COREY HAIM – PNEUMONIA
Corey Haim, born in Canada in 1971. In 1983, at the age of 13, he made his first performance in the family comedy Mr. Mommy. Corey Haim became one of Hollywood’s hottest actors during the ’80s, appearing in multiple films, such as Lucas, Silver Bullet, Murphy’s Romance, and The Lost Boys. His role with Corey Feldman in The Lost Boy made Haim a household name. Dubbed Two Coreys, they became 1980s icons and appeared together in seven films. He later starred in the American reality TV show Two Coreys.
Because of the fame that he experienced at the time, he developed terrible vices specifically, illegal substance abuse and drugs. He got himself in rehab multiple times. It even reached to the point that he got broke and was on the verge of bankruptcy. He passed away in March 2010 because of pulmonary edema at the end of 38.
JONATHAN BRANDIS – SUICIDE
Jonathan Brandis’ career started as a child model in many brand commercials. He later moved towards working in television shows and doing film roles. His first major TV appearance was in ABC’s soap opera One Life to Live and then made his way towards becoming a teen idol in the 1990 film The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter and in the sci-fi series SeaQuest DSV. The character is popular with teen viewers, and Brandis often appears in teen magazines.
Everything seems to be going in the right direction until he found his career slowing down bit by bit. He took the hit personally, and signs of depression appeared. We are not sure if it had a direct impact on his credit score, but according to the reports, his declining career played a major role in his demise.
BILL PAXTON – STROKE
The actor and director Bill Paxton was one of the hottest actors during the ’80s and ’90s. Bill Paxton has played a variety of roles, from character to leader, with his rich and unique Texan voice and persona. He appeared in movies such as The Terminator and a minor role in Streets of Fire. He worked double-time and earned the respect of his peers. Just after a few months, his investments paid off, and he got a significant support part for the film Weird Science and the classic tragic movie Twister.
He also worked as a director of various short films, including Barnes & Barnes’s Fish Heads. Since he was young, he was plagued with health issues, specifically the damaged heart valve that gave him a rheumatic fever during his younger days. At the age of 61, Paxton passed away because of a stroke after going through an open heart surgery 11 days before his death.
NICOLE DEHUFF – PNEUMONIA
Her death was tragic, especially for her fans and family. Nicole DeHuff was born in Oklahoma on January 6, 1975. She began her acting studies at the prestigious Carnegie Mellon School of Performing Music. Her first screen role was in the hit comedy Meet The Parents, 2000, with Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller. Nicole married Ari Palitz in 2000 but has no children. She died of pneumonia in Los Angeles on February 16, 2005. She was 30 years old.
Dehuff was hospitalized a couple of times in the latter part of her life after her misdiagnosed illness. Her first diagnosis was bronchitis and got some prescription drugs. However, her condition worsened, and it was too late when the correct diagnosis came into light. It was not sure if her family hired lawyers to pursue a lawsuit for her misdiagnosed condition that shortened her life.
BILL NUNN – LEUKEMIA
Bill Nunn was part of the entertainment industry for four decades, or only, until the day he passed away. During his time as a celebrity, he appeared in more than 70 different shows and movies. Bill Nunn, the actor who died of leukemia at the age of 63, was a gentle giant who often appeared in supporting roles in mainstream American films. He is most closely associated with the writer-director Spike Lee, who has shown him in four films. The most admirable of these is the provocative Do the Right Thing.
The most famous of which were his roles as Radio Raheem in Do the Right Thing and Robbie Robertson in the Spiderman trilogy. However, things turned to worst when leukemia caught up to him in September 2016. He lived a healthy lifestyle, had excellent medical insurance coverage, and didn’t have any bad vices. Hence, it was a big mystery of how he got the deadly disease.
ALEXIS ARQUETTE – CARDIAC ARREST
Alexis Arquette was one of the LGBT’s most famous figures. She first started acting at the age of 12 in a music video and went on to be part of the 1986 film Down and Out in Beverly Hills. During the height of her career, she underwent the long process of gender reassignment surgery. During that time, the process of transforming from man to woman was well-publicized by her camp, and it helped her land more acting gigs in the coming years.
Unfortunately, her medical insurance and healthcare were not enough to save her from death due to cardiac arrest, which was directly caused by myocarditis stemming from HIV. Arquette’s family issued a statement without a reason for her death, which helps explain why her performances have become less and less in recent years:“Despite the fact that there are few parts for trans actors, she refused to play roles that were demeaning or stereotypical. She was a vanguard in the fight for understanding and acceptance for all trans people.”
RON GLASS – RESPIRATORY FAILURE
Ron Glass appeared in many films and TV shows during his professional career as an actor. Most of his fans will always remember him as Detective Ron Harris in the sitcom Barney Miller, which ran from the mid-’70s until the early ’80s. Ron Glass effortlessly exudes easygoing charm whenever he appears on screen. He was also famous for his role in Firefly and its sequel, Serenity, as Shepherd Derrial Book. Ron Glass graduated from the University of Evansville with a BACHELOR of Arts degree, majoring in drama and literature. His degree helped him bigtime in his journey as an actor.
At the age of 71, Ron Glass passed away because of respiratory failure. Ron Glass has left many classic and unforgettable characters with his rich, mellow voice and superb performance art. His legacy will forever be remembered by his fans, friends, and family. Glass is also a supporter of the Al-Wooten Jr. Heritage Center, a Los Angeles nonprofit that specializes in mentoring and college preparation.
LAURA BRANIGAN – BRAIN ANEURYSM
Brannigan was born on July 3, 1957 and grew up in Brewster, New York. She attended the Manhattan Academy of Dramatic Arts. In the late 1970s, she toured Europe as a supporter of Canadian singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen. In 1982, she signed up with Atlantic Records as a solo artist. Laura Branigan would always be heard through her classic song that was a certified platinum in 1982. It was none other than the hit single Gloria. She also released another chart-topping cover, titled Self Control. Both songs were well-received by her audience worldwide.
Sadly, she lost her life while sleeping in her real estate investment in East Quogue. Medical practitioners pointed out the culprit, and it was because of an undiagnosed ventricular brain aneurysm. Reports have it that the singer and songwriter experienced several episodes of headaches a few weeks before the unfortunate incident occurred, but had not sought medical attention.
TEENA MARIE – NATURAL CAUSES
Teena Marie, or sometimes called Lady Tee, got one of the most distinctive soprano voice in the music industry during her time. After graduating from high school and briefly attending Santa Monica College, Teena Marie signed with Motown Records as a protege of Rick James, one of the label’s biggest rising stars at the time. She revolutionized the R&B and the soul music genres, which earned her the title of Ivory Queen of Soul.
She’s also a gifted musician and a virtuoso when it comes to playing various instruments such as guitars, keyboards, and percussions. However, not everything went according to her plan. In 2004 while staying in a hotel room, Teena Marie got struck with a large picture frame that fell on her while she was sleeping. We’re just not sure if the insurance covered the damages done to the singer during that incident, but that caused her seizures for the rest of her life. She died in 2010 because of natural causes.
LESLIE CARTER – DRUG OVERDOSE
Leslie Carter was a rising singer and model during the 2000s. If her last name sounds familiar, you’re right. Leslie Carter is Nick Carter and Aaron Carter’s sister. Even if she hadn’t reached the same level of success as her two brothers, she could have achieved more if it weren’t for her substance abuse. The degree of her addiction grew out of hand, and it went out of control right away.
Though her family had plans of enrolling her in rehab, unfortunately, it didn’t happen. At the age of 25, her father found her unconscious and was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital. Hospital officials announced that the singer was dead on arrival and suffered from an overdose from prescription medicines. Leslie married her longtime boyfriend, Mike Ashton, in September 2008 and gave birth to their only child, a daughter, Alyssa Jane Ashton, in April 2011.
PAT MORITA – KIDNEY FAILURE
For those who have seen The Karate Kid series during the ’80s and ’90s, you will instantly recognize Pat Morita and his role as Mr. Miyagi that helped him get numerous nominations from major award-giving bodies. Pat Morita’s performance was so inspiring that he was nominated for an Oscar. He played various roles throughout his stay in Hollywood, including Arnold Takahashi on Happy Days and voiced the Emperor of China in the 1998 animated film Mulan. Pat Morita devoted his life to performing arts and comedy.
Unfortunately, he passed away because of kidney failure. He’s one of the most iconic figures of the ’80s, and his name remains relevant up to this date. Overall, he has accumulated more than 100 screen credits under his name. The SpongeBob SquarePants episode “Karate Island,” in which he voices Wooden, is dedicated to his memory. The fifth episode of the series, Cobra Kay, was also dedicated in his memory.
CHRIS PENN – HEART DISEASE
The American actor Chris Penn was one of Hollywood’s ideal tough guy during the ’80s until the early 2000s. He usually played hard-hitting characters, mostly villains or sometimes that big comic guy we commonly saw in many of the ’80s and ’90s films. Do you know? Chris Penn has a black belt in karate. He has performed and acted since he was a child and appeared in iconic teen films such as All Right Right and Rumble Fish in the early 1980s.
His most famous role was the disturbingly hilarious Nice Guy Eddie in Tarantino’s highly storied shooting competition in 1992. He also got some voice credits in his professional career, including one of the most iconic games in history. He’s the man behind the voice of the ruthless cop Eddie Pulaski in the hit 2004 game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. He succumbed from nonspecific cardiomyopathy, which is commonly referred to as a heart attack.
LEONARD NIMOY – SMOKING-RELATED ILLNESS
Leonard Nimoy became one of the iconic stars in Hollywood history because of his role as Mr. Spock in the Star Trek franchise. Aside from his famous acting works, he also became an accomplished director, author, photographer, and singer during his career. Mr. Nimoy is also an active supporter of the arts. Thalia, an old movie theater on Manhattan’s Upper West End, is now part of the symphony space.
At some point in his life, he also engaged himself in educating young folks around him. He even got an MA degree at Antioch College! In 2014, the famous actor revealed to his fans that he had a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which he got from smoking. A year later, reports surfaced that he fell into a coma and eventually lost the battle because of the complications he got from his health condition. With the approval of his family, Leonard’s story lives as part of a reminder from the activities of former smokers.
AVICII – SUICIDE
Tim Bergling or professionally known as Avicii was one of the most promising young artists in the global music scene. He created a niche for himself in mixing music and producing records. Some of his most notable works were Levels and Wake Me Up. These two topped the charts and received positive reviews from the watchful eyes of the critics. By 2014, Avicii had become the world’s third-highest-earning DJ, working with Madonna, Lenny Kravitz, Zach Brown and his hero Coldplay.
His talent and effort were his most significant investments in the music industry, which earned him multiple awards and recognitions. However, he had to retire early because of his unwavering health issues. He later shocked the world, specifically the dance community, with his unexpected suicide because of the pressure and depression he felt while working under the spotlight. In 2019, Bergling’s family founded the Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention Foundation, named after the late DJ Tim Bergling. Avicii’s death has raised awareness of mental health in the industry.
THUY TRANG – CAR ACCIDENT
The Vietnamese actress Thuy Trang achieved worldwide recognition and captured the interest of many kids and kids at heart, thanks to her portrayal of the original Yellow Ranger in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. In that series, she played the role of Trini Kwan. Thuy Trang had an unhappy childhood and suffered a lot. To make a living, she learned knkhand when she was nine. She first took an interest in getting a degree in civil engineering but had a change of mind and focused more on acting instead.
Everything seemed to be going in the right direction until she met her demise in a tragic car accident while driving along Interstate 5 between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Thuy Trang is always optimistic and positive, and her smile is always sweet and healing. All her fans will forever remember the legacy she left in the industry.
DANA HILL – DIABETES
Dana Hill became one of the top supporting actresses during the ’80s. She rose to fame through her portrayal of Audrey Griswold in the 1985 American comedy film National Lampoon’s European Vacation. Aside from being a well-known actress, Hill was also a world-class athlete during her childhood years, and she probably got a bunch of scholarships that time that saved her from any needs of a student’s loan.
However, her young athletic career ended when she got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Dana hill was suffering from diabetes, which affected the development of her body and made her look like a young child. Because of this, most of the roles Hill played were adolescent girls. Hill managed to put her medical condition at bay, but it eventually caught up with her. In 1996, she died because of a complication from her type 1 diabetes.
NELSAN ELLIS – COMPLICATIONS FROM ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME
The actor and playwright Nelsan Ellis rose to fame through his critically acclaimed performance as Lafayette Reynolds in the HBO television series True Blood. Lafayette’s character is said to have been killed early in the Southern Vampire Mystery book series. But True Blood fans loved Ellis so much, the character survived and appeared on television. He managed to get his hand on a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy and other prestigious awards from major award-giving bodies.
Everything seemed to be going in the right direction until he shocked the entire entertainment scene when the news about his passing broke out. His family said in a statement on July 10 that Nelson had been trying to quit smoking a few days before his death, suggesting that he suffered from abstinence syndrome, which led to heart failure. His medical insurance company probably covered counseling from alcohol dependancy. However, he became reluctant since it might tarnish his name.
MICHAEL NYQVIST – LUNG CANCER
Rolf Åke Mikael Nyqvist, or professionally known as Michael Nyqvist, was one of Sweden’s most notable actors. His pursuit of a degree in the prestigious Malmö Theatre Academy helped him refined his craft and became one of the entertainment industry’s best international talents. Some of his most notable roles were from the 2001 film Grabben I graven bredvid and the Millennium series. He also played a considerable role in the action films John Wick and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.
Mikael Nyqvist had an unhappy childhood and was abandoned by his biological parents at a very young age, but that didn’t affect his love of acting. Mikael Nyqvist is a well-known actor in Sweden and one of the country’s most respected and accomplished actors. Sadly, his unbeaten run was halted by lung cancer that took his life in 2017. He was only 56 at the time, and all significant treatments didn’t completely cure his condition. Mikael Nyqvist’s death has left countless fans heart-writhing.
ALICE PLAYTEN – HEART FAILURE
Most people might not know the actress Alice Playten. However, she’s one of the most dependable talents in the industry during her professional career. She first made a name for herself in broadway musical during the late ’50s and early ’60s. She later used this platform as a ladder to success and catapulted her way towards the mainstream scene.Throughout her career, she sparingly appeared in major titles, which affected her stock as an artist.
As a result, she mostly only got voice credits in various animated shows for cartoon characters and children in ads. She’s a regular on The Dick Cavid Show and The Prairie Family Companion. Unfortunately, She did all of this while battling type 1 diabetes, which proved her tenacity and dedication to her craft. She eventually fell from heart failure as a direct complication of her medical condition.
HOLLY LEWIS – UNKNOWN CAUSE
Holly Lewis was born on December 26, 1965, on The Big Island of Nebraska. Holly Lewis’ name might not appear in major films and TV show credits anymore, but she’s undoubtedly one of the talented individuals that ever stepped foot in Hollywood. After pursuing a degree in Arts at Arizona University, she quickly made her way towards the mainstream media and became a successful endorser of many products. She also worked as an artist in various plays and produced several films, including the 2004 film Oscar.
In her spare time, Holly likes to walk and climb mountains. She climbed twelve of Southern California’s 13 highest peaks, including Mount Whitney, the highest in 48 states. However, it all came into an end when her camp publicly announced that Holly passed away on June 22, 2012, in her home located in Murdock, Nebraska. They didn’t provide any details about the cause of her death, but she would surely be missed.
MARCIA WALLACE – BREAST CANCER
Marcia Wallace’s life has an exciting story to tell. She’s the epitome of self-made success, which was the fruit of her hard work and dedication to her craft. She was almost in the bankruptcy stage right after she finished her college with only $148 in her account. She worked hard and applied as a script typist and a part-time theater actress. She then found her way on The Merv Griffin Show, where she appeared for more than 75 times, and the rest was what they called history.
In addition, she also voiced a number of cartoons, creating many classic sounds for the audience. She hosts TV comedy clubs and talk shows, and is the actual host of the cable diet show. In the later part of her life, she battled against different health conditions, including pneumonia and sepsis. She was also diagnosed with breast cancer that took her life a week before her 71st birthday. Her life story was an inspiring one that would always be looked upon by aspiring artists.
SUNNY JOHNSON – BURST BLOOD VESSEL IN BRAIN
Sunny Johnson had a relatively short career as an actress, but she made it a worthwhile experience for her and her fans after she portrayed the figure skater Jeanie in the 1983 film Flashdance. Sadly, that was also her last movie credit. A year after she starred in that hit film, her emergency personnel received an alert that Johnson was found unconscious inside her home.
Miss Johnson’s agent, Steve Dontanville, said the actress suffered a ruptured blood vessel on Monday night. Mr. Dontanville said her boyfriend, Archie Hahn, found her unconscious in the house they shared and was taken to UCLA Medical Center. She was immediately rushed to the hospital and wired with a life-support system right away. The main culprit for her demise was a brain hemorrhage and was officially announced dead to the public on June 19, 1984.
RICHARD GRIFFITHS – COMPLICATIONS FROM HEART SURGERY
Richard Griffiths was one of the well-decorated actors during his active years in the entertainment scene. He received numerous credits for his acting prowess, such as the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor, Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play, and a nomination for BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also got himself an honorary degree from Teesside University because of the impact he made in the British movie and television industry.
Born in Yorkshire on 31 July 1947, Griffiths was the son of a deaf man who learned sign language from an early child. His world did not include television, and he had to explain to his father what music sounded like. Despite these obstacles, Griffiths has developed a talent for dialects. Sadly, he passed away after he caught fatal complications following his heart surgery. His peers honored his legacy and provided heart-warming messages about the impact Griffiths made in their life.
JUSTIN PIERCE – SUICIDE
The famous skater and actor Justin Pierce was well-remembered for his role as Casper in the 1995 film Kids. He also made another massive push in his career as Roach in Next Friday and appeared a few episodes of Malcolm in the Middle. Pierce had a rough childhood, and it was probably one of the catalysts on why he wanted to end his life and committed suicide. A prime example of this was when his parents went on and hired a divorce lawyer to end their relationship.
It ultimately opened the door for him towards unhealthy vices and missing out on his schooling in favor of his passion, which was skateboarding. He married Gina Rizzo in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1999. A year later, Pierce was found dead in the same town. On July 10, 2000, hotel security officers found Pierce hanging in his room at the Bellagio hotel. He was just 25.
TREVOR GODDARD – DRUG OVERDOSE
Trevor Goddard was born in England on October 14, 1962, and later moved to Bromley, Kent, where he grew up. Trevor Goddard is a natural athlete who is very interested in sports such as football, cricket, running and many other recreational activities. But his greatest passion is boxing. Later, Trevor Goddard became famous with his role as Kano in the acclaimed film adaptation of the fantasy-themed fighting style game, Mortal Kombat, during the mid-’90s.
His success continued as he racked up another project playing the role of Lieutenant Commander Mic Brumby in the famous TV series JAG. Everything was working well in Goddard’s life, except for his married life. This became more obvious during the early 2000s when he got himself caught up with unhealthy vices. On June 7, 2003, he was found dead inside his home. The main driver for his death was the impending proceeding with his wife in the office of a divorce lawyer.
ANDREW KOENIG – SUICIDE
Andrew Koenig was only 41 when he was found dead after he hanged himself in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. However, he left a vital mark in the film industry as an all-rounder — actor, director, and writer. He was also known for his human rights advocacy. Andrew Koenig suffered from severe depression and had been missing for several days before his death was confirmed. Andrew Koenig once said to people, “Never say I played Boner.” He didn’t want to be called Bonner all his life. That thing affected him.
In 2007, he visited the Burmese refugee camps located on the outskirts of Thailand to send help and support. The following year, he appeared in front of a Chinese float for the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California. Because of the commotion, Koenig got himself arrested for his act of civil disobedience, but his defense attorney was quick to his response.
MICHAEL JETER – EPILEPTIC SEIZURE
Michael Jeter is an American actor from Tennessee. He was one of the premier film and stage actors, whose career ran from 1979 until 2003. Jeter began his career as a theatre actor, performing regularly at the Touring Theatre and Plaza Theatre in Memphis.He was famous for playing the character of Herman Stiles on the popular sitcom Evening Shade. He’s also the man behind Mister Noodle on the world-famous children’s show Sesame Street.
His last project before his death was a voice credit for the animated film The Polar Express. Jeter was found lying in his home in Hollywood on March 30, 2003. Some speculated that his death had something to do with his HIV. Michael Jeter is an openly gay man who has been HIV-positive but has been healthy for years. However, according to his doctors and medical insurance company, he was in sound health for the latter part of his life.
J.T WALSH – HEART ATTACK
The actor James Thomas Patrick Walsh, or professionally known as J.T. Walsh, got a lot of film credits under his name. He was the epitome of the big bad guys in various films during his prime. At one point, Playboy Magazine named him as “everybody’s favorite scumbag.” JT Walsh was born on September 28, 1943, in San Francisco, California. J. T. Walsh’s early work included social workers, encyclopedia salesmen, junior high school teachers and journalists. He is an actor best known for Sling Blade, Breakdown and A Few Good Men.
Although he played at the University of Rhode Island and in Broadway films, he didn’t perform in his first film until he was 42. On February 27, 1998, Walsh passed away at the age of 54. Many of his peers, including the award-winning actor Jack Nicholson, paid tribute to the contributions he made in the industry. Nicholson dedicated his Academy Award for As Good as It Gets to honor J. T. Walsh.
PAUL GLEASON – PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA
Paul Gleason was one of Hollywood’s premier actors. He appeared in famous shows such as All My Children, Trading Places, The Breakfast Club, and Die Hard. Aside from his acting skills, Gleason was also a seasoned veteran when it comes to golf. Actor Paul Gleason excels at playing hard men and white-collar sleazebags. He is famous for portraying the names of these different characters. Paul Gleason also often plays a principal or teacher without nonsense. He is known for playing with mind-nudity, annoying bullies.
His career seemed to be going in the right direction until he got diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, called pleural mesothelioma. His doctors pointed out that his illness probably came from one of his father’s business investments, where he worked as a teenager. He passed away on May 27, 2006, in California and was 67 years old at the time.
RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH – HEART FAILURE
Richard Attenborough was one of the iconic figures in the British film and television industry. He was one of the brave souls that captured old raids of the Royal Air Force all over Europe as part of the RAF Film Production Unit. At one point, he suffered permanent ear damage from his flight training exercises. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any comprehensive medical insurance at the time.
He was also a close friend of Diana, Princess of Wales, and he mentored her privately to help her have more confidence in speaking in public at the beginning of her marriage. She always called him “Dickie”. After retiring from the film industry, his health started to deteriorate. He was hospitalized several times because of heart issues and was fitted with a pacemaker in 2008. Sadly, he died five days before his 91st birthday.
LEN LESSER – CANCER-RELATED PNEUMONIA
Leonard King Lesser, or professionally known as Len Lesser, was one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood during his active years. He left a mark on both TV and stage with his incredible acting skills. Audiences would remember him best for his role as Uncle Leo in Seinfeld. He also had a regular acting credit in the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, where he played the character of Garvin.
On February 16, 2011, the entertainment world was stunned after learning of his passing. According to the records, Lesser’s cause of death pointed towards cancer-related pneumonia. He was 88 at the time. Many of his fans and industry colleagues were left heartbroken by the sad news. Many of his former co-stars offered, not just their sympathies, but tributes to the late actor. Proving that the multi-talented Lesser had managed to touch countless people in the span of his life and career.
BARNEY MARTIN – BLADDER CANCER
Actor Barney Martin might not have a long list of film and TV credit to his name, but he left a significant mark in the industry with his portrayal of Morty Seinfeld, the father of Jerry, on the hugely successful sitcom Seinfeld. Aside from acting, he led an interesting life as he was also one of New York City Police Department’s finest detectives. He had been prolific in both fields and we don’t doubt that he left quite the legacy among those he had met.
Later in life, he got diagnosed bladder cancer and eventually succumbed to it. He passed away at age 82, surrounded by his family. His contributions in both entertainment and the field of investigation did not go unnoticed, of course. Martin was remembered, not just by his audience, but also his peers who mourned the loss of the talented actor. no less. Although he isn’t with us anymore, his memory will live on in the work that he has done.
Brittany Murphy – PNEUMONIA AND ANEMIA
Brittany Murphy was one of Hollywood’s hottest aspiring singers and actresses during the ’90s and 2000s. She wanted to be a star, and Murphy put a lot of investment to make that dream a reality. During her teenage years, she moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles, and her effort paid off. She was able to land a project for portraying Tai Frasier in the 1995 film Clueless. At the time, it was clear that she was on her way to becoming one of the industry’s most beloved actresses.
Unfortunately, the actress never got to see that happen. According to the autopsy report, she passed away due to pneumonia, with secondary factors of iron-deficiency anemia. When news broke of the tragedy, fans from all over the world mourned her loss, and so did the friends she has made in the industry. Tributes were made in her memory and even today, the body of work she left behind is still beloved by many.
ANTOINE ASHLEY – HEART FAILURE
Antoine Ashley, or popularly known as Sahara Davenport, showed a lot of potential when she joined the reality competition series RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her degree in Fine Arts helped her reach one of the top spots in the competition, during which she exhibited a great deal of talent and fashion sense. Ashley gained quite a significant fan base after and was on the path to success. However, it surprised many when her camp announced her passing because of heart failure on October 1, 2012.
She was rushed to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, but the doctors weren’t able to revive the famed drag queen. Ashley was certainly a great loss, not just to her family, but to the LGBTQ community at large. All the performances she had given throughout the years, however, will become a lasting legacy of her incredible talent. The world is certainly lucky to have been introduced to her and we’re sure she will continue to inspire many.
DAVID GRAF – HEART ATTACK
David Graf became famous thanks to his role as Sgt. Eugene Tackleberry in the Police Academy film series that became popular during the mid to late ’80s. He first started his career in acting after dropping out of college in 1975. Graf almost fell into bankruptcy at one point in his life, but he managed to avoid it and even became a contestant on the game show The $20,000 Pyramid. Things got better from that point, and his financial struggle came to an end. His career in Hollywood also took flight.
The actor passed way nine days before his 51st birthday due to a heart attack. As it had been a sudden occurrence, it caused deep shock to his family and his colleagues. For many who admired his work, Graf will live on in the work that he has done. His contributions to the industry will remain his legacy, for decades to come.
GINA MASTROGIACOMO – MYOCARDITIS
Gina Mastrogiacomo was an American actress known for her B-movie characters. After working as a model, Gina slowly transitioned into acting and earned a few uncredited roles. However, just when the actress’s career was starting to pick up, her health met an unexpected turn. On May 2, 2001, Gina Mastrogiacomo fell victim to a rare inflammation of the heart muscle known as Myocarditis that caused severe bacterial infection of the vital organ. She was only 39 at the time, and had slowly been building a stable career in Hollywood.
Her first movie credit was in the movie Alien Terror. She later got a chance to work with the legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese in Goodfellas – Three Decades in the Mafia. Though she never the peak of her success, the actress was able to enjoy consistent appearances in various TV shows prior to her passing. This is why she is still remembered by many, despite her brief time in the industry.
ANITA MUI – CERVICAL CANCER
Anita Mui was widely regarded as one of the top personalities in Hong Kong’s music and acting scenes. She became famous through her powerful voice and jaw-dropping live performances. Not to mention the fact that she is also an incredibly talented actress. Her works and contributions to the industry remain relevant up to this date. Dubbed as the “Madonna of the East,” Mui’s influence was felt in many parts of Asia, including Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.
After she managed to conquer Asia, Mui set her sights on the West, where she later did sold-out concerts in London and other parts of Europe. This also brought her a lot of fortune and made her immune to any form of personal loans. However, her financial success wasn’t enough to win her battle against cervical cancer. Before leaving the industry to focus on her treatment, Anita held eight more concerts from November 6-15, 2003. Her condition worsened, and Mui succumbed to cancer on December 30, 2003, at the young age of 40.
LYNNE THIGPEN – CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE
Lynne Thigpen was one of the most well-rounded actresses in Hollywood during her active years. However, she didn’t start pursuing an acting career until she attained her degree in college. The famed actress shocked her fans and the whole of Hollywood with her sudden passing on March 12, 2003, because of a cerebral hemorrhage. Reports claimed that prior to her tragic death, Lynne had been complaining of severe headaches for days. However, considering her busy schedule, they simply brushed it off as a simple stress headache.
Her career was a spectacular one, and she proved it with the number of nominations and awards she got during her prime. She had a total of six Daytime Emmy Award nominations throughout her career and managed to receive a Tony in the 1997 film An American Daughter. Though her time in the spotlight came to a screeching halt, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Lynne’s legacy has been strong and impactful.
JAMES REBHORN – MELANOMA
James Rebhorn was considered to be a legend, with thanks to his incredible performances in the over 100 movie and television appearances he has to his credit. Before he became a respected film and TV star, however, James was a passionate stage actor who had mostly small roles in theater plays. During his early days on the stage, he was known for portraying characters that were either lawyers, politicians, doctors, or wicked villains.
His most notable movie appearance was in the 1996 Sci-fi film Independence Day, where he played the role of Albert Nimzicki. From there on, his career grew at a steady pace. However, in 1992, he was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of cancer that developed from the pigment-containing cells known as melanocytes. As a result, his doctors put him on a specific treatment system, which was meant to control and hopefully, cure the disease. Unfortunately, he passed away on March 21, 2014, at the age of 65.
MALCOLM MCLAREN – PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA
Malcolm Robert Andrew McLaren, or simply known as Malcolm McLaren, was one of the top personalities in the English entertainment scene. McLaren was known for being a pioneer in more ways than one. As an artist, Malcolm had also used his medium to express his stance on several social issues in the 1970s. His influence is still palpable today and he is given credit for helping the English music scene evolve into what it was best known for – edgy and rebellious.
Needless to say, he revolutionized the punk movement and the style that is now deeply associated with it. McLaren also managed famous bands such as New York Dolls and the Sex Pistols. In October 2009, however, he was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma that directly affected the abdominal lining. He passed away on the 8th of April 2010 and his funeral was attended by many of his peers who all came to pay tribute, including fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and Bod Geldof.
ANDY HALLETT – CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Andy Hallett rose to fame in the fantasy television series Angel, which was among the most popular mainstream shows during the early 2000s. Aside from being a talented actor, he also had a knack for singing and performed two of the series’ soundtrack for their 2005 album Angel: Live Fast, Die Never. Before he found success, Andy had been a struggling artist. He got his start in the industry by working as an agency runner, then as a property manager, and eventually, a personal assistant. It was later than he was offered the role of Lorne on the TV show.
A few months after filming for the final leg of Angel, however, he found himself suffering from a dental infection. His condition quickly escalated and the infection eventually made its way to his bloodstream then his heart. He recovered thanks to his doctor and his health insurance policy, but his heart had already been damaged. He died from congestive heart failure and passed away on March 29, 2009.
CHRISTOPHER PETTIET – ACCIDENTAL DRUG OVERDOSE
Christopher Pettiet was a young actor back in the ’90s who became famous for playing the role of Jesse James in the Western TV series The Young Riders, which aired during the early ’90s. He also played Zach Crandell in the film Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. He might not have the most extended list of movie credits to his name, but he certainly made a huge impact, considering the awards he racked up in the earlier part of his career.
On April 12, 2000, he was found dead because of an accidental overdose. To honor his name and the star potential he could have achieved, his acting coach, Kevin McDermott, built a scholarship fund that aimed to help aspiring young talents hone their acting skills without the need for additional loans. The scholarship fund has certainly provided a lot of opportunities to young talents in Hollywood, and we couldn’t think of a better way to honor Christopher’s memory than to have kids like him continue his dream.
JOHN HURT – PANCREATIC CANCER
The English actor Sir John Vincent Hurt dominated the acting scene for more than five decades. He got his start in the industry back in 1962, when he starred in the film The Wild and the Willing. However, He first gained public recognition through his role as Richard Rich in A Man for All Seasons back in 1966. He also appeared in 10 Rolling Place, for which he got a BAFTA Award nomination. From there on out, John was able to build one of the most impressive and most enduring careers in Hollywood.
In 2015, Sir Hurt publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer. Because of his body’s positive response from the treatment, his team of doctors and his medical insurance officers gave him the signal to continue acting even if they were in the middle of the procedure. However, he passed away three days after his 77th birthday in 2017.
GUILLAUME DEPARDIEU – PNEUMONIA
Guillaume Depardieu was a French actor who came from a bloodline with great talents. He’s the eldest child of the legendary Gérard Depardieu, an actor with more than 170 films to his credit. Guillaume’s first acting role was in Pas si Méchant que ça, which was released during the mid-’70s. However, not too long after, he took a lengthy break from acting. He made his return in Tous Les Matins du Monde, for which he got nominated for a César Award for Most Promising Actor.
From 2007 to 2008, Guillaume attempted to rebuild his career by starring in the critically acclaimed films La France, Don’t Touch the Axe, and De La Guerre. His vices caught up with him, however, and took a toll on his body. With that, his immune system plummeted, and he was infected with severe viral pneumonia. On the 13th of October 2008, at the age of 37, he passed away because of complications.
JEAN STAPLETON – NATURAL CAUSES
Jean Stapleton was a true veteran when it comes to acting. Coming from a family with an extensive history in both acting and performing, it did not come as a surprise that she too would go into the acting industry. Stapleton had been active from 1941 to 2001 and she achieved many awards and recognitions along the way. Her most memorable role was that of the character Edith Bunker in the classic sitcom All in the Family.
In the latter years of her career, Stapleton continued to star and make appearances in several TV series and sitcoms, including Style and Substance, Touched by an Angel, Everybody Loves Raymond, and so much more. Her career lasted for over six decades and in that time, not only did she create an incomparable legacy, the actress also amassed quite a significant fortune to her name. In 2013, she passed away because of natural causes.
REG E. CATHEY – LUNG CANCER
Reginald Eurias Cathey, professionally known as Reg E. Cathey, was a well-respected actor who rose to fame thanks to his role as Norman Wilson in The Wire. He was also given credit for his performance as Freddy Hayes in House of Cards, which earned him three consecutive Emmy Award nominations. Needless to say, his prowess certainly did not go unrecognized.
In the early days of his career, Reg E. Cathay was known for his participation in a number of children’s shows, including Square One. He later transitioned into more serious films and eventually landed a role in the Sci-fi blockbuster series Star Trek. Besides acting, Reg E. Cathey was also an in-demand documentary narrator. In 2008, he narrated National Geographic’s Aftermath: Population Zero, followed by TLC’s Wonders of Weather. The actor passed away in New York City on February 9, 2018. According to the reports gathered, the main reason for his demise was lung cancer.
JOHN GAVIN – PNEUMONIA
Most people will hardly recognize the name Juan Vincent Apablasa Jr. However, people who love to watch classic movies will instantly know his stage name, John Gavin. He was one of the most famous stars of the ’60s and was part of iconic films such as Spartacus. He also played a major role in Psycho. Aside from acting, he also left his mark in business, thanks to his investments in the oil and communication industry.
Another little known fact about the actor is that he once served as the United States Ambassador to Mexico from 1981 to 1986. Prior to that, he was the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1971 to 1973. Just one look at the actor’s resume and it would be clear that he was among the most influential figures not just in Beverly Hills, but in the entire Hollywood industry at that time. He passed away in Beverly Hills home on February 9, 2018. Reports suggest that complications from pneumonia were the cause of death.
MARTY ALLEN – PNEUMONIA
Morton David Alpern, better known as Marty Allen, was one of the best comedians in the industry. Once dubbed as “The Darling of Daytime TV,” Marty provided laughter and good times to viewers by starring in shows like The Last of the Secret Agents. He also worked in various fields, such as nightclubs, TV, and eventually managed to make his way onto the silver screen. Allen had also been known for other services, such as visiting military hospitals and providing a huge morale boost to the brave troops.
Aside from working as an actor, he also dedicated his life to philanthropy. He worked together with many health associations and insurance companies to improve the overall health status of the people. Some of the most notable organizations he got involved with are The American Cancer Society, The March of Dimes, Fight for Sight, The Heart Fund, and The Epilepsy Foundation, where he served as a board member. Unfortunately, this man with a golden heart passed away at the age of 95, and the cause was complications from pneumonia.
DARYLE SINGLETARY – BLOOD CLOT
Daryle Singletary was one of the most famous country singers of the past couple of decades. He put his heart and soul into his music, and his investments eventually paid off after he released several successful albums throughout his career. He had many songs to his credit that ranked high on the music charts. Thanks to his singles Amen Kind of Love, Too Much Fun, and I Let Her Lie, Daryle was able to enter the Top 40 Country Songs chart.
Besides his original songs, Daryle was also known for his covers of classic country music and putting his own spin on them. His Straight from the Heart album, for example, consisted mostly of cover songs. After almost two decades of an unbeaten run in the music scene, his camp made huge headlines when they released the news of his passing. The results of the police investigation suggested that his existing medical issues caused his death.
JON PAUL STEUER – SUICIDE
Jon Paul Steuer’s professional career started from a very young age. He got signed for a few modeling gigs during his childhood, before joining the other young artists who were making a bid for Hollywood. He would later land the role of Alexander Rozhenko in Star Trek: The Next Generation and also appeared in Grace Under Fire. Nineties kids would probably remember his character as Johnny “Viper” Vennaro of the Little Giants. In 2003, however, Jon Paul Steuer traded his acting career to try his luck in the music industry.
After moving back to Denver, Colorado, Jon, along with other musicians, formed a local punk band called Kill City Thrillers. However, after almost six years of making music together, they disbanded in 2009. After spending time in Hollywood, he established his investment, a restaurant located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Everything seemed to be going well for the talented artist, which is why news of his passing on January of 2018 surprised many.
BOB CLOTWORTHY – NATURAL CAUSES
American Olympian Bob Clotworthy was one of the best diver-swimmers back in the ’50s. He also became a well-respected coach from the mid-’50s until his retirement in 2006. His peers gave him a lot of credit for his contribution and achievement as a professional athlete, and he was later inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame class of 1980. As a young man, Bob Clotworthy devoted his teenage years to training for the Olympics.
During high school, the athlete spent every waking hour of his day honing and perfecting every stroke and dive in the swimming pool. By the time the 1950s rolled in, Bob was more than ready to compete in the Olympics. He lived a pretty healthy life after his retirement, and he’ll be forever remembered as one of the greatest American athletes of all time. He died peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, last June 1, 2018.
WENDIE JO SPERBER – BREAST CANCER
Wendie Jo Sperber is just one of the many famous personalities who succumbed to breast cancer. She was only 47 when she passed away. Sperber is largely considered to be one of the toughest actresses in the industry and was an active member of many cancer support and prevention groups. Like many renowned celebrities in Hollywood, Wendie Jo Sperber also had an early start in the industry. Her first acting gig came in 1978 when she played the role of Kuchinsky in the teen comedy film Corvette Summer.
The following year, Wendie scored another high profile gig when she landed the role of Dinky Hocker in a TV feature for ABC’s Afterschool Special. She had a lot of movie credit to her name, including I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Back to the Future, where Sperber played Marty McFly’s sister. Her time in the spotlight might have been cut short by her illness, but the impact that she left will forever remain in the industry.
DEANNA LUND – PANCREATIC CANCER
For those who loved watching popular shows from the ’60s, you will instantly recognize Deanna Lund. She was blessed with both good looks and exceptional talent, which made her one of the most sought-after supporting casts during her active years. What most of her fans didn’t know, she dropped out from getting her college degree and eventually married her high school sweetheart. She then went on and worked her way towards Hollywood.
Before she became a household name, however, Deanna starred in several minor roles that failed to put her name on the map. Fortunately, a big break came her way when she was cast in Irwin Allen’s Land of the Giants in 1968. She passed away at the age of 81, with her close friends and family announcing the news. According to their accounts, Lund died because of pancreatic cancer on June 22, 2018. The actress certainly left quite a lasting legacy.
DANIEL PILON – CANCER
Daniel Pilon was a Canadian actor who became famous for his role in Dallas as Renaldo “Naldo” Marchetta. He was born in Quebec, Canada on November 13, 1940. He was the second actor in the family after his older brother Donald Pilon. He made his acting debut in the Gille Carle film Le Viol d’une Jeune Fille Douce. He also appeared in many soap operas such as Guiding Light, Ryan’s Hope, and Days of Our Lives. During his peak years, Daniel had even been offered the role of James Bond twice. However, he declined both times in favor of other roles.
Although he had many projects throughout the years, bad luck struck him and his property was destroyed in an earthquake. By the looks of it, he didn’t have a good insurance policy during the time, and he was forced to file bankruptcy within the same year. He passed away on June 26, 2018, because of cancer.
ROBERT SORRELLS – NATURAL CAUSES
Robert Sorrells was an actor who first appeared in mainstream television back in the ’60s, during an episode of the classic series Twilight Zone. He also appeared in the military comedy series Ensign O’Toole.During the 2000s, he made headlines not for being part of a major film but for a murder case. The incident took place in Simi Valley, California on the night of July 24, 2004. The actor was out at a bar when he got into an altercation with a man named Arthur DeLong.
Reports said that after the actor left the establishment, he went straight to his California home, grabbed a weapon, went back to the bar, and shot Arthur and another innocent bystander. His defense lawyers did everything they could do with the case, but the court provided a guilty verdict in May 2005. Sorrells passed away while serving his sentence on August 27, 2019.
CLINT WALKER – HEART FAILURE
Clint Walker was one of the iconic actors during the rise of the western-themed productions back in the ’50s until the early ’70s. He was born in Hartford, Illinois to Gladys Hulda and Paul Arnold Walker. During his teenage years, Clint worked at a factory before enlisting in the army during the Second World War. After the war ended, however, Clint continued to work a variety of different jobs until he got discovered by Henry Wilson. Clint was also soon given a chance to join the Bowery Boys in the film Jungle Gents.
His most memorable role was his portrayal of Cheyenne Bodie in Cheyenne that aired from the mid-’50s until the early ’60s. He enjoyed quite a stable career, though his appearances declined as he got older. The actor passed away on May 21, 2018 just a few days before his 91st birthday. The reported cause of death was congestive heart failure.
STEVE JAMES – PANCREATIC CANCER
Steve James was one of the hottest stars of the ’70s and ’80s thanks to his appearance in the hit movie American Ninja and Delta Force. Right before he became an actor, he had been working as a stunt performer. He learned all the tricks and trade of the craft with the help of his degree in Arts and Film at C.W. Post College. Many of his family members also played a big role in influencing Steve’s passion for performing. His father, for one, was a renowned trumpet player, while his uncle was also an actor.
However, many believed that it was his godfather, Joe Seneca, who played the most crucial role in Steve’s choice of career. Because of him, the young Steve James became enamored with acting and action films. However, after decades of being in front of the spotlight, he made a graceful exit at the age of 41. He passed away due to pancreatic cancer, but the work he left behind will always be remembered.
DARRELL WINFIELD – UNDISCLOSED CAUSE OF DEATH
Darrell Winfield was considered one of the most iconic commercial models of all time. For those who have seen the famous cowboy in cigarette ads, you will instantly remember him. Winfield was popularly known as “The Marlboro Man,” which became the trademark of the brand. Winfield held this spot for almost two decades. Did you know that he’s a real life cowboy, too? Winfield actually owned a Wyoming ranch, where he was discovered by the executives from Leo Burnett Worldwide.
They visited his place, and decided that he was the perfect model for their next campaign. From then on out, Winfield became the face of the brand for two whole decades. Although his face became a familiar sight to everyone in the world, Darrell’s life remained basically the same in his ranch in Wyoming. On January 12, 2015, he passed away on his farm at the age of 85. During the same year, he was given credit with his induction to Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame.
GARY OWENS – COMPLICATIONS DUE TO DIABETES
Radio star Gary Owens was once one of Hollywood’s most notable personalities. He started his career back in the 1950s and was able to maintain it well into the 1990s. Throughout his career, Gary explored several areas of radio, from broadcasting down to voice acting. Gary Owens’s most celebrated work as a famous personality were Laugh-In and Space Ghost. In the latter part of his career, he also worked as an announcer for Antenna TV.
His voice was his greatest investment, and he wouldn’t achieve his great stature without it. In 1980, after almost three decades in the industry, Gary Owens was finally rewarded with his own star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Then in 2004, Gary authored a book titled How To Make A Million Dollars With Your Voice chronicling his life on the radio. Sadly, he fell to the clutches of his Type 1 diabetes at the age of 80. He had been battling against this condition since he was eight.
BEN WOOLF – STROKE
Ben Woolf appeared several times in the horror TV series American Horror Story during the earlier part of the decade. He might not have a strong resume of films and series to his name, but he is still one of the most memorable. He first broke into the film industry back in 2002, when he starred in the musical film Tap. From there, he went on to star in a series of horror films, including Insidious, Haunting Charles Manson, and Dead Kansas.
Aside from working as an actor, he also received a degree that allowed him to teach pre-schoolers while he’s not busy with his acting career. In February of 2015, Ben was honored at the Russian Horror Film Awards for his contribution to the genre. However, in an unfortunate twist of events, he was caught in a traffic accident that eventually affected his whole health. On February 23, 2015, he passed away because of a stroke resulting from a head injury he got from the incident.
GARY COLEMAN – KIDNEY DISEASE
Gary Coleman was in the spotlight as Arnold on Diff’rent Strokes from 1978 to 1986. His catchphrase, “What’chu talkin’ bout, Willis?” from the show became very popular. He earned $100,000 per episode, but he had to give money to his parents, pay lawyers, and taxes, which left him with only one-fourth of what he earned. He lost almost everything in 1999, and in 2008, he had to sell a pair of signed trousers just to help pay his medical bills.
Coleman suffered from an autoimmune kidney disease his entire life, thus stunting his growth. As years went on and as more and more complications arose from Gary’s condition, he fell deeper into financial ruin. It became even more challenging for him after he suffered two failed kidney transplants. He was hospitalized on May 27 after he fell in his home. He later passed away after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage. He was just 42 years old.
DANIEL VON BARGEN – UNDISCLOSED
Daniel von Bargen rose to fame thanks to his role as Mr. Kruger in the sitcom Seinfeld. He also appeared as Commandant Edwin Spangler in the hit series Malcolm in the Middle during the 2000s. Right before the show ended, he hired an attorney against his spouse, Margo Skinner. A few years later, he found himself in the middle of an enormous trap hole. In the early part of 2012, he found out that he had diabetes. On March 1, 2015, Von Bargen passed away, and reports suggest that the cause of death was complications of his health condition.
Rumor has it that the actor suffered a heart attack in his sleep. However, his camp didn’t provide any official statement. We do know, however, that his remains were cremated and given to his family. Now, Daniel Von Bargen may have had his time cut short, but there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he left a lasting mark in the industry thanks to his unforgettable performances.
JAMES AVERY – COMPLICATIONS FROM OPEN HEART SURGERY
James Avery played one of the most famous roles in the hit sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air during the ’90s. The show helped him get a good credit standing and was the start of his long and successful career as a supporting actor in Hollywood. What many people don’t know about James, however, is that he was also a talented and in-demand voice actor. Among his most famous works as a voice talent includes the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Iron Man animated series.
Things started to turn south when he found that he had multiple health issues that might affect his professional career. Ultimately, he shocked the industry when his camp announced that at the age of 68, he passed away because of the complications he developed after getting an open-heart surgery at Glendale Memorial Medical Center. He was well-honored by his peers, especially his long-time co-star Will Smith.
ROMI KOCH – UNKNOWN CAUSE
Romi Koch is one of Hollywood’s most mysterious figures. She rose to fame in the movie Dead Doll that was released in 2004 and then suddenly disappeared from the limelight without a trace. Reports suggested that Koch’s departure was caused by a car accident that happened on August 22, 2005. Others believed that it was just a staged ploy so she could escape the limelight. What’s more mysterious, however, is that no details about the actress’s life before Hollywood is available anywhere.
It simply seems like the actress vanished, not leaving behind any clues as to who her friends, family, or even close colleagues are. The weird circumstance of her death/disappearance has been so intriguing that people continue to theorize several reasons, even 15 years after she had gone missing. Whatever the case might be, one thing is certain, and that would not change the fact that she built up a good credit to her name.
SAM SIMON – CANCER
Sam Simon co-created one of Hollywood’s most popular animated sitcom, The Simpsons, along with Matt Groening and James L. Brooks. He possessed a genius mind and talented hands, which also became his ticket for getting a degree at Stanford University. While there, he worked as a newspaper cartoonist. However, he didn’t focus on his academics and, at one point, wanted to drop out of his studies. Fortunately, Sam stayed on track, finished his degree, and went on to work as a storyboard artist for Filmation Studios. During his stay with the company, Sam was able to produce a couple of TV series like Cheers, Taxi, The Super, and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.
After the idea for The Simpsons came to him in the late 80s, Sam quickly went to work assembling the team that will work on it. As hoped, the animated show became a massive hit. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with terminal colorectal cancer, which eventually affected his other vital organs, including his liver and kidneys. He died of the condition and its complications on March 8, 2015.
JOHN SPENCER – HEART ATTACK
John Spencer played a crucial role in the success of the hit television series The West Wing. He portrayed Leo McGarry, the secretary of labor who eventually became the vice-president Elect on the show. His excellent performance earned him a Primetime Emmy awards to his name. Prior to that, John Spencer also earned recognition for his exemplary performances in both films and TV. Some of his most notable works before his West Wing breakout movie role are from, The War Games, Presumed Innocent, and Michael Bay’s The Rock.
John had also been an accomplished stage actor with experiences in stage plays like The Execution of Justice, The Day Room, and Still Life. Since then, John’s career had only gained new heights and flourished into what is today. Sadly, four days before his 59th birthday, he was struck with a devastating heart attack and passed away. To honor his contribution to the show, his name remained in the series’ credits until it ended.
CHARLIE SANDERS – CANCER
Charlie Sanders was one of the NFL’s legends. He’s part of the 2007 class of Pro Football Hall of Fame and was named as one of the best players during his prime. He used to hold the credit for NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team, which was a massive achievement for an athlete of his caliber. During his college years, he avoided student loans by joining the football varsity team. He was one of the biggest reasons why the University of Minnesota grabbed the Big Ten championship during his collegiate years.
After finishing college, Charlie signed with the Detroit Lions. He stayed with the team until his retirement and later chosen as part of the 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. On July 2, 2015, the whole sports nation sent their condolences after they found out that Sanders passed away from cancer. His children also became successful athletes. It looks like greatness runs in their blood.
BOBBIE KRISTINA BROWN – LOBAR PNEUMONIA
Bobbie Kristina Brown rose to fame thanks to her appearance in the reality TV show Being Bobby Brown. Bobbie was the daughter of the famous music icon Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. As the daughter of two Hollywood heavyweights, Bobbie’s life was always front and center in every media outlet. As a result, critics and fans would often scrutinize and criticize every aspect of her young life. This clearly did not have a positive impact on Bobbie, as she would later face the same issues and challenges that her parents desperately struggled with in the past.
However, despite the pressure and the difficulties she faced, Bobbie tried to make a name for herself by entering the music scene just like her mother. She passed away on July 26, 2015, which fueled a lot of controversies. It reached a point where the parties involved hired lawyers to help them with their lawsuits to determine the cause of the young artist’s death.
RODDY PIPER – CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST
Roderick George Toombs or professionally known as Roddy Piper was a professional wrestler who competed in the World Wrestling Federation, which is now called WWE. He also appeared as one of the leading talents in World Championship Wrestling. Piper, just like his name, was known for his signature kilt and bagpipe entrance music. We are sure he had an excellent medical insurance policy since his profession involved a lot of pushing the bodies to their physical limits.
After he retired from wrestling, Roddy became quite active in the Hollywood entertainment scene. He dipped his toes in several other fields, including hosting, acting, and voice acting. He also struck a couple of business deals with toy and video game companies that further expanded his credit score. On July 31, 2015, Piper passed away in his house in California. According to reports, cardiopulmonary arrest caused by hypertension was the leading cause of death.
DAVID CANARY – NATURAL CAUSES
The actor David Canary is well-remembered for his role in the NBC western drama series Bonanza. He also received a massive push in his successful career with the help of his role as Adam Chandler in the classic soap opera All My Children, for which he won five out of sixteen Daytime Emmy Award nominations. He is also well remembered for the stage role he took on for the Broadway show Clothes for a Summer Hotel. It is also worth noting that during the early production stage of the sci-fi series Star Trek, David Canary became one of the actors being considered for the character of Spock.
He lost the role to Leonard Nimoy, but he still managed to gain several projects after that. During his college years, he was a varsity scholar and didn’t need any student loans as a part of the athletic team. Because of his healthy lifestyle, he didn’t suffer from any major illness, but he ultimately passed away on November 16, 2015.
ROBERT LOGGIA – COMPLICATIONS FROM ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Robert Loggia was one of Hollywood’s famed director and actors of his time. He had more than six decades of experience in the industry and in that time, had also won a handful of awards and recognitions. In 1985, he garnered an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Jagged Edge. Then in 1988, Robert received a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Big.
Apart from these two note-worthy achievements, Robert is also known for a variety of different projects in film and TV. Some of his most notable credits include The Greatest Story Ever Told, Pink Panther, Independence Day, The Sopranos, and Return to Me. Loggia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010 and passed away from the complications of his illness on December 4, 2015. He was 85 during that time and had been living in his real estate investment in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
MEADOWLARK LEMON – UNDISCLOSED
Meadowlark Lemon was a former basketball player and Christian minister in Scottsdale, Arizona. He became a world-class performer with the help of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team, which he was a part of for more than two decades. Even some of the greatest athletes in the sport give credit to Lemon. Wilt Chamberlain once said that he’s the best basketball player of all time and the G.O.A.T, Michael Jordan himself, described him as a real national treasure.
Outside of basketball, Meadowlark Lemon also busied himself with TV and film appearances. From 1974 until 1975, Meadowlark appeared in the TV show The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine alongside Avery Schreiber and Rodney Alley Rippy. Then in 1979, he had a brief TV stint in the sitcom Hello, Larry. On December 27, 2015, media outlets reported Lemon’s death. He passed away at 83 years old. Many of his paid tribute to him, and Lemon was given the highest honors possible in the world of sport.
NATALIE COLE – HEART FAILURE
Actress, singer, and songwriter Natalie Cole is considered as one of the legends, with thanks to the influence she has had and her contributions to the music scene. Cole’s prime started in the ’70s when she released a string of hit singles. As an R&B singer, she was best known for the songs This Will Be, Our Love, and Inseparable. She briefly took a break from singing in the early 1980s and came back with a full album in 1987. It’s also worth noting that she is the daughter of the jazz legend Nat King Cole.
As a tribute to her father, Natalie did her own renditions of Nat King Cole’s songs in her 1990 album titled Unforgettable…with Love. The album became an instant hit and earned Natalie a total of seven Grammys. Even after her passing, Cole is still considered as one of the highest-selling artists of her time. The talented singer passed away at the age of 65 due to congestive heart failure.
MICHAEL GALEOTA – CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND HYPERTENSION
Michael Galeota was one of the hottest young actors of the ’90s. He was born in Smithtown, New York on August 28, 1984. He had four brothers, however, he was the only one who went into acting. He first appeared in The Baby-Sitters Club and shortly after, also starred in Women & Men 2: In Love, There Are No Rules. He enjoyed continued success over the years and reached the peak of his career with the help of the comedy series, The Jersey, where he portrayed the character of Nick Lighter.
His career started to slow down a few years later and eventually moved away from the spotlight. For a time, he made headlines after he had been rushed to the hospital, complaining about abdominal pains. His medical insurance company and his doctors advised him to continue his treatment, but he refused. On January 10, 2016, he passed away in his home because of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
JOE ALASKEY – CANCER
Joe Alaskey was one of Mel Blanc’s successors. He took over the legendary voice talent and continued to give life to famous cartoon characters, such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Tweety, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, and many others. Aside from lending his voice in famous TV shows and films, he had also been a renowned voice actor for video games. To put it simply, his voice was his primary investment for his success in the industry.
Aside from voice acting, Joe was also known for being a talented comedian. If he was not working in the studio, he could often be seen making the comedy bar rounds in Hollywood. Such was his passion for the craft. Joe also appeared in a number of TV shows over the years, including Out of this World, Couch Potatoes, and The New Hollywood Squares. Unfortunately, he passed away on February 3, 2016, from the clutches of a deadly disease, cancer.
LARRY DRAKE – CARDIAC ARREST DUE TO RARE A BLOOD CANCER
The passing of Larry Drake on March 17, 2016, was a dark time for Hollywood. It only meant that the industry lost one of its best actors, voice artists, and comedians. The cause of his death pointed towards his rare form of blood cancer. His hypertension and excess body weight also played a massive role in his deteriorating health condition. He’s well-remembered for playing the character of Benny Stulwicz in L.A. Law, which revolved around the daily life of a lawyer based on Los Angles.
His character portrayal gave him a pair of Primetime Emmy Awards. He made a number of movie appearances on film and on TV such as Time Quest, Paranoid, Overnight Delivery, The Journey of August King, Dr. Giggles, The Taming of the Shrew, and The Beast. He also voiced Pops in the cartoon comedy Johnny Bravo and was a regular cast member in the show Prey.
JOE SANTOS – HEART ATTACK
Actor Joe Santos was one of Hollywood’s top talents during the ’70s until the mid-part of the ’80s. His most significant role in the industry was Sgt. Dennis Becker in the hit NBC drama The Rockford Files. However, what most people didn’t know was that he used to be a top-notch football player. He also came close to bankruptcy, but thanks to his good friend Al Pacino, he managed to steer his financial situation back on the right track.
On March 18, 2016, he shocked his fans and Hollywood with his sudden passing. According to the accounts of his family members and close friends, he suffered a heart attack two days before. Throughout his career as an actor, Joe Santos was featured in numerous television programs which included Room 222, Barnaby Jones, Black Sheep Squadron, Kung Fu Baretta, The Greatest American Hero, Miami Vice, Hill Street Blues, The Greatest American Hero, Remington Steele, Santa Barbara, Police Story, Hardcastle and McCormick, Quantum Leap, and NYPD Blue.