Last Days

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 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 screen presence and genuine authenticity left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and on all those who came to know him. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 basketball, Chamberlain's inarguable charisma and tales of womanizing have made him a enduring figure of fascination in sports and entertainment. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of the game and a true global humanitarian. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 legend - died of a heart attack. Pryor single-handedly transformed stand-up comedy by using humor to reflect on social and political issues, and in doing created a new blueprint for modern comedy. Though he was beset with health problems throughout his adult life as a result of decades of drug and alcohol abuse, his sharp mind remained intact throughout his career and reminded audiences of the revolutionary talent he was. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, humblest, and most talented actors of his generation. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 half of the 20th century -- passed away at the age of 81 due to complications from a routine medical procedure. Her passing sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration from fans and colleagues alike, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in comedy with a fearless approach to humor. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 as the cancer took hold and the end grew near, Doherty sought to right the wrongs and to finally find joy in the company of old friends who had once known her best. Hosts: Jason Beckermand & Katie Hayes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 13, 2024, Richard Simmons -- the beloved fitness icon best known for his endless positivity and outlandish workout attire -- passed away after sustaining injuries from a fall in his home. Although he retreated from public for the last decade of his life, Simmons energetic antics and joyful personality motivated millions of people to embrace healthier habits during the fitness craze of the 70s and 80s. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 19, 2016, Anton Yelchin was killed in a freak accident when he was pinned between a driveway gate and his massive SUV. Just 27 years old when he died, Yelchin had already proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor on the big screen, leaving little doubt his tragic death had robbed Hollywood of one of its brightest young stars. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 7, 2011, Dr. Conrad Murray was convicted for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. With the tragic chapter finally closed, Michael's fans could once again reflect on his unmatched career and indelible legacy, from his groundbreaking music and electrifying performances, to his enduring influence on music and culture. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifteen years ago this week, on June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died of an overdose of the anesthetic propofol, and blame was cast at Dr. Conrad Murray, the man accused of giving him the lethal dose. But Michael Jackson's death was decades in the making, stemming from an horrific on-stage accident that sparked a prescription drug addiction, which was then fed by physicians trying to curry favor with their famous client, and exacerbated by all of those who were more interested in getting him back on stage to make money than in saving his life. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices