Last Days

On February 1, 2021, Dustin Diamond — the actor and comedian whose portrayal as the quirky and lovable Samuel "Screech" Powers on Saved by the Bell made him a household name—passed away from cancer just weeks after being diagnosed. Despite his iconic role, Diamond's post-show life was beset by legal troubles, financial hardships, and publicized conflicts with former castmates, particularly followi...

On July 23, 1982, a tragic accident on the set of Twilight Zone: The Movie claimed the lives of actor Vic Morrow and two child actors, Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen, when a helicopter crashed during filming. The devastating event cast a shadow over the film's legacy and became a defining moment in Hollywood, prompting stricter safety regulations and a reevaluation of on-set practices to bett...

On October 2, 2017, Tom Petty – the iconic musician and songwriter whose heartfelt lyrics and timeless rock anthems like Free Fallin, American Girl, and I Won't Back Down, made him a cornerstone of American music – passed away from an accidental drug overdose at the age of 66. Petty's untimely death was a profound loss to those who knew him, but his legacy is secure as one of the most beloved, end...

On November 1, 1999, Walter Payton — the legendary running back for the Chicago Bears and an enduring symbol of grit and grace on the football field — passed away at age 46 due to complications from a rare liver disease. Known as "Sweetness" for his smooth yet relentless playing style, Payton left behind a legacy that reshaped the NFL and inspired countless fans. Beyond his athletic achievements,...

On July 31, 2023, Angus Cloud – the rising actor whose breakout role as Fezco in HBO’s Euphoria captivated audiences with his raw, understated portrayal of a complex and sympathetic character – died of a drug overdose at the age of 25. Cloud’s untimely death came just weeks after losing his father, an experience that deeply affected him. Though his career was just beginning, Cloud’s distinctive sc...

On November 3, 2024, Quincy Jones -- the legendary producer responsible for countless pop hits with musicians like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Ray Charles -- has passed away at 91 while surrounded by loved ones in his Bel-Air home. Jones leaves behind monumental legacy across the entertainment landscape from his pioneering collaborations in the studio to his groundbreaking work in film and...

On February 24, 2014, Harold Ramis — the comedic genius who shaped some of the most iconic films in American cinema—passed away from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis at the age of 69. With his uniquely dry wit and unforgettable charm, Ramis left an indelible mark on Hollywood, not only as a writer and director but as an actor who brought beloved characters to life. From Ghostbus...

On May 4, 2012, Adam Yauch – the pioneering musician and filmmaker whose unique voice and visionary approach helped catapult the Beastie Boys to global fame with hits like "Sabotage," "Intergalactic," and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" – passed away from cancer after a three-year battle with the disease. Yauch's untimely death was a profound loss to those who knew him, but his legacy is secure as one of...

On October 22, 2024, Fernando Valenzuela -- the legendary Mexican-born pitcher for Los Angeles Dodgers who thrilled baseball fans with his quirky windup and signature screwball -- passed away from an undisclosed illness at the age of 63. Beyond his incredible feats on the baseball diamond, Valenzuela became a cultural icon that transcended the sport, transforming the Dodgers from just another base...

On February 20, 1999, Gene Siskel -- who partnered with fellow film critic Roger Ebert to bring movie reviews to the masses -- died from brain cancer at the age of 53. With their wildly popular thumbs up/thumbs down reviews and spirited debates, Siskel and Ebert revolutionized the art of movie criticism and spread their infectious love of cinema to millions of fans around the world. Hosts: Jason B...

On October 16, 2024, Liam Payne -- one of the founding members of the massively successful boy band One Direction -- died at the age of 31 from an apparent suicide at a hotel in Buenos Aires. The singer left battled several personal demons during his life, but his undeniable talent as a performer and songwriter left a lasting impression. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your...

On December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela - the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa - died at the age of 95. His death prompted a global outpouring of grief, as well as tributes to a man of uncommon grace and compassion, who put the interests of others ahead of his own and extended the reach of freedom and dignity to millions. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn mo...

On October 12, 1999, Wilt Chamberlain -- the legendary basketball superstar who once scored 100 points in a single game -- passed away in his home from a heart attack at the age of 63. Known for his towering presence and dominance on the court, Chamberlain set numerous records during his career, and many of his feats on the hardwood remain unmatched to this day. Beyond shaping the modern game of b...

On September 30, 2024, Dikembe Mutombo -- the NBA legend best known for deploying his iconic finger wag after blocking an opponent's shot -- passed away at 58 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Despite his immense accomplishments as a player, Mutombo's most lasting contributions were made off the court, where he leveraged his infectious smile and generous spirit to become an ambassador o...

Sponsored by: AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code "LAST" and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! ------ On December 10, 2005, Richard Pryor - the groundbreaking comic whose fearless insights into race relations and modern life made him a comedy leg...

On November 12, 2003, Jonathan Brandis -- the beloved '90s teen star known for SeaQuest DSV and The NeverEnding Story II -- died by suicide at the age of 27. Brandis, who struggled with his transition from teen heartthrob to adult actor, left an indelible imprint on the entertainment industry during his brief career and serves as a cautionary tale about the difficulties of life in Hollywood. Hosts...

On October 4, 1970, Janis Joplin, the “Queen of Rock” whose famously raw and emotional voice captured the pain and angst of a generation, died at the age of 27. Joplin’s three year run of success was among the most unexpected and impressive in music history, and her untimely death left everyone asking what might have been. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

On February 25, 2017, Bill Paxton - the beloved actor whose relatable, everyman charm endeared him to generations of audiences in movies like The Terminator, Aliens, Twister and Titanic - died from a stroke following surgery to repair a heart condition that had plagued him since childhood. Paxton's untimely death was devastating to those who knew him, but his legacy is secure as one of the kindest...

Sponsored by: AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code "LAST" and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! --- On September 4, 2014, Joan Rivers -- the iconic comedian whose brassy and unapologetic stage persona redefined the art of stand-up in the second ha...

DJ AM, famed for his electrifying performances behind the turntables, passed away from a drug overdose on August 28, 2009. A true pioneer in the music industry and a fixture in pop culture, his contributions modernized club DJ culture and helped bridge the gap between mainstream music and underground sounds. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Sponsored by: AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com a...

On December 8, 2019, Juice WRLD – the brilliant young rapper who gave voice to a generation of disaffected youth - swallowed a handful of opioids to conceal them from cops, overdosed and died. His death was not just the tragic end to a brilliant career in its prime, but marked the demise of the disruptive music scene he helped to create. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your...

On July 20, 2017, Chester Bennington -- the talented singer behind the hugely successful rock band Linkin Park -- took his own life after a lengthy battle with depression. Bennington's contributions to the music scene of the 2000s are immeasurable, bridging the head-bobbing sounds of his grunge-era predecessors with the emotionally complex lyrics of the alternative rock bands that followed. Hosts:...

On April 12, 2022, Gilbert Gottfried – the legendary comedian and actor known for his distinctive voice and fearless humor who delighted in shocking audiences with his raunchy material – died of a heart arrythmia brought on by a rare muscular disorder. His loss was felt throughout the entertainment industry, but the comedic legend left behind a rich legacy that won’t soon be forgotten. Hosts: Jaso...

On July 13, 2024, Shannen Doherty – the actress who will forever be remembered for playing Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210 - died after a nine-year battle with breast cancer. As Doherty’s fame grew with the successes of 90210 and, later, Charmed, stories emerged of Doherty’s not-so-pleasant behavior both on set and off, which garnered her a reputation as the quintessential 90s mean girl. But...

On September 7, 1978, Keith Moon -- the legendary drummer best known for his wildly destructive antics on stage as a member of The Who -- died after overdosing on a drug intended to wean him off alcohol. Although not entirely unexpected, Moon's death sent shockwaves through the music industry and forever altered the trajectory of the band, but he remains one of the most talented and energetic musi...