Erin Moran - 56 (1960-2017)

American actress Erin Moran's memorable portrayal of Joanie Cunningham in Happy Days got her recognized as a talented performer. Her character became so popular that the network authorized a spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi! Both sitcoms enjoyed a successful run, but after that, the television star struggled to find a suitable acting role.

Those years shooting for the TV shows were perhaps the happiest days for Moran, who fell into hard times in the years leading up to her throat cancer diagnosis in late 2016. She lost her battle with the terrible disease in 2017, and this pic is one of the last ones captured by her friend at a fundraiser.

Gene Wilder - 83 (1933-2016)

How happy does Gene Wilder seem in this pic of him walking down the street! Unfortunately, it was taken a year before he passed away at his home in 2016 due to complications from Alzheimer's. Until then, the public wasn't aware of the 83-year-old actor being diagnosed with the debilitating disease.

Wilder had mesmerized us with his screen presence in movies like The Producers and Young Frankenstein in a career spanning over four decades. In addition, he had excelled at comedy! The star's last on-screen guest role in 2003's Will & Grace fetched him an Emmy post which he turned to writing memoirs, short stories, and novels!

James Garner - 86 (1928-2014)

Blessed with a wry wit and a rich gravelly voice, James Garner had transitioned seamlessly between Television and Films, leaving a profound impact in both industries. Moreover, he aced at playing an unlikely hero! Still remembered for his roles in The Rockford Files and Maverick, this yesteryear star, with over 60 years of experience, left a legacy impossible to match!

The world of cinema lost a legend in 2014 as Garner suffered a heart attack at home! He had kept himself busy acting until 2013 when he appeared in The Ultimate Life. This pic of the star is believed to be his last photo.

Tony Burton – 78 (1937-2016)

Tony Burton was well-known for his role as a boxing trainer in all six Rocky movies. Being a boxer himself in the ‘50s, Tony gave life to his Duke Evers character with such talent and passion that even his co-stars recognized the late actor’s contribution to the films.

Before appearing on screen, Tony served a three-year sentence, where he experienced acting firsthand as part of a therapy program. The rest, as they say, is history. Before Tony's demise, he signed up to appear in a movie, but unfortunately, the actor lost a fight with pneumonia a month before his 79th birthday.

Freddie Mercury – 45 (1946-1991)

Legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury has been gone for over 30 years, but he is still famous for his four-octave vocal range, elaborate stage performances, and creative compositions.

Mercury’s masterpiece, Bohemian Rhapsody, still appears on charts and even became the title of a 2018 film that showed his time with the iconic band. The movie also featured their extravagant lifestyle and the rockstar’s relationship with long-time boyfriend, Jim Hutton, who took this last photo of the legendary singer in their Georgian home. Sadly, Freddie succumbed to AIDS-related bronchial pneumonia just a day after he revealed his health condition.

Jonathan Brandis – 27 (1976-2003)

Jonathan Brandis’s career began at the age of 5, but he was best known for his teen role in Steven Spielberg’s SeaQuest 2032. The young man gained a massive number of followers, but sadly, his fame slowly faded.

After his scenes in a drama film were mostly cut, Brandis grew more worried about his crashing career and eventually fell into heavy drinking and depression. On November 11, 2003, the beloved actor’s life ended after he sustained fatal injuries from hanging. To this day, people close to Brandis remember him as a real friend and a loving man.

John Ritter – 54 (1948-2003)

John Ritter was rehearsing for the series 8 Simple Rules when he suddenly got ill, and that was the last time he was on a set. He passed away before turning 55, and later, the actor's family discovered that an undetected heart problem took his life.

Throughout Ritter’s career, he entertained people with his performances and soon became a comedy genius loved by everyone! Being a family man, he is survived by his second wife, Amy Yasbeck, and four children, along with many supporters from the industry. If there’s one thing Ritter can teach us aside from getting a good laugh, it would be to take care of our hearts.

Chadwick Boseman – 43 (1976-2020)

In April 2020, the whole world was shocked when Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman appeared on a video looking slimmer than usual. After the humble celebrity passed away months later, his family revealed that Chadwick has been battling colon cancer since 2016, which was a secret even to his Hollywood peers.

While fans will forever remember him as the man who made us say “Wakanda Forever,” the MCU star will be cherished by his family as a loving brother, a darling husband, and a philanthropist. Chadwick supported many causes for cancer, children, and the covid-19 response before his untimely passing. Knowing all this, we can never look at his movies the same way ever again.

Aretha Franklin – 76 (1942-2018)

Aretha Franklin is a name well-known in the music industry even today. She performed for people of different statures throughout her career, from the humble residents of Detroit to presidents and royalties. That’s why the Queen of Soul’s passing in 2018 made international headlines though it did not come as a surprise.

In 2010, the American singer was hospitalized for undisclosed health problems, and she soon slowed things down with fewer performances. After talks of her retirement surfaced in 2017, Franklin sang in public for the last time during Elton John’s AIDS Foundation Gala. Less than a year later, the legendary artist’s journey ended due to pancreatic cancer.

Benjamin Keough – 27 (1992-2020)

One look at a photo of Benjamin Keough, and he could easily be mistaken as his grandfather, Elvis Presley. Sadly, unlike the King of Rock, Benjamin did not live long since he took his own life in 2020.

According to his long-time friend, musician Brandon Howard, Benjamin was under a lot of pressure to make a name for himself. Yet, the young man chose not to play a big part in the industry, only appearing in documentaries about the family and touring with his mother, Lisa Marie Presley, but never performing. Despite his struggles, he was known to be a loving friend and son, which would have made Elvis proud.

Lucille Ball – 77 (1911-1989)

I Love Lucy star, Lucille Ball, made history for women in television as a pioneer in comedy and a top TV executive. She promoted the 3-camera technique used in filming sitcoms and was the first woman ever to own her studio.

Lucille, who was married twice and had two children, poured her heart and soul into her career, resulting in over 70 films and various recognitions in the industry. The star last appeared at the 1989 Academy Awards before she passed away due to heart problems. True to her character, the “Queen of Comedy” is said to have spent her last days spying on her neighbors just for the fun of it.

Doris Day - 97 (1922-2019)

Born in 1922, Doris Day was the epitome of evergreen beauty and American womanhood in the 50s and 60s. The highly talented actress, singer, and animal activist passed away at 97 in her Carmel Valley home in California and left an immeasurable legacy behind. Regarded as "a true star in more than one way" by Paul McCartney, Doris was one of Hollywood's biggest players in her time.

She started her career as a band singer and sold over a million copies. Later, Day found Oscar-winning success in her romantic comedies like Pillow Talk. Yet that was not all; she also became a passionate animal rights advocate in her last few years.

Cass Elliot - 33 (1941-1974)

Cass Elliot, famous for her stage name "Mama Cass Elliot," may have passed away too early, but her voice remains in the hearts of 60s music lovers. Initially, she was the voice of the harmonic vocal group The Mamas and The Papas. Later on, Cass moved on to pursue a solo career and had super-popular hits like Make Your Own Kind Of Music.

Most of us remember Cass in her iconic floral dresses, always appearing comfortable in her skin, as seen in her last few heartwarming photographs. In 1974, she also appeared at the London Palladium, but she passed away shortly after that.

Steve Jobs - 56 (1955 - 2011)

Steve Jobs is no stranger to the world today. The bright-minded pioneer of the personal computer era started his professional journey as a video game designer. Later on, Steve collaborated with his high school friend and founded Apple, which quickly turned into an empire. Apple's innovative products were a hit on the market from the start.

His success was immeasurable, but Steve's health issues pulled him back. Diagnosed with a rare pancreatic cancer that also spread to his liver, he passed away too soon in 2011, even after undergoing multiple surgeries and alternative medicine approaches.

Naya Rivera - 33 (1987 - 2020)

If there's something good we can take from Naya Rivera's passing, it's that she protected her son from harm. The actress's son, Josey, was her life, which makes it not surprising that her last known photo was with him. Rivera came to prominence when she starred in Glee, the hit show that featured her beautiful singing voice.

She played cheerleader Santana, who, despite being mean, became endeared to a lot of fans. Her untimely demise happened after an unfortunate mishap at Lake Piru, where she was supposed to spend an afternoon boating and swimming with her son.

Regis Philbin - 88 (1931 - 2020)

It's safe to say Regis Philbin lived a full and happy life when he passed away at the age of 88. He followed his dreams and spent many years doing what he loved. Some people joined the entertainment world by chance, but not our famous host!

When a top-ranking officer in the Navy asked him what he planned to do after leaving the service, Philbin replied that he wanted to pursue a career in television. The legendary broadcaster's big break was through The Regis Philbin Show in 1961, but it was Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee that became a massive hit with TV fans.

Gary Coleman - 42 (1968 - 2010)

Although Gary Coleman rose to prominence doing comedy in the show Diff'rent Strokes, his life story is pretty sad. At only 42 years old, his premature demise happened after he fell off the stairs at his home.

Coleman, whose name is included in VH1's 100 Greatest Kid Stars, was diagnosed with congenital kidney disease. It was the reason for his short stature and childlike features. Sadly, he experienced financial troubles later in life and even filed for bankruptcy, despite being one of the highest-paid child actors at the peak of his career in the '70s.

Jerry Orbach - 69 (1935 - 2004)

There are the last of Hollywood's Golden Age of Cinema, and there are those from Broadway musicals, with Jerry Orbach as one of its real leading men. Even though the versatile actor had a successful career in the theater, he became more famous after switching to film and television full-time.

The Tony-awardee became a familiar face on TV when he starred as NYPD homicide detective Lennie Briscoe in Law & Order. He played the character for a record-breaking eleven and a half seasons! Orbach passed away after battling prostate cancer for more than a decade.

Lisa Robin Kelly - 43 (1970 - 2013)

There's always an explanation as to why a person develops a drinking problem, and in Lisa Robin Kelly's case, it was a miscarriage. As a result of her frequent intoxication, the actress was written out of the sitcom that made her famous, That's 70s show.

After leaving the program in season three, the star returned for a few episodes in season five before finally being relieved and replaced by another actress. Unfortunately, Kelly encountered several problems before her early demise, and her last known photo was from apprehension by authorities. While she was checked into a rehabilitation center, she passed away from multiple substance intoxication while sleeping.

Phil Hartman - 49 (1948 - 1998)

The sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live has produced many successful stars, one of which was the great Phil Hartman. In the television program, he gained prominence for his impressions of former US Presidents, Ed McMahon, Charlton Heston, and his portrayal of the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer.

With that said, Hartman's life was not full of laughter, especially when a misfortune happened that led to his early passing. Omdahl was struggling with substance addiction and had a bad temper too. Sadly, his wife, Brynn Omdahl, caused his demise and then took her own life.

 

Nicole Brown Simpson - 35 (1959-1994)

Nicole Brown Simpson was married to the popular basketball player O.J. Simpson, whom she met while working at the Beverly Hills private club when he was still married to his first wife. Soon after that, the two started dating, but their relationship did not last long.

She was with O.J. for seven years, and the couple also had two children Sydney and Justin Simpson. Two years after her divorce from the legendary sports star, Nicole passed away unexpectedly. Her suspicious demise is still considered to be a popular criminal trial in US history.

Jan Crouch - 78 (1939-2016)

Popularly known as 'Momma Jan,' Jan Crouch was the co-founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network (now TBN) since 1973. The TBN is the world's largest and most successful religious broadcast network to date. She founded the company along with her husband Paul, whom she was married to for over 50 years.

The couple was well-known for their presence on the hit television show Praise The Lord. Her luscious pink wigs were iconic in the show, and Crouch is seen wearing those even in her last photographs. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2016, three years after her husband, following a stroke. Still, her worldwide presence remains unforgettable.

Eddie Van Halen – 65 (1955-2020)

Rock star Eddie Van Halen, who fans remember as a grinning guitar genius, succumbed to lung cancer in 2020. Eddie was surrounded by his family when he took his last breath after years of fighting for his health.

The music legend, who co-founded the rock band Van Halen, changed the scene in the ‘80s with his powerful solos and inventive techniques in playing the instrument. As a supportive father, Eddie passed on the talent to his son, Wolfgang, a gifted multi-instrumentalist who served as the band’s bassist at the young age of 15. We can only hope that Eddie is still rocking it where ever he is.

Kelly Preston - 57 (1962 - 2020)

Kelly Preston had one of the most beautiful faces in Hollywood, which doesn't make it surprising that she looked gorgeous and not sickly in the last photo taken of her. Unbeknown to many, Preston had been battling an illness for a few years before her passing.

The actress got her big break in the 1985 film Mischief, where she appeared in a major role. Aside from her more than sixty film appearances, Kelly was famous for being the better half of John Travolta. The couple had one of the most enduring marriages in Hollywood that lasted for 28 years.

Joe Diffie - 61 (1958 - 2020)

When the pandemic of 2019 hit, many lives were lost, some of which were in the entertainment industry. Country-music star Joe Diffie is one of the many whose untimely passing was caused by complications from Coronavirus. He was just 61 years old and had more promising years ahead in his career.

Diffie became famous for his honky-tonk ballads, such as the hit songs Third Rock from the Sun and Pickup Man. The Tulsa-born singer's traditional singing technique and voice range was often praised by country greats like Opry star Vince Gill.

Mac Miller - 26 (1992 - 2018)

When news of Mac Miller's passing broke, many of his family and friends were shocked. According to them, the rapper was at his best mental and physical state, even frequenting the gym to keep fit. Turns out it was an accidental overdose of multiple substances that brought about his untimely demise.

The reason behind Miller's passing was not a surprise to many people since it's public knowledge that he's been struggling with sobriety for a long time. The musician was only 26 and had a promising life ahead of him. His estate continued releasing his music, and his single Good News became the star's highest-charting song as a lead artist.

John Wayne - 72 (1907 - 1979)

One can't be an American and not know who John Wayne is; the actor is among the legendary icons of Hollywood. Someone described him by writing, "he acted the man one aspires to be," which, of course, refers to the roles Wayne portrayed - often the forthright hero.

The icon referred to as "The Duke" passed away after battling cancer for 15 years. Despite reaching old age, many considered Wayne's demise untimely, probably hoping he'd appear in more films during his golden years. Nevertheless, he had the most successful and lengthy career in Hollywood, with 120 feature films under his belt.

Don Shula – 90 (1930–2020)

Don Shula's greatness in the football world will never be forgotten. He started his career being a football player in the NFL before becoming a coach. Shula was one of the league's best coaches, accumulating more than 300 wins, with his last job coaching the Miami Dolphins from 1970 to 1995.

It saddened the sports community when Shula passed away in 2020 at the age of 90. Even though his family didn't disclose the reason for his passing, it was later discovered that the cause was Congestive Heart Failure. Shula might be gone, but he will continue to live on in the minds and hearts of his family and fans.

Sean Connery – 90 (1930-2020)

With no less than an Oscar, an Academy Award, three Golden Globes, and two BAFTA’s, the knighted Scottish star of seven Bond movies showcased an impressive career. Sean Connery's seven-decade run started in 1954, and it kept going until his last movie appearance in 2003.

After leaving Hollywood, Connery was tempted to return for his role in the adventure film Indiana Jones, but he said retirement was just too fun. The original Agent 007 indeed lived an action-packed life, so it only fits that he spent his final days in the Bahamas with his family. Connery peacefully rested in his sleep in 2020 after health complications.

John Lennon - 40 (1940-1980)

This handsome pic of John Lennon signing a copy of Double Fantasy hours before his untimely demise at the hands of Mark David Chapman, one of the fans he autographed for, would haunt us forever. It's a shocking reminder of how fleeting life can be. He had just turned 40 two months earlier!

The Beatles frontman has wowed us with his vocals and his songwriting skills alongside Paul McCartney, which to date remains one of the most successful partnerships in the history of music! The legend has left behind a heartwarming legacy; Come Together, Rain, and Strawberry Fields Forever written by him for the band will remain evergreen!

Michael Jackson – 50 (1958 - 2009)

It has been decades since the passing of Michael Jackson, yet he continues to inspire contemporary musicians. According to Guinness, Michael was the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time," a testament to his incredible talents. Naturally, it devastated the world when the King of Pop passed away two days before his This Is It tour in 2009.

Jackson was survived by his three kids, Paris, Prince, and Blanket. Michael's only daughter is currently making waves in the music industry after releasing her first album, Wilted, in 2020, while his sons are busy with charity work and college. What a legacy Michael has left behind!

Tom Petty – 66 (1950-2017)

If you've listened to Free Fallin, then you've heard the magnificent vocals of Tom Petty. Tom became well-known as part of the band Heartbreakers, where he released a couple of great hits for the band, namely Don't Do Me Like That, Refugee, and The Waiting, to name a few.

Sadly, the musician wasn't meant to live long and passed away because of Cardiac Arrest in October 2017. Tom was revived and was rushed to the hospital but didn't make it past the night. His 67th birthday was not far off at that time. Don't you think the star kicked the bucket too soon?

Fred Willard- 86 (1933-2020)

Fred Willard's passing saddened the Hollywood industry. He had been a fixture in the comedic scene since the 70s and remained active even in his twilight years, appearing in ABC's Modern Family and Netflix's Space Force.

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis was the first person to report that the actor had left us due to natural causes. It's not surprising that Curtis was one of the first people to know since her husband, Christopher Guest, frequently worked with Willard. Fred left behind a daughter, Hope, and a grandson, Freddie, whom we hope found solace in the fact that the talented man is with his creator.

Stevie Ryan – 33 (1984-2017)

It shocked Stevie Ryan's fans when news about her taking her own life emerged on the internet. She became a global sensation after uploading her comedic videos online in 2007. It's safe to say that no one expected what happened because the star was actively posting selfies until her last day alive.

Before her passing, Ryan's career was on the rise, collaborating with New Wave Entertainment on the comedy show Stevie TV, which parodied famous pop personalities and events. Unfortunately, it didn't continue for a third season, but we hope she finds peace in heaven.

Jerry Stiller- 92 (1927-2020)

Born in 1927, Jerry Stiller spent most of his life in Brooklyn, New York, pursuing acting in his late 20s after he met his wife, Anne Meara. Together, Stiller and Meara formed the comedic duo that would make them household names.

For decades, Jerry had undeniable success, but unfortunately, he left it all behind after passing away in 2020 from natural causes. This last photo shows him in front of the camera, as most have said that he was born to do, in 2019 with Kaye Ballard, The Show Goes On. Jerry has one son, Ben Stiller, with whom he made the Zoolander films.

Elizabeth Taylor - 79 (1932-2011)

Elizabeth Taylor captured our hearts with stellar performances in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and continued to reign well into the late 1960s. During her later years, she was well known for leading a lavish lifestyle and was never really out of the public eye.

Sadly, the movie icon was plagued with severe illness throughout the last few years of her life, eventually passing away in 2011 due to congestive heart failure. This particular photo in which Taylor looks frail was one of the last ones taken of her during those days when she could move around only in a wheelchair.

THUY TRANG - 27 (1973 - 2001)

Thy Trang, a Vietnamese-American actress, is widely recognized for playing the first Yellow Ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The star achieved further success in movies like The Crow: City of Angels and Spy Hard. Trang's career was skyrocketing, projecting to reach great heights, making her the pride and inspiration of Vietnamese Americans everywhere.

This came to a drastic halt in 2001. One fateful day, Trang was traveling on Interstate 5, located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with some girlfriends when they had an accident. While an air ambulance was rushed to the scene to airlift the starlet, sadly, it was too late for her.

Elvis Presley - 42 (1935 - 1977)

Today, everyone knows who Elvis Presley is. He has been called "The King" by his fans, and most regard him as one of the best showmen of all time. Yet, back in the 1950s, when he rose to stardom, Elvis' actions caused quite a bit of public outrage. His unusual musical prowess and sensual dancing moves attracted a lot of attention, propelling him to stardom.

It is easy to say that Presley was just ahead of his time- that's why we appreciate him so much today. The Rock N' Roll King suffered heart failure in 1977, which was discovered to have been due to his regular use of prescription drugs.

Colby Cave - 25 (1994 - 2020)

Canadian ice hockey player Colby Cave played the center position for the Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins of the NHL. Born in 1994, Colby began his professional career in 2015. In addition to playing in the NHL, he also played for his teams' respective affiliates in the American Hockey League.

Cave was an up-and-coming hockey superstar, with many people speculating his success in a year or two. Yet it never happened as he had a colloid cyst, a benign form of brain tumor. The night between April 6 and 7, the cyst caused complications that required immediate surgery. Unfortunately, Colby couldn't survive it, and he left this world on April 11, aged 25.

Don Knotts - 81 (1924 – 2006)

Don Knotts has revolutionized the format of sitcoms by diverting the comedic role from the lead to a supporting character. He has received critical acclaim as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife in the iconic sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show. Don's role as the two-piece suit-wearing deputy sheriff made him rise to fame dramatically.

He starred in another sitcom, Three's Company, as Ralph Furley, entering the show after Susan Somers left. Again, the comic was able to incorporate her punchlines into his script with ease. Nevertheless, every good thing comes to an end, and so did Don's life. Unfortunately, he passed away from complications associated with lung cancer in 2016.

Loalwa Braz - 63 (1953-2017)

The iconic Brazilian singer Loalwa Braz is best known for her vocal performance in "Llorando se fue," a ballroom dance classic known as the "Lambada." As an artist, the versatile late singer from Rio de Janeiro performed in at least four languages, including Spanish, French, and English!

Braz passed away in 2017, at the age of 63. She was the victim of a tragic "robbery gone awry" that shocked the world and her loyal fans in particular. After making so many people happy with her Afro-Caribbean tunes, Braz got the end she didn't deserve. May her soul rest in peace, for her legacy is immortal.