Unfortunately everyone has to die sometime. And although numerous people die each day that we don’t ever hear about it is still a bigger deal when a celebrity dies. They are our heroes, our mentors and the people we see shine on the big (or little) screen, or jam on the stage. Here are some of the notable celebrities who died this past year.
Brad Renfro
July 25, 1982 – January 14, 2008
Brad Renfro’s film career started in 1994 with a part in The Client. He acted in 21 full length films in his short lifetime, including Bully, Sleepers, Apt Pupil, and The Jacket. Renfro died from an overdose of heroin.
Suzanne Pleshette
January 31, 1937 – January 19, 2008
Suzanne Pleshette’s career started in the 60’s with films like Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds and The Ugly Dachshund. She went on to play the role of Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show in the 70’s. Pleshette died of lung cancer.
Heath Ledger
April 4, 1979 – January 22, 2008
With a budding film career and what would be his most memorable role on the way, Heath Ledger was found dead from an accidental overdose. Unfortunately he wasn’t alive to see how well The Dark Knight went and that his portrayal of The Joker would be one for the history books.
Christian Brando
May 11, 1958 – January 26, 2008
The eldest child of Marlon Brando died from pneumonia.
November 10, 1932 – February 10, 2008
Best known for his role as police chief Martin Brody in the thriller Jaws, Roy Scheider was also much loved by TV fans of seaQuestDSV. Scheider died of complications from a staph infection.
David Groh
May 21, 1939 – February 12, 2008
Best known for his portrayal of Joe Gerard in the 70’s sitcom Mary Tyler Moore, David Groh died of kidney cancer.
Jeff Healey
March 25, 1966 – March 2, 2008
Jeff Healey lost his sight when he was 8 years old, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a well known Jazz and blues guitarist and vocalist. Healey died of cancer just one month before the release of his new album, Mess of Blues, which was his first rock album in 8 years.
Arthur C. Clarke
December 16, 1917 – March 18, 2008
Arthur C. Clarke was the author of such science fiction gems as 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Fountains of Paradise. Clarke died at 90 years of age.
October 4, 1924 – April 5, 2008
Heston played heroic roles in movies like Ben-Hur, The Ten Commandments and Planet of the Apes, in which he spewed the line “Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!” whilstplaying the role of George Taylor. His cause of death was pneumonia.
Dick Martin
January 30, 1922 – May 24, 2008
Dick Martin was the comedic co-host of Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In, from 1968 to 1973. He died of breathing complications, something he had suffered from since childhood.
Sydney Pollack
July 1, 1934 – May 26, 2008
Sydney Pollack was the director of numerous films including The Way We Were, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?, The Firm and Tootsie. He died from stomach cancer.
February 15, 1927 – May 29, 2008
Known for his sketch comedy on The Carol Burnett Show and for his roles in Mel Brooks films, like Blazing Saddles, Korman died from complications of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Yves Saint Laurent
August 1, 1936 – June 1, 2008
The famous French Fashion Designer died of brain cancer.
Bo Diddley
December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008
The Originator” died of heart failure, but his music will live on forever.
Tim Russert
May 7, 1950 – June 13, 2008
News Journalist and longest-serving moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press (16 years), Tim Russert died of a heart attack.
Cyd Charisse
March 8, 1921 – June 17, 2008
Charisse was an actress and dancer who found herself paired with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Some of her best known films were Singin’ In The Rain, Brigadoon, Silk Stockings and The Band Wagon. She died of a heart attack.
George Carlin
May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008
George Carlin was an often raunchy comedian/actor, loved in his various roles in Kevin Smith films (Dogma, Jersey Girl and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) and a stand-up comic. He died from heart failure.
Estelle Getty
July 25, 1923 – July 22, 2008
She will always be remembered as the grouchy old Sophia Petrillo on Golden Girls. Estelle Getty died from natural causes 3 days before what would have been her 85th birthday.
Bernie Mac
October 5, 1957 – August 9, 2008
Bernie Mac was a comedian/actor who was star of his own show, The Bernie Mac Show, and could always be found in a great comedy; Ocean’s Eleven, Bad Santa, and Guess Who (just to name a few). Mac died of complications due to pneumonia.
Isaac Hayes
August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008
Isaac Hayes will be best remembered as a soul singer and also his work on the soundtrack for Shaft. In recent years he did the voice of South Park’s Chef and sang the unforgettable song ‘Chocolate Salty Balls. He died just 10 days before his 66th birthday.
Jerry Reed
March 20, 1937 – September 1, 2008
Country music singer, Jerry Reed was best known for his songs Amos Moses, East Bound and Down, and You’re Hot, You’re Hot. Reed died of complications from emphysema.
January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008
Paul Newman was best known for his acting, but he was also a director, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and an auto racing enthusiast. He will always be remembered as Cool Hand Luke. Newman died in his home at the age of 83.
Michael Crichton
October 23, 1942 – November 4, 2008
Author of Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Congo, The Andromeda Strain and more, Michael Crichton was also the creator of the TV show ER. Crichton died after battling throat cancer.
April 22, 1923 – December 11, 2008
Bettie Page remains famous for her Pin-Up and fetish modeling. She is an icon and idol to many. She was even one of the earliest Playmates of the month. Page died from complications from a heart attack, or maybe pneumonia.
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry
February 23, 1932 – December 18, 2008
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry was the widow of Star Trek creator gene Roddenberry, being referred to often as “the First Lady of Star Trek.” She died of complications from leukemia.
Eartha Kitt
January 17, 1927 – December 25, 2008
Best known for her role as Catwoman, which she took over the part of in Batman’s 3rd season in the 60’s, Eartha Kitt was also a singer and cabaret star. She died from colon cancer.
