admitted to Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles with symptoms of COVID-19, and died on the 23rd from complications of the virus. His death at age 87 brought tributes from almost every major media outlet and industry contemporary in the world.
Estelle Harris: Natural Causes
This amazing and funny actress who was famous for Toy Story and Seinfeld has died at the amazing age of 93. She was best known as Estelle Costanza, mother to neurotic George Costanza in Seinfeld. She had a very unique high-pitched voice and a short temper, just like her sitcom husband Frank.
She also voiced Mrs Potato Head in the animated movie Toy Story 2, 3 and 4. But it was her role in Seinfeld that made her a famous person, and she appeared in many other sitcoms.
Pat Morita: Kidney Failure
Pat Morita, the inimitable, fly-catching, karate expert who went by the name of Mr. Miyagi in the highly successful 1984 film Karate Kid, is practically a cultural icon of the '80s, given how successful the Karate Kid franchise was. What many may not know, however, is that Morita already had a successful career before Karate Kid as one of the first Asian-Americans playing a lead in a television series when he was cast to star in the 1976 sitcom Mr. T and Tina. He landed a steady stream of roles after his Karate Kid days, most notably in the films Happy Days and Mulan.
In the Kevin Derek documentary, More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story that came out in 2021, Kevin says: “The turning point for him is when he reached the age of 60. When you’re an aging Asian actor, you get kind of pigeonholed into doing the character that you’re known for. He wasn’t getting any roles, because he was older and kept drinking and starting stumbling and doing a whole bunch of silly things. And at that point you get blacklisted in Hollywood".
On November 14, 2005, Morita, unfortunately, succumbed to kidney failure, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. As for us, we will always remember him as the beloved karate master who taught us the 'crane kick.'
On November 14, 2005, Morita, unfortunately, succumbed to kidney failure, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. As for us, we will always remember him as the beloved karate master who taught us the 'crane kick.'
Muhammad Ali: Septic Shock
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay, was one of the greatest boxers of all time, which is how he got the moniker “The Greatest,” and he is also known for his activism, especially his opposition to the Vietnam War.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome in 1984, though he remained healthy and active for decades. When he died on June 3, 2016, from septic shock, the world mourned the loss of one of the most prominent athletes of the past century. We caught a final glimpse of the legend in this image from his daughter Hana, which was from a Facetime chat they had, and she wrote, "My last photo of my beautiful father...telling him I love him on May 22, 2016."
Chadwick Boseman: Cancer
While Chadwick Boseman is best known for his portrayal of the superhero, Black Panther, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, he got his start working as a writer, director, and actor for the stage. His first major role on screen was his portrayal of baseball player, Jackie Robinson, in the film 42, followed by Get On Up and Marshall where he portrayed James Brown and Thurgood Marshall.
Though diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, Boseman kept his condition private and continued to work while also supporting multiple cancer charities. By 2020, his cancer had progressed to stage four. Despite multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, he passed away at age 43 on August 28 of the same year.
Steve Jobs - Pancreatic Cancer
Steve Jobs was a tech juggernaut, but he doesn't look like himself in this photo. Everyone has heard of his revolutionary computer company, Apple, which he founded in 1976. But after his meteoric rise, he was brought down by pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2011. Although he looks frail in this picture, he will be remembered as an innovative pioneer in a black turtleneck who changed the world.
The days leading up to his death were very hard on Jobs. He was bedridden and would fall in and out of consciousness. When he passed away he was surrounded by loved ones, including his children and partner. His final words, while staring contently at his family, were, "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.”
Paul Walker - Car Accident
The world's heart broke on November 30th, 2013, when it found out that it had lost Paul Walker. What made his loss even more difficult was the circumstances surrounding his passing. No one could have predicted what would happen to the iconic actor.
Walker was probably best known for his role in the Fast & Furious franchise. In fact, he was a car enthusiast long before he ever acted in the movies. On his last day on earth, Walker would be killed in a car accident, which would seem so out of character for the Fast & Furious legend. He wasn't driving, however. Roger Roads was the driver of the Porsche that crashed into a lamp post and trees, ultimately leading to both of their deaths. This occurred during the filming of Furious 7.
Meat Loaf: COVID-19
American musician Michael Lee Aday aka Meat Loaf was noted as an amazing performer and a vocalist virtuoso. His famous rock opera Bat Out Of Hell sold more than 65 million copies, and although he had some difficulty cultivating a stable music career in the US his popularity in Europe made him one of the commercially successful musicians of all time, with a whopping number of more than 100 million records sold worldwide.
He also made appearances on screen in cult classics such as Rocky Horror Picture Show, and his single "I'd Do Anything For Love" won him a Grammy award. In January 2022 Meat Loaf has contracted COVID-19 and his condition worsened quickly. His daughters announced that he had died on January 22, 2022, at the age of 74.
Taylor Hawkins - Enlarged Heart
On March 25, 2022, at 50 years old, The Foo Fighters drummer was found dead in his hotel room in Bogota with 10 drugs in his system. According to Colombian authorities, he had antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids, THC, and heroin come up in his toxicology report.
The drugs, along with his enlarged heart which was twice the size of an average man's heart at his age, led to his untimely passing. The forensic team was apparently "shocked" by just how enlarged his heart was. Fans around the world will continue to mourn the loss of such a beloved musician and accomplished artist.
Brittany Murphy: Pneumonia and Anemia
Brittany Murphy was both young and famous, and her star was rising in the years leading up to her sudden death. She had a slew of memorable roles to her name due to her involvement in films such as Clueless, 8 Mile, Girl Interrupted, and Sin City. The world was shocked, however, when on December 20 of 2009, just a few days before Christmas, she was found lifeless in the bathroom of her home. The next day, it was announced that the young actress had passed away from complications brought about by a combination of pneumonia and prescription drugs.
A documentary released in 2021 revealed some interesting information about Murphy's life and raised some questions about her death. In the documentary, reporter Amber Ryland got an exclusive interview with Murphy's husband, Simon Monjack shortly after her death. “It was in the back of my mind, ‘Am I sitting with a murderer?’ Filmmaker Allison Burnett says in the documentary that he met Monjack in 1999 and that Monjack lied about owning 17 Ferraris, dating Madonna, and surviving terminal brain cancer. He knew who he was dealing with, but apparently, Murphy did not. Before Monjack's death a few months after Brittany, he was living with Murphy's mom and it appeared as if he had some kind of hold on her. This celebrity death turned into a mystery.
Sidney Poitier - Natural Causes
One of the last living stars of the Golden Era, Sidney Poitier peacefully passed away on January 6th, 2022 at the age of 94, upon which tributes came pouring in from Hollywood and Washington alike. He set records throughout his life, including being the first Black man to be awarded the Academy Award for Best Actor for his 1963 performance in Lilies of the Field.
After retiring from the entertainment industry (in which he had expanded his talents to directing as well), Poitier entered the world of diplomacy where he served as the ambassador from his native Bahamas to Japan from 1997 to 2007. He also served as the Bahamas' ambassador to UNESCO.
John Ritter: Aortic Dissection
John Ritter will be most popularly remembered for his role as Jack Tripper in ABCs highly successful comedy sitcom Three's a Company. It was a role that would eventually earn him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award in 1984. Ritter would appear in more than 100 shows for both TV and film and fellow actor-comedian Don Knotts once referred to him as the “greatest physical comedian on the planet.” In September of 2003, Ritter reportedly suffered a bout of chest pains while rehearsing for the sitcom 8 Simple Rules.
He was taken to a hospital where doctors determined that he had suffered a heart attack. He was later diagnosed with aortic dissection, for which he needed immediate surgery. Unfortunately, he died during the surgery, six days before his 55th birthday and on his daughter’s 5th birthday. According to Ritter's widow, Amy Yasbeck, the actor didn't have to die. Apparently, the true cause of his death was identified too late. The doctors are being sued for malpractice and in Yasbeck's words, "You can’t treat my kid’s dad for something and kill him in the process." When his daughter reached 18, he finalized the decision to move forward with his transition into being male. He's called Noah Lee Ritter, and he's an actor.
Naya Rivera: Drowning
Naya Rivera had been an actress since early childhood but was most well-known for her role as Santana Lopez on the hit TV show Glee, where she took the character from a minor role to an increasingly more significant one as the series progressed. In 2011, she branched out into the music world and signed with Columbia Records to produce an album, which never materialized as production was halted. She also became a published author with the release of her memoir, Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up, in 2016.
On July 8th, 2020, her four-year-old son Josey was found alone in a rented boat on California's Lake Piru, but Naya was nowhere to be found. Search and rescue operations were underway for five days until a body was finally found and confirmed to be hers. Josey had confirmed that after both being in the water, she had helped him back into the boat, but had been unable to get in herself. Authorities cited the unpredictable current and whirlpools in the lake as the likely cause of her drowning, declaring it to have been an accidental death. She was 33.
Christopher Plummer: Head Injury
While the average Joe might know him best as the iconic Captain Von Trapp from 1965's The Sound of Music, Christopher Plummer would probably wish you reflected more on the other aspects of his career. He wasn't nominated for a single award for his role in the film, which he referred to as 'The Sound of Mucus', among choice other nicknames. But look a little further and it won't take long to see the impact of his career as a whole, which garnered him the famous 'Triple Crown of Acting': an Emmy win (two, in fact), a Tony (also two), and an Oscar (whose win in 2011 at the age of 82 made him the oldest Oscar winner ever).
Plummer got his start in the entertainment industry in the early 1950s, appearing both on television and on Broadway in 1953. He continued being active in acting throughout his life, with his last role being in 2019's Knives Out. He also expanded his talents into writing for not only stage and screen but for concert-hall as well, working and performing with the New York Philharmonic, among other famous orchestras. Having lived a very full life, he died at age 91, peacefully at home with his wife by his side, in early February 2021 after suffering a head injury in a fall.
Cloris Leachman: Natural Causes
A prolific actress, Cloris Leachman got her start in the entertainment industry with small roles in television and film in the 1960s. But her fame would come from her portrayal of character Phyllis Lindstrom on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and then in her own spin-off, Phyllis, which ran from 1975 to 1977 and earned her a Golden Globe.
She was also an author, having written her own autobiography in 2009, which she wrote with her ex-husband, fellow actor, and industry colleague George Englund. In January 2021 at the age of 94, she died in her home in Encinitas, California of natural causes. She had continued to appear in film even as recently as 2020.
Gaspard Ulliel: Skiing Accident
The 37-year-old French actor Gaspard Ulliel was known for his roles in "It's Only the End of the World" and "Saint Laurent" and was set to play in "Moon Knight," Marvel's forthcoming TV series.
On January 18, 2022, on the day the official trailer for "Moon Night" was released, the actor was transported to a hospital in Grenoble for suffering severe brain injury after a skiing accident in the Alps involving a collision with another skier. He died at the hospital the next day.
Doris Day: Pneumonia
As one of the biggest stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Doris Day landed roles in iconic movies such as "Calamity Jane" (1953) and "The Man Who Knew Too Much" by Alfred Hitchcock. She won numerous awards for her movies and was also a famous singer, with hit albums like "My Heart".
After ending her career, she later became an animal welfare activist and created the Doris Day Animal Foundation. She passed away on May 13th, 2019, at the age of 97 years old, leaving behind her a life full of achievements and success.
Charles Grodin: Bone Marrow Cancer
Charles Grodin was an esteemed entertainer in all facets of media as a comedian, author, actor, and even TV talk show host. Appearing in classics such as The Heartbreak Kid and Rosemary’s Baby, he had solidified himself as a fixture in supporting roles in many of the iconic comedies of his era.
On May 18, 2021, at the age of 86, Grodin passed away in the comforts of his home in Wilton, Connecticut, after a battle against bone marrow cancer. He is survived by his two children, Emma and Nicholas.
Patrick Swayze: Pancreatic Cancer
Patrick Swayze was a multi-talented actor who starred in quite possibly every type of movie that there was. He sang, danced, and took names in his films, which ran the gamut from musicals like Dirty Dancing to action films like Point Break.
Swayze died on September 14, 2009, after a long and arduous battle with pancreatic cancer. His life and career were retold in the documentary I Am Patrick Swayze which was released by Paramount Pictures in 2019.
Anna Nicole Smith: Accidental Drug Overdose
Perhaps over everything else, Anna Nicole Smith is known as a tragic and controversial figure. Born Vickie Lynn Hogan in 1967, she grew up in an abusive home. She became one of the most commercially well-known faces of the '90s, modeling for retail giants like Guess and magazines like New York and Playboy.
By the early '00s, many began to suspect Smith had a substance abuse issue as there were several appearances where she seemed to be under the influence. On February 8th, 2007, she was found dead in her room at the Hard Rock Hotel in Florida; the cause of death was an accidentally combined drug intoxication, with 11 different prescription drugs in her system upon her autopsy. Her death only made more fierce the controversy surrounding her life, including her inheritance of her second husband, 90-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall's, billion-dollar fortune (arguments over which reached the Supreme Court), the death of her son Daniel from an overdose at age 20, and the paternity of her daughter, who was only several months old at the time of her mother's death.