Last Days

On August 11, 2022, Anne Heche, the actress whose stunning announcement of a romance with Ellen DeGeneres became one of the defining pop-culture moments of the 1990s, died following a fiery car wreck. Speculation raged in the wake of Heche’s death that drugs and alcohol must have been to blame, but the true culprit was something far more sinister and vastly more heartbreaking. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On January 27, 1993, André René Roussimoff -- the 7'4", 520-pound Frenchman who dominated professional wrestling during the 70s and 80s -- passed away in his sleep after an evening with friends. Although best known for his immense size and epic battles in the ring with Hulk Hogan and other bright stars of his era, it was Andre's brilliant performance as the warm-hearted giant in The Princess Bride that etched his name in Hollywood history. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On January 14, 2016, Alan Rickman died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite a reputation as one of the kindest men in Hollywood, Rickman made his name portraying some of the great bad guys in cinema history - from Hans Gruber, to the Sheriff of Nottingham, to Severus Snape - and in the process forever changed what it means to be a movie villain. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 10, 2024, OJ Simpson — one of the most decorated football players and controversial figures of the last half of the 20th century — passed away after a brief battle with prostate cancer. His football and acting legacies were forever eclipsed by his criminal trial and eventual acquittal for the vicious double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Simpson remained a polarizing figure until his last days, and his impact on American culture over the course of his life will not soon be forgotten. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 2, 2012, Junior Seau -- an NFL legend who redefined the linebacker position during his career -- took his own life, shocking his friends, family, and many fans. Known for his fierce playing style and leadership on the field, Seau's impact on football forever changed and modernized the sport, but it was his untimely death that sparked a crucial conversation about the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the league, shedding light on the long-term consequences of head injuries and prompting calls for greater player safety measures. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thirty years ago this week, on April 5, 1994, Kurt Cobain - the Nirvana frontman whose raw, angst-ridden lyrics made him the voice for Gen X - killed himself in his Seattle home. Cobain’s death, brought on by years of drug use, physical pain, and depression, though tragic, cannot overshadow a singularly remarkable career that transformed American music. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 29, 2024, Lou Gossett Jr. – who rose to fame with his Emmy-award-winning portrayal of Fiddler in the miniseries Roots and an Academy Award-winning turn as drill sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentlemen – died after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of African-American actors, and as one of the kindest and most beloved men in Hollywood history. Hosts: Jason Beckerman and Charles Latibeaudiere Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 5, 2022, Kirstie Alley -- best known for her iconic role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers and her memorable performances in movies like Look Who's Talking -- passed away from colorectal cancer at the age of 71. Alley's legacy was complicated by her public struggles with weight loss and personal views on various social and political issues, but such controversies never overshadowed her feisty wit and immense talents. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 11, 1964, Sam Cooke – the singer and songwriter of some of the most recognizable soul and pop songs every written – including “Twisting the Night Away,” “You Send Me,” “Wonderful World,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” and so many more – was shot and killed in a Los Angeles motel. Cooke’s killing was perhaps the first modern true-crime story, involving the slaying of one of the most famous people of the era, under circumstances that were shrouded in mystery and steeped in controversy. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 2, 2004, Marlon Brando -- perhaps the most iconic film actor of the 20th century for his roles in classics like On the Waterfront and The Godfather -- passed away from a mysterious lung condition at the age of 80. Despite his personal troubles, Brando's groundbreaking and unconventional approach to acting ushered in a new era in Hollywood that continues to shape the art form to this day. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Bias was among the greatest basketball players ever who lived until his life was cut short by a lethal batch of cocaine. The true crime story of Bias’s death gripped the nation, but it left behind one of the most culturally destructive legacies in the history of sport. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Denver -- one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the 70s -- tragically died in a plane crash in 1997 off the coast of California. Despite his untimely death, Denver's musical legacy continues to resonate with timeless hits like Take Me Home, Country Roads and Annie's Song, which remain cherished anthems to this day. But perhaps his most lasting impact on the music industry came in the form of his powerful testimony on behalf of artists facing mounting censorship forces in Congress. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On January 10, 2016, David Bowie - the visionary iconoclast who blended rock, glam, and avant-garde styles to revolutionize music - died of liver cancer in his NYC apartment. Bowie's evolving musical styles and various persona over a five decade career have been emulated by generations of musicians - from Madonna to Prince, Lady Gaga to Kanye West, and countless others. And even as his health deteriorated and he knew the end was near, David Bowie continued to produce works of staggering genius that solidified his unmatched legacy. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 28, 2022, Coolio -- the iconic rapper best known for hits like Gangsta's Paradise and C U When You Get There -- died from an accidental drug overdose at a home in Los Angeles. With his trademark braids and laid back style, Coolio left a profound mark on the music industry with his unique blend of simple and sincere lyrics set against classic funk beats. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to hip hop will continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 7, 2018, Mac Miller – one of the brightest and most beloved young musicians in the world – died after taking counterfeit opioid pills laced with fentanyl. Three men accused of distributing the pills have since been brought to justice, but that is little solace to his family and friends who mourn his loss, and for his legion of fans who were deprived of a budding musical genius. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 2, 2024, Carl Weathers -- the man who brought Apollo Creed to life on the big screen in four Rocky movies -- passed away at the age of 76. Although most associated with his role as Stallone's foil-then-friend in that film franchise, Weathers left behind a rich and varied legacy in Hollywood, bringing his trademark charisma and wit to everything from zany Adam Sandler comedies like Happy Gilmore to the solemn world of space operas with his role in The Mandalorian. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 10, 2004, Christopher Reeve -- the man who ushered in the modern wave of comic book heroes on the big screen with his Superman movies -- died from heart failure due to complications from a blood infection. Reeve burst on the Hollywood scene in the late 70s, bringing boyish good looks, effortless charm, and real acting chops from Juilliard, but his last decade was defined by a tragic horseriding accident that forever changed the trajectory of his life. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 10, 2019, Jeffrey Epstein - one of the most notorious criminals in recent American history - was found dead of what was initially reported to be suicide by hanging. But over the next several weeks fissures emerged in the official story of Epstein's death with the revelation that prison guards and officials engaged in a cover-up to conceal what really happened the night Epstein died. And the most complicating factor of all... Epstein's death meant the world would never learn what he knew about the sexual indiscretions and possibly the criminality of some of the richest and most powerful men in the world. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In late December 2016, one of the brightest starts from Hollywood's Golden Age Debbie Reynolds and her multi-talented daughter and Star Wars legend Carrie Fisher passed away within 24 hours of each other. Their lives and careers charted very different courses in entertainment, but the personal hardships and difficult battles never broke their enduring and loving bond. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Michael - the Wham! frontman turned legendary solo performer - died on Christmas day, 2016, from heart failure brought on by years of substance abuse. Michael's life was derailed by his 1998 arrest for a lewd act, which made him the butt of jokes and subjected the famously-private star to unwanted media scrutiny. But in death he finally found the rehabilitation he searched for so desperately in life, and with it a renewed appreciation for his art and the legacy he left behind. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we celebrate the New Year, Derek and Jason take the opportunity to reflect on some of the most memorable celebrities we didn't have a chance to cover on the podcast, focusing on their extraordinary lives and legacies. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 2023 comes to a close, Derek and Jason take a look back at the most famous and influential celebrities we lost this year, and explore what made their lives and careers so memorable, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 9, 2008, Bernie Mac -- star of countless movies and one of The Original Kings of Comedy -- died in a Chicago hospital after a lengthy battle with a rare lung disease. Although he only found mainstream success later in life, Mac left an indelible mark on the comedy world with his brash style that blended his often shockingly provocative takes with genuine paternal warmth. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special Update: Matthew Perry's Cause of Death - The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has released the autopsy report revealing Matthew Perry's official cause of death, providing answers to the questions surrounding his sudden and tragic passing. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On January 12, 2023, Lisa Marie Presley - the daughter and later the wife of, respectively, perhaps the two most famous entertainers of the 20th century - died from complications of a small bowel obstruction tied to weight loss surgery she'd undergone years before. Lisa Marie was a singer and a performer, a devoted mother, and the candle-bearer for her father's legacy, but she ultimately succumbed to the addiction, tragedy, and loss that had so defined her life. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 5, 2023, Norman Lear -- the man responsible for revolutionizing television in the 70s with a string of hit sitcoms, including All in the Family and Good Times -- passed away in his Los Angeles home at the age of 101. Already a television legend by his mid-50s, Lear could have spent the remainder of his incredible life basking in the glow of his accomplishments, but instead continued to champion the progressive political and social causes until his final days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 4, 2019, Luke Perry died from a stroke at a Los Angeles hospital. Though Perry enjoyed a remarkable career renaissance near the end of his life, he will always be remembered for his portrayal of brooding heartthrob Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 - the breakout star from the iconic show that changed television forever. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 10, 1992, Sam Kinison -- who turned screaming rants in small comedy clubs into a burgeoning career in Hollywood -- died after drunk driver crashed into his car on a California highway. Although remembered for his indulgent lifestyle, Kinison's tragic death at the age of just 38 had nothing to do with his vices and cut short one of the most unique careers in entertainment history. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 14, 2021, Norm Macdonald -- the legendary SNL alum and one of the greatest stand-up comedians of his generation -- passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer that he had waged privately for many years. His death shocked even some of his closest friends in the comedy world, but his fearless and wholly unique voice left behind a legacy that won't soon be forgotten. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 5, 2011, Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder who revolutionized personal computing and transformed the way we listen to music, watch movies, and communicate over the phone, died of pancreatic cancer. Jobs's legacy is complex - he was both a relentless innovator and a workplace tyrant, an unmatched visionary and someone who often took credit for the ideas of others. But through it all, Steve Jobs helped to shape the modern world as much as any person in history. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 4, 2006, Steve Irwin -- the global sensation best known as "The Crocodile Hunter" from his countless nature shows -- was killed in a freak accident while filming near the Great Barrier Reef. Despite the inherent danger of his profession, the sudden tragedy shocked the world and shattered the lives of his wife and two young children, who have spent the ensuing years carrying on his legacy of conservationism and infectious enthusiasm for wildlife. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 1, 2023, Bobby Knight -- the legendary college basketball coach best known for his trademark red sweater and fiery outbursts -- passed away at the age of 83 after years of declining health. Although lauded by many former players and fellow coaches for his undeniable contributions to the game, his legacy is complicated by his controversial antics off the court. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry – who will forever be remembered for his portrayal of Chandler Bing for ten seasons on Friends – drowned in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home. Though Perry struggled for decades with drug and alcohol addiction, his legacy endures as one of the most iconic television actors ever, and a man beloved by cast-mates and fans alike. He was 54 years old. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, Stephen “tWitch” Boss - who achieved fame as the DJ for 8 seasons on the Ellen DeGeneres Show – took his own life in a Los Angeles-area motel room. Without a clear explanation for why the man with the million-watt smile and a loving family could choose to end it all, rumors and speculation began to fill the void: Was it financial problems or difficulties at home? Did recent allegations about his time on Ellen push him over the edge? Or did tWitch's internal demons simply become too much for him to bear? Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 15, 2023, Suzanne Somers — who delighted audiences in the 70s as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company before reinventing herself as a fitness icon with the ThighMaster in the 90s — passed away at the age of 76 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her friends, family, and adoring fans mourned her passing, but she left behind a legacy of warmth, optimism, and cheerful perseverance that won’t soon be forgotten. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 1, 1984, Marvin Gaye -- Motown legend and perhaps the most gifted R&B singer in music history -- was shot and killed by his own father after an argument in his Los Angeles home. Although his tragic death cut short a late-career resurgence, his smooth vocals and socially conscious lyrics continue to resonate with fans to this day. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Naomi Judd is one of the most accomplished country music singers and songwriters in history. But despite her success, she could never overcome the crippling depression and anxiety that, borne from unimaginable childhood trauma, would come to define her adult life and, ultimately, become too much for her to bear. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 1, 2023, Tim Wakefield -- who rode his fluttery knuckleball to a 19-year MLB career -- died from brain cancer at the age of 57. Although he'd been keeping the health battle private, former teammate Curt Schilling revealed the diagnosis on a podcast just days before Wakefield's death. The shock and heartbreak throughout the baseball world upon hearing the sad news of his passing is a testament to Wakefield's legacy both on and off the field. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 21, 1998, Florence Griffith Joyner -- better known in the sporting world as Flo-Jo -- passed away in her sleep at the age of 38. Just a decade removed from taking home three gold medals at the 1988 Summer Olympics, her sudden death shocked and saddened her family and friends, and she remains a celebrated, albeit controversial, figure in the world of track and field to this day. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early hours of October 31, 1993, River Phoenix, the talented young actor who gained acclaim for his role in "Stand by Me," died of an overdose of heroin and cocaine while partying at The Viper Room, the famous Sunset Strip club owned by Johnny Depp. Phoenix's demise abruptly ended what had been one of the most promising careers in the entertainment industry, shedding a poignant spotlight on the challenges stemming from his traumatic childhood. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 4, 1994, John Candy -- best known for a slew of hilarious comedies like from Stripes to Uncle Buck -- died at the age of 43 after suffering a massive heart attack in his sleep while filming a movie in Mexico. His loss was felt throughout the entertainment industry, but the comedic legend left behind a rich legacy that won't soon be forgotten. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon – the iconic singer, songwriter, and peace activist - was assassinated in front of his New York City apartment building by a delusional loner named Marc David Chapman. The tragedy not only robbed the world of an unmatched musical genius, but also symbolized the poignant end of an era, evoking an unprecedented wave of sorrow and mourning that continues to resonate today. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Sponsors: ARTICLE Visit Article.com/TMZ for $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 1, 2023, Jimmy Buffett -- the singer/songwriter behind the signature laid-back anthem, "Margaritaville" -- passed away at the age of 76 at his home in Long Island after a lengthy battle with a rare form of skin cancer. Although best known for spreading vacation vibes in his trop rock classics, Buffett was a tireless businessman who touched nearly every aspect of the entertainment world, as well as a devoted philanthropist who left a lasting mark on the world. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On January 30, 2018, Mark Salling -- best known for playing Noah "Puck" Puckerman on Fox's hit show Glee -- took his own life less than two months before he was scheduled to be sentenced for possession of child pornography. Unlike the tragedies that befell his co-stars, the upsetting nature of Salling's crimes have nearly completely obscured the once-promising legacy he left behind. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 8, Naya Rivera - the triple-threat talent who shot to fame playing Santana Lopez on Glee - vanished during a boating excursion with her young son. An intense five-day search confirmed she had drowned under circumstances that remain shrouded in mystery. But Naya left a legacy as an exceptional talent and an enduring LGBTQ+ icon. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 13, 2013, Cory Monteith -- one of the breakout stars of Fox's Glee -- was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room, the victim of an accidental overdose just a few months after a stint in rehab. His sudden passing forever changed the trajectory of the feel-good singing show, but the young actor's tragically brief life left an indelible mark in Hollywood. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston - whose iconic voice forged many of the most indelible moments in music history – drowned in the bathtub of her Beverly Hills hotel room. Though battles with addiction and a turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown derailed her career, her legacy remains that of an unparalleled vocal talent and extraordinary performer. Host: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 27, 2002, Ruth Handler -- the creator of the original Barbie doll that transformed the toy industry and has become a cultural icon without equal -- passed away at the age of 85 from surgical complications to treat her colon cancer. With the unprecedented success of the Barbie movie, it's clear that Handler's creation from 1959 continues to resonate well into the 21st century. But can the values underpinning an impossibly thin and busty doll created more than 60 years ago be reconciled with our modern sensibilities or will it ultimately be discarded into the dustbin of history? Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 14, 2009, Patrick Swayze -- the iconic leading man from such classics as Dirty Dancing and Ghost -- passed away after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. As the world mourned his death, shocking details emerged about the final months of his life that painted a tragic picture of one of Hollywood's most unique talents. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 30, 2023, Paul Reubens – best known for his groundbreaking portrayal of Pee-wee Herman – died at age 70 after a six-year battle with cancer. Reubens redefined children's movies and television in the 1980’s through his absurdist style of storytelling and humor. And though his career would ultimately be derailed by scandal, he remained universally admired by those who knew him well for his talent, his kindness, and his gentility. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Matt Weiss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 8, 2007, Anna Nicole Smith -- the vivacious former Playboy model and reality-television personality -- died at the age of 39 in a hotel room in Hollywood, Florida from a toxic brew of drugs in her system. During her life, Smith redefined beauty standards and achieved a level of fame that far exceeded her modest beginnings in a small Texan town, but her success was marred by a storm of controversy over her brief marriage to an elderly oil tycoon and a litany of personal tragedies and hardships. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 26, 2023, Sinead O'Connor -- the iconoclastic Irish singer most known for the smash hit "Nothing Compares 2 U" and ripping up a photo of the Pope on Saturday Night Live -- died at the age of 56. Although she struggled with mental health issues and personal tragedies for much of her life, O'Connor will be remembered as one of the most talented, uncompromising, and fearless protest artists of the late 20th century. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Eric Colley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 31, 1993, Brandon Lee -- the son of iconic martial artist Bruce Lee -- was fatally shot while filming a scene for his upcoming gothic superhero movie The Crow. Nearly 30 years later, another gun-related tragedy on the set of Alec Baldwin's movie Rust served as a stark reminder that ensuring safety on sets remains a pressing issue for the film industry to this day. But can it be solved? Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 8, 2018, Anthony Bourdain - "the original rockstar of the culinary world" who revolutionized food literature and television - died by suicide in a hotel room in an idyllic village in eastern France. Bourdain's cool authenticity and quiet intelligence had for two decades ingratiated him with audiences, but also masked deep-seated insecurities and depression that, on one fateful night, rushed forward with heartbreaking results. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 2, 2014, Philip Seymour Hoffman -- the actor frequently labeled the most talented of his generation -- was found dead in his apartment with a syringe still hanging out of his arm and dozens of heroin baggies scattered throughout the place. Although he left behind an onscreen legacy that's unlikely to be equaled, Hoffman's sudden passing also left a gaping hole in movies that may never be filled. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 21, 2016, Prince Rogers Nelson, just 57 years old, died from an overdose of fentanyl-laced pain killers in the elevator of his Minneapolis home. And though the ensuing investigation revealed the extent of his addiction, it did nothing to tarnish his legacy as one of the most gifted and admired people in the history of music. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 18, 2009, Natasha Richardson -- the talented star perhaps best known for her role as Lindsay Lohan's mother in The Parent Trap -- died after suffering what seemed like a minor injury at a ski resort in Canada. Her unexpected passing shocked the Hollywood community and forever changed the lives of her friends and family, but it's become an important cautionary tale that has probably ended up saving countless lives. Hosts: Derek Kaufman and Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 22, 2004, former NFL star Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in a remote canyon in eastern Afghanistan. Over the next few weeks, a small but powerful group of people within the United States chain-of-command hatched a plan to cover-up how Tillman died. And though the truth eventually emerged, the damage was done: to the military for engaging in the cover up, to Tillman’s family who had been lied to repeatedly, and to the legacy of Pat Tillman, one of the most complicated heroes of the modern age. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 18, 2001, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt suffered a fatal injury after he crashed his trademark No. 3 Chevy during the final lap of the Daytona 500. His death not only shocked his family, friends, and legions of fans but also changed the sport of stock car racing forever. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 7, 2023, The Iron Sheik -- perhaps the most famous villain in the history of professional wrestling -- passed away at the age of 81. A true legend in the ring and the chief adversary of Hulk Hogan in the 80s, he played an instrumental role in transforming the sport from a local novelty led by traveling entertainers into a full-blown global phenomenon. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 5, 1982, John Belushi – just 33 years old and widely considered one of the great comedic geniuses of all time – died of an overdose of cocaine and heroin. Much of the chatter following Belushi’s death centered upon his addictions and the sordid life he often lived, but his legacy remains the timeless characters he created and his fearless comedic style that has inspired generations of boundary-pushing comics. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 28, 1998, Phil Hartman – star of Saturday Night Live and voice of countless characters on The Simpsons – was shot and killed in bed by his wife in the middle of the night. But the murder turned out to be only a prelude to one of the most shocking tragedies ever to rock Hollywood, leaving fans to mourn the death of a comedy icon while family and friends struggled to make sense of it all. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 24, 2023, Tina Turner – the iconic Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll who dazzled legions of fans with her electric performances for more than six decades – passed away after a long illness at the age of 83. Although already a vibrant and singular presence in music by the late 60s, her incredible comeback in the mid-80s after enduring years of abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, Ike Turner, inspired a whole new generation of people and allowed her to transform from music icon to living legend. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Eric Colley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 18, 1997, Chris Farley – known to his cadre of famous friends as the funniest and kindest man they’d ever known – died from an overdose of cocaine and heroin. His death was the heartbreaking conclusion of a life lived in the grip of addiction and serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of fame and the perils of a system designed to extract a laugh at any cost. Host: Jason Becerkman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 19, 2023, Jim Brown - quite possibly the greatest American athlete ever - died after a long illness. As great as Brown was on the field, his most indelible impact may well be be as a civil rights pioneer who fought fiercely for revolutionary causes. During a time when athletes – especially Black athletes – were expected to keep their ideas to themselves, Brown was a proud rabble-rouser who paved the way for later generations to openly fight for the causes that matter to them. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On September 11, 2003, John Ritter - the popular sitcom superstar from Three's Company - suddenly fell ill on the set of his new show and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from a rare heart condition. As the world mourned the passing of a comedic legend, his family and friends were left to wonder -- was it preventable? Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 31, 1995, Selena – 23 years old and on the verge of superstardom – was shot and killed by her former employee and best friend, and the world was left to wonder why it had happened, and what might have been for one of the most beloved young artists in the history of music. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the height of the COVID lockdown, the world found out about the death of Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer from a heartbreaking post on social media. After a string of successful biopics and the enormous success of Black Panther, his sudden passing at the age of 43 from colon cancer shocked his fans and colleagues in the film community, who soon learned it was anything but sudden. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 27, 2023, Jerry Springer died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 79. Although one of the most controversial people in the history of television, his passing has been met with a tidal wave of affection that underscores the enormity of his impact on American culture. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Young, handsome, and enormously talented, Heath Ledger was destined to be a superstar until his addiction to prescription meds took his life. But Ledger’s death was more complex – and perhaps more sinister - than anyone knew, and sparked an investigation into another huge Hollywood star who many still blame for his death. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes burst onto the Atlanta music scene with her TLC bandmates back in the 90s, but her successes on the Billboard charts were often paired with a tumultuous personal life. Still, her sudden death in 2002 from a car accident in Honduras shocked the world and left many with more questions than answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On January 9, 2022, Bob Saget was found dead in a Florida hotel. The evening before, the "Full House" star performed a stand-up routine at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Fans and friends of Saget were shocked by the actor's sudden death, as the comedian was not suffering from any medical ailments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 20, 2009, Brittany Murphy -- the actress who rose to fame as Tai Frasier in "Clueless" -- died in her Los Angeles home. Murphy's death sent shockwaves through Hollywood as the "8 Mile" star was gearing up for a return to the spotlight. Shortly after her death, details of Murphy's tragic final days were brought to light.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 20, 2011, "Macho Man" Randy Savage -- one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling -- tragically died behind the wheel of his car after dining at a restaurant near his Florida home. His sudden death left his family and legions of fans in utter shock, but the Macho Man's lasting legacy in the world of sports and entertainment remains unrivaled to this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 3, 2009, David Carradine was found dead in a swanky Bangkok hotel, giving rise to one of Hollywood’s great tales of sex and misfortune, allegations of murder, and an international search for the truth amidst the madness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 19, 2013, James Gandolfini -- star of HBO's The Sopranos -- died suddenly during a trip to Italy with his young son. The unexpected passing of the legendary actor sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, but he left behind a legacy in the world of prestige television that will not soon be forgotten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah died tragically in a plane crash along with the pilot and seven other passengers. After the singer's death, shocking details came to light about about the doomed flight that forever changed the world of music and entertainment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 23, 2011, Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London home. Although the "Back To Black" singer had struggled with substance abuse for years, the details surrounding her death painted an even more tragic picture of the latest entrant into the 27 Club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 11, 2014, Robin Williams killed himself in his California home. Williams -- often hailed as one of the greatest comedians of all time -- battled substance abuse and bouts of depression during his life, but the world was shocked to learn the real reason he took his own life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 30, 2013, Paul Walker died in a single-car collision on his way to a charity event in Los Angeles. We'll explore the final moments of the entertainer's life and the legal fallout that ensued after his death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last Days explores the final days of some of the biggest icons in sports and entertainment, breaking down precisely what led to the passing of figures who were larger than life but somehow even bigger in death. From Paul Walker to Amy Winehouse, we dive deep into these sudden tragedies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices