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40 Famous People Who Died & You Had No Idea – Their Wills Promise A Whole Lot of Fortune

By

Ami Ciccone

, updated on

August 14, 2017

Most of us are bubbly and jazzy about life. But we are never quite comfortable thinking about death, let alone talking about it. In reality, death is among the most nondiscriminatory realities of nature. It does not care if you are rich or poor, famous or not – in time, it will come to you. It can come suddenly, the result of medical malpractice. It does not depend on your bank account or your life insurance plan. And maybe that is why so many celebrities have passed, without giving us even the slightest of clues. Their life might have gone in a flash, but we're confident that they built a relatively significant legacy for everyone to remember.

Click "Start Slideshow" To Find Out Which Beloved Celebrities Passed Away Without You Hearing About It

Chris Penn, 40

Siblings Sean Penn and Chris Penn shared the same profession – acting. It makes us think of a lot of other talented actors, who are related to other talented people in the industry. Chris passed away when he was 40. He was suffering from a heart ailment, the criticality of which was intensified because of his drug addiction. His legacy comprised of acting in more than 50 movies. We just hope that he was able to benefit from a health insurance while he was ill.

Rodney Agatupu Anoaʻi (Yokozuna), 34

Agatupu Anoaʻi was the real name of the WWE legend Yokozuna, who became famous for giving tough times to other legends. His death was brought about by pulmonary edema while he was on a European wrestling tour. Some of the first few reports claimed that he passed away from a heart-related ailment (heart attack). However, the autopsy report later revealed that his lungs had become severely clogged because of fluids. He weighed close to 580 pounds at the time of his death. We would doubt it if he was adequately covered by a life insurance because of his occupational hazard.

Sawyer Sweeten, 19

Geoffrey Barone from Everybody Loves Raymond was played by child actor Sawyer Sweeten. Sawyer did almost no work outside the series and was a relatively unknown quantity, as he was quiet and shy. He, like many members of his family, suffered from depression and had in the past been on medication for mental health reasons. However, the exact reasons why in 2015, he put a gun to his head and shot himself remain unknown.

Andy Hallett, 33

Sensational acting and singing talent, Andy Hallett was famous for bringing to life the character of Lorne in Angel. It was the show where we discovered his singing talent, too. He managed with a weak heart for about five hours, before finally passing away from congestive heart failure in 2009. He was only 33 then. What an acting and singing legacy it would have been if only he lived longer!

Alice Playten, 63

The Obie award was bestowed on Alice Playten twice in a row. That resulted in her being nicknamed – take a guess – “Obie One”. Her bright career hid the spots of her weak health, mainly pancreatic cancer and diabetes. In 2011, her illness became fatal and claimed her life. She was aged 63 and had already built a lasting legacy in acting. We wonder if the best medical treatment could have prolonged her life.

Gina Mastrogiacomo, 39

Gina Mastrogiacomo was a prominent actress in the ‘90s. She was the discovery of ace director Martin Scorsese who first gave her a chance to work in the movie, Goodfellas. Her business phone kept ringing intermittently from there on, and Gina became busy with career building. She was only 39 when myocarditis ended her stint with the industry – and with her loved ones. We can’t imagine her sketching out a will with her attorney. There was so much left for her to do!

Holly Lewis, 46

Holly Lewis might not have been the most familiar face in town. But she sure was the owner of a magical voice. She was the person who let her voice do the talking (sic) in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. But death does not judge us with talent and looks. Lewis passed away at the age of 46. The reason for her death is yet undiscovered. But her legacy made the gaming industry far richer.

Richard Attenborough, 90

Not many people could garner as much respect in the collective university of acting (thanks to a fruitful, debt-free career), as Richard Attenborough did in his active years. As a director, actor, and producer, his name was associated with several timeless classics. He also served as the president of BAFTA and RADA. Unfortunately, his death came about because of a heart disease that he suffered a few years back. His industry legacy in directing and acting will always be valued and treasured.

Trevor Goddard, 40

Trevor Goddard played the role of Kano in Mortal Kombat. His happily stable Hollywood career stumbled upon a major misgiving that troubled many of his other colleagues too – drug addiction. It sadly took his life, and the legacy of his profession was halted at the age of 40. We hope his family did not have to deal with debts after his death from drug overdose.

Harold Ramis, 69

Harold Ramis discovered multiple layers of talent within himself as he tried hands at cinema direction, acting, and writing. He was part of many famous flicks. But his death never made it to the public realm. The cause was a relapse resulting from a rare infection. Far from troubling his family with unpaid debts, Ramis built them a large legacy and left behind an estate worth millions of dollars.

Lisa Robin Kelly, 43

Lisa Robin Kelly became a member of people’s families with the role she played in That ’70s Show. She had been troubled with drugs for long and decided to try rehab. When she passed away in 2013 from “multiple drug intoxication,” she was still in the rehab center. Her husband’s attorney did take up the legal recourse, charging the rehab center for negligence and possibly medical malpractice.

Brad Renfro, 25

Brad Renfro became a household name back in the ‘90s after he was cast in The Client. The role proved to be a second chance at the industry for young Brad. But sadly, he let his career plummet by giving into the labyrinth of alcohol and drugs. Acute heroin intoxication took his life at the youthful age of 25. He’s gone forever, and we could only hope that his family was not saddled with any debts arising out of his addiction problem.

Christopher Pettiet, 24

Christopher Pettiet played the role of the remarkable and flamboyant Jesse James in The Young Riders. However, what could have been a long legacy of a great actor dwindled into a dead tale as Chris passed away at the age of 24. He was suffering from drug abuse, and an accidental overdose took his life away. We doubt it very much that he sought the services of an attorney to help with his will.

Antoine Ashley, 27

Antoine Ashley was known in her circles as the queen of drag. She went by the name Sahara Davenport and found stardom touching her feet when she participated in the hit show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. But her life was cut short just five years ago, at the age of 27, when she passed away from heart failure. Her legacy was left incomplete because of such an untimely end.

James Rebhorn, 65

James Rebhorn had a long and fruitful career in the acting industry - his legacy extending into 100 movies and TV productions. We perhaps saw his best in the show, Homeland. Rebhorn was known to have been battling the rare condition of melanoma for months together – before he finally lost his battle to the illness in 2014. He sensed an imminent self-demise and weaved his obituary. Maybe he had his attorney take care of his will as well.

Thuy Trang, 27

Did the Power Rangers ever sign up for travel insurance? What about health insurance? Heck, they were involved in far too many car accidents! One of them, the Yellow Ranger, was played by Thuy Trang. The iconic role made her an overnight sensation. But even the Rangers could not spot a violent car crash hurtling towards her in 2001. It was heartbreaking to note that she was only 27 at the time of death.

Glenn Quinn, 32

Glenn Quinn became famous with shows like Angel and Roseanne. In the ‘90s, he relocated to America to delve deeper into the thespian art. Tragically, he was discovered dead on a friend’s couch in 2002. Some reports pointed out that he could have been on an accidental heroin overdose. It's always sad when someone we know or love leaves behind a legacy of drug abuse and dies because of it.

Jill Gascoine, 83

Famous for her role as Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes in The Gentle Touch and C.A.T.S. Eyes 1980s TV series, the English actress Jill Gascoine passed away on April 28, 2020, after a long fight with Alzheimer's disease. Gascoine had two children with her first husband, who proved a compulsive gambler and abandoned her in the late '60s. But she somehow managed to raise her children and also realize her acting ambitions. In 1986 she got married to the actor Alfred Molina with whom she had a loving relationship for the rest of her life.

Michael Jeter, 50

Michael Jeter made appearances in a number of different movies. He was famous for having participated in several cult movies like Zelig and Fisher King. Unfortunately, he was one of the most underrated cinema personalities in recent film history. He was actively involved in his career, when he suffered a life-taking epileptic seizure at the age of 50, and passed away shortly after. It all happened so rapidly that we fear he could not even manage to get his attorney to help him with a will and testament.

Brandon Lee - 28

Brandon Lee was an actor and the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. His death is a tragic case that could have been avoided, as it happened while working on the set of the movie The Crow. During a scene involving a gun, the actor was shot with a real bullet, instead of a blank. It mortally wounded him and despite the best medical treatment and 6 hours of surgery, he was pronounced dead later that day. We hope that a personal safety lawyer was involved to clean up the mess, and perhaps enforcing laws for the safety of actors.

Wendie Jo Sperber, 47

Wendie Jo Sperber gained a strong foothold in the industry with roles in many well-known movies of the time. The more famous names included Back to the Future and Bachelor’s Party. Her doctors discovered breast cancer in 1997. However, the illness remained subdued (with the help of medical treatment) before it came back stronger in 2002. Sperber fought it unrelentingly for three years and passed away when she was 47 years old. A documentary film was created in her honor, defining the legacy of a woman who fought a fierce battle with cancer.

Marcia Wallace, 70

Marcia Wallace was not that famous as an actress. But her fans remember her fondly for playing the character of Mrs. Krabappel on the hit animation, The Simpsons. The appreciation was so strong that it even won an Emmy award for her. While she captured hearts by the millions, she failed to register a victory in her fight against breast cancer. She bid her fans farewell in 2013. Her The Simpsons legacy was so tall that the showrunners decided to retire her character altogether.

Barney Martin, 82

Barney Martin’s career started chiefly on the rear end of the camera, and that was before The Producers. Barney Martin was a different man after this show, and his popularity sent envious waves into some established TV personalities. He also played Seinfeld’s dad in Seinfeld. He lost a long standing battle with cancer at the age of 82. Our sources could not confirm if he had a will and testament with his attorney before passing away.

Zoe Lund, 37

The mistress of talents, Zoe Lund, received widespread acclaim for screenwriting, acting, and music. She starred in some popular movies like Bad Lieutenant and Ms. 45. She was another celeb on our list whose unfortunate demise occurred at a very young age. Lund died because of a heart attack, though reports later confirmed that drugs had a significant role in her passing. Two documentaries had been made to honor Lund’s legacy.

Nicole DeHuff, 30

Nicole DeHuff died at the young age of 30, but not before registering acclaim with movies like See Arnold Run and Meet the Parents. Unbeatable Harold, the last movie that she acted in, was directed by her husband and released posthumously. DeHuff reportedly passed away as a result of medical misdiagnosis. But we can't say for certain if the family later hired an attorney to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Kellie Shanygne Williams

Kellie Shanygne Williams was one of the many artists catapulted right into the “fame cloud” by the hit show, Family Matters. She played the character Laura Winslow in the show. But she should not be on our list at all as she was just a victim of a nasty rumor. Only later did we come to know that her identity had been mistaken. Williams is doing just fine! But such things do make you want to call your attorney and demand payback from the rumor-mongers and irresponsible media people out there.

Richard Griffiths, 65

Richard Griffiths played the role of the happily disgusted Uncle Vernon to his nephew, Harry Potter. He also won several accolades and awards for the famous play called The History Boys. Griffiths underwent a heart surgery at the age of 65. Shortly after, he passed away from complications arising out of the surgery. We hope he sat a session with his will attorney before leaving all of us.

Jonathan Brandis, 27

In his younger years, Jonathon Brandis had a lot of promise. Growing up, he decided his role was behind the lens, and he started working as a screenwriter and director. He became known for character sketches in flicks like SeaQuest DSV and The Neverending Story II. It was tragic that he chose to end his own life at the age of 27, allegedly because of some mental issues. We wish he considered depression rehab much earlier.

Leonard Nimoy, 83

Star Trek gave fame and recognition to Leonard Nimoy, who played the role of Mr. Spock. While he quit smoking in his 50s, it left a lot of effect on his lungs. The chronic lung ailment ended his life when he was 83 years old, which only reminds us how smoking can be fatal. With his long years in showbiz, he was able to build a substantial net worth and health insurance that left his family living a comfortable life, free from mortgages and loans. The legacy of Leonard Nimoy will stay forever with his fans.

Michael Clarke Duncan, 54

Michael Clarke Duncan’s burly physique helped him bag lots of “big baddy” character roles. But not many knew that his heart was a tender pie, and he made people laugh with his comic acts. In fact, his most renowned character portrayal in The Green Mile saw him play a good guy. In 2012, Duncan suffered a severe heart attack and lost his life at the age of 54. Duncan will always be remembered as the person who overcame a difficult childhood and rose to become a celebrity.

Anita Mui, 40

Courtesy of the magical charm in her voice and a distantly different stage presence, Anita Mui was called “Asia’s Madonna”. The Hong Kong actress passed away after battling cancer for a year. It was sad that her fans had to bid adieu to a voice which was a legacy in itself. Her performances on stage were tough to top.

Earl Hindman, 61

It is highly likely that you do not know who Earn Hindman was. Why? It's because the role of the secretive neighbor he played in Home Improvement required him to stay hidden from the camera. He waged a long battle against cancer and was unfortunately beaten at 61. We hope his family did not have to bear any debts left by him.

Laura Branigan, 47

Laura Branigan might not be popular at the moment. But back in the '80s, few singers were as famous as her. She tore the charts apart with singles like Gloria and Self Control. She also lent her voice in the composition of the soundtracks for Flashdance and Ghostbusters. In 2004, when she was 47 years old, she suffered a brain aneurysm which ended her life. She called her fans her “other half,” and such other half certainly misses her a lot.

John Spencer, 58

John Spencer became a very familiar TV face even though he did not manage to reach the heights of popularity. Nevertheless, he achieved fame from The West Wing series, and his career changed for the better. He worked in several TV shows and movies and as they say, built his legacy in the process. Spencer will be dearly missed.

 Sunny Johnson, 30

Sunny Johnson, like the rest of the Flashdance cast, became a household face right after the movie's release. Tragically, her career was an exceptionally short-lived one as she passed away at the young age of 30. A brain vessel ruptured and resulted in her death. Such a sudden demise at an early age barely leaves one the time to hire an attorney and help with a will.

Romi Koch

Romi Koch’s claim to fame was the hit movie Dead Doll. Just a year after the release of the film, Romi was discovered dead. It was a matter of great mystery that the cause of her death was never revealed to the public. Her demise continues to be a puzzle to this date. Even her attorney did not come out with any concrete statement.

Les Lye, 85

Not many people from this generation are in the know about Les Lye. The radio host and comedian from Canada had a charming personality and a successful career. The role for which he was famous had to be the lead in You Can’t Do That on Television. He was suffering from diabetes for a long time and passed away from related complications in 2009. He died at 85, and sadly, not everyone acknowledges the legacy that he built.

Michelle Thomas, 30

Michelle Thomas became a sizeable name in the industry after The Cosby Show and Family Matters. But sickness does not hold an exception for even the most beautiful and gracious of people. She was struck by a very rare cancer in 1998 and went away at the young age of 30. There was no mention of an attorney administering a will, but she did ask her family to observe Muslim (last) rites in sending her off for good.

Justin Pierce, 25

Like many of his peers, most misgivings in Justin Pierce’s life came from the inside. His claim to stardom was the controversially hit show Kids. After the film's release, Justin did manage to have a stable career. But it appeared that he could not cope any longer, and depression rehab did not seem to be an option either. He committed suicide in 2000, leaving two suicide notes that his attorney did not release to the public.

Heather O'Rourke, 12

Heather O'Rourke had the shortest life and career on our list. She was first recognized at the age of five when she did Poltergeist, thanks to the highly acclaimed Steven Spielberg. At the age of 12, Heather's intestinal stenosis was misdiagnosed by the doctors. After she had passed away, the family attorney sued the hospital for negligence and medical malpractice.

Andrew Koenig, 41

Andrew Koenig was the son of famous Star Trek actor Walter Koenig. Andrew became an actor like his father and found fame in the movie, Growing Pains. Later in his career, he shifted his focus to directing and writing. He also took up various human rights causes. However, Andrew appeared to have faced a lot of problems when he was 41 and didn't seek depression rehab. Ultimately, he took his life. No family finds it easy to recover from such an unexpected loss.

Len Lesser, 88

Len Lesser’s career needs no introduction, but it will be safe to say that Kelly’s Heroes and Seinfeld were the two defining points of his acting life. Over a period of six decades, he built a legacy with 180 shows and movies. In 2011, his cancer made way for pneumonia, and he lost his life at the age of 88. We hope he had found peace.

Andy Whitfield, 39

Andy Whitfield was making a name for himself on Spartacus: Blood And Sand when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He started treatment immediately and it seemed like the cancer was gone after a few months. Sadly, there was a relapse and after another year fighting cancer, Andy died on September 11, 2011. We at least hope he had time to write his last will and testament, as he left behind a wife and two daughters.

Kenneth Baker, 81

Kenneth Baker has played one of the most popular characters in film history, but his name is hardly known. He was R2-D2 in most of the Star Wars films but the last. He died of a chronic lung condition, despite receiving medical treatment. His will and testament may be contentious as he had a secret son, revealed after his death in 2016, who vowed to undertake a DNA test to prove his identity.

Florence Henderson, 82

The matriarch of The Brady Bunch, Florence Henderson's career started in the '50s and she was still active in one way or another until her death because of heart failure in 2016. Even at the age of 80, she hosted the show Who's Cooking With Florence Henderson on the Retirement Living TV. With a divorce in her past, four children, and a deceased second husband, her will and trust could be complicated.

Kimbo Slice, 42

Boxer, MMA fighter, and sometimes actor Kimbo Slice was known for his consensual street fights, posted online. A seemingly fit and healthy man, Kimbo died in 2016 at the age of 42 of heart failure, after a tumor was discovered in his liver. The fact that he had been caught cheating, using steroids and drugs to enhance performance, we wouldn't be surprised if these two were somehow connected. At the time of his death, he wasn't married to his long-time girlfriend so it is unclear if she will get a slice of his inheritance.

Leonard Cohen, 82

Although he started as a poet and writer, it was music that made Leonard Cohen famous, with songs like Hallelujah and I'm Your Man loved by millions. He died in 2016, officially from a fall but what really killed him was leukemia, that he had been battling for some time. He had been touring and releasing albums till the end, perhaps to avoid bankruptcy as his manager had embezzled money, leaving his bank account and his retirement fund nearly empty by 2005.

Michu Meszaros, 76

Michu Meszaros would have never become famous if two circus producers hadn't brought him to America from Hungary, where he was born. He became known for portraying ALF on the popular '80s sitcom. In 2008, he suffered a stroke from which he never recovered 100%. Finally, he fell into a coma in 2016, from which he never woke up.

John Ritter, 54

John Ritter's most noted role was on the '70s sitcom Three's Company, but he had appeared on many popular films and series through the years. He fell ill while filming 8 Simple Rules, suffering from what appeared to be a heart attack, but unfortunately, it was an aortic dissection. By the time his doctor realized it, it was too late. John died during surgery on September 11, 2003. His wife, actress Amy Yasbeck, sued the hospital and the doctors for medical malpractice and they settled out of court.

Garry Marshall, 81

Garry Marshall was the creator of the sitcom Happy Days and the director of Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries, among others. He was a graduate of Northwestern University and had been writing for some time before making it big. In 2016, at the age of 81, pneumonia complications ended his life. He had previously suffered a stroke, which was probably a contributing factor. His estate of $50 million will be spread between his wife and three children.

Bill Nunn, 62

Bill Nunn met director Spike Lee while attending Morehouse College and the two worked together in many films, including Do The Right Thing. Also known for the Raimi Spider-Man films, Bill Nunn passed away on September 24, 2016. He died of leukemia, a form of cancer that still claims many lives, despite how many medical treatments have advanced. He was 62 at the time and is survived by a wife and two children.

Christopher Lee, 93

Whether from Lord Of The Rings or from Dracula, everyone knew Christopher Lee. Active for decades, he had over 300 film credits and was even knighted for his services to the arts. He died of a heart failure in 2015 at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. With only one wife and one child, it seems unlikely that anyone would contest his last will and testament, just to grab a slice of the estate he had left behind.

David Margulies, 78

David Margulies, the son of a nurse and a lawyer, graduated from City College of New York and almost immediately got into show business, first plays and finally movies. He was a well-known character actor, having appeared in films like Ghostbusters, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and the crime drama series, The Sopranos. He died of cancer in 2016, leaving behind a son, from whose mother he had gotten a divorce, and a partner, though who gets his inheritance is unclear.

Abe Vigoda, 94

Best known for his appearances on The Godfather and Barney Miller, Abe Vigoda's face was vastly more famous than his name. Though his first marriage ended in divorce, he kept a close relationship with his daughter. It was in her home that the elderly Abe died in 2016 of natural causes. He had been the subject of numerous rumors that he had died in the past but instead of calling his lawyers, he took it all as a joke.

Jenni Rivera, 43

A hugely popular Mexican-American singer, Jenni Rivera had had a difficult past, suffering domestic violence and abuse at the hands of her first husband. After their divorce, she married again, only to get another divorce six years later and she was in the process of getting her third divorce at the time of her death. She died in an airplane accident in 2012, and the news of her death devastated her fans. Her relatives filed a lawsuit against the company which owned the private jet.

George Gaynes, 98

Not many knew that George Gaynes, known from the Police Academy films and Punky Brewster, was a WWII veteran of the Royal Dutch Navy. He was struck by tragedy in 1989 when his son Matthew died in a car accident in India. George was one of the rare Hollywood stars who never got a divorce, instead, staying with his wife until his death in 2016. The cause of death was not revealed but given that he was 98 years old at the time, his passing was not exactly shocking.

Corey Haim, 38

A teen heartthrob of the '80s, Corey Haim was one of those sad cases where child stars are destroyed by fame and money. Corey got into drugs to compensate for the demands of his star status (and some say, to cope with the abuse he had suffered) and despite several attempts to get clean at various rehab centers, he never managed to overcome his addiction. His weakened body succumbed to pneumonia in 2010, a direct result of his substance abuse.

Pete Burns, 57

Pete Burn's most notable contribution to music was the hit song You Spin Me Round and his contribution to pop culture was his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother 4. The eccentric celebrity had had numerous cosmetic procedures and a botched lip surgery led him to eventual bankruptcy as he attempted to fix it. The many surgeries had caused him pulmonary embolisms, blood clots, and possibly, these were contributing factors to his death by cardiac arrest in 2016, at the age of 57.

Natasha Richardson, 45

An English actress who was known for Nell and The Parent Trap, Natasha Richardson had one divorce on her record when she married famous actor Liam Neeson. Heavily involved with AIDS-related charities since her father's death of the terrible disease, she helped raise millions for the cause. While learning how to ski, she suffered an accident that left her with serious head injuries. She was taken to a hospital but unfortunately, she died at the age of 45.

Steve Irwin, 44

Steve Irwin, an Australian conservationist, and zookeeper became famous around the world for his exciting series, The Crocodile Hunter. He was very active in the effort to protect the environment and even founded a charity for that cause - the Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. In 2006, while filming a documentary underwater, a stingray struck him in the chest with its tail. He was taken to a hospital to receive medical treatment but sadly, his heart had been pierced and he died.

Arnold Palmer, 87

A professional golfer from a working-class background, Arnold Palmer popularized the sport by making it a fun activity for everyone, not a game for the wealthy to show off their affluence. He gave a lot to charity, establishing several charitable foundations himself and opening hospitals. He died of cardiovascular disease while awaiting heart surgery. His estate, consisting of money and assets worth up to $875 million, was divided among his family, employees, and the charity Arnie's Army. Such a generous inheritance for the beneficiaries!

Skye McCole Bartusiak, 21

Skye McCole Bartusiak started her career as a child actor in The Patriot when she was eight years old. More film and TV roles followed and it would seem that she had a bright future ahead of her. Unfortunately, Skye had fallen for a common problem in the high-pressure world of show business - drug abuse. Her mother claimed Skye didn't do drugs and she didn't drink alcohol, blaming instead the epileptic seizures she had been having. However, the coroner ruled accidental drug overdose as the cause of death. She died at age 21, in 2014.

Anton Yelchin, 27

A young yet prolific actor, Anton Yelchin had dozens of film credits to his name, but he was most famous for his part in the new Star Trek film series. He died as a result of an accident, when his car rolled down his driveway, crushing him. His parents' attorney filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the car company but it has yet to be resolved. Anton died on June 19, 2016, at the age of 27. He was so young, so he left no last will for his $1.4-million estate that consists of property and stocks.

Windell Middlebrooks, 36

Windell Middlebrooks was an actor who had appeared in many popular shows, like Scrubs, Entourage, and The Suite Life On Deck. He had studied extensively, with a Bachelor's degree in Theater from Sterling College and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California. He died in 2015 from a pulmonary embolism, the risk of which can be increased by factors such as obesity, drug use, and smoking. Windell was just 36 years old at the time.

Nathaniel Marston, 40

Known for his participation in the soap opera One Life To Live, Nathaniel Marston was an actor and producer. He had caught media attention in 2007, following his arrest for fighting. He was not under the influence of drugs and alcohol, but he had to follow an anger management course. He died in a car accident in 2015, when he lost control of his truck and crashed with no seatbelt on. Again, he was drug and alcohol-free but that proved unimportant as he died of complications from surgery.

Ben Woolf, 34

A school teacher that became an actor, Ben Woolf was most known for American Horror Story. Born with a condition called pituitary dwarfism, he was just four feet four inches tall. That indirectly contributed to his death, as he was involved in a car accident, where he was struck on the head by a car's side-view mirror. The injury caused a stroke, which ended up killing him. Since Ben was jaywalking, even an experienced car accident lawyer could not successfully sue the driver.

Rob Knox, 18

Rob Knox's career was just getting started when he was given a role in the film Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, a huge opportunity for a starting actor. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to fulfill his ambitions as he died, stabbed to death, in 2008, while defending his little brother, at just 18 years of age. The murderer's arrest and the trial ended with a sentence of 20 years and considering the killer showed no remorse, not even the best defense attorney could have spared the cold-blooded thug.

Bob Peck, 53

Bob Peck made a name for himself as an actor starring on The Edge Of Darkness and became known to the world from Jurassic Park. By 1994, he had been diagnosed with cancer and underwent both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It seemed as if he would recover but it was not to be and he succumbed to the illness in 1999. Considering he had been fighting the disease for five years, we expect he would have written a will to provide for his wife and children.

Ashleigh Aston Moore, 26

Ashleigh Aston Moore was a child star whose biggest film was Now And Then. Despite a promising start, she did not pursue acting with much fervor and by 1997, she quit acting altogether. The next time she came to the media's attention was in 2007 when she died at the age of 26. Official reports say that Ashleigh died of pneumonia and bronchitis, though there were rumors that her death was the result of an accidental heroin overdose, though she was not a known drug user.

George Kennedy, 91

An Academy-award-winning actor, George Kennedy became famous for Cool Hand Luke and the Airport series. He lived a full life, familiar with both marriage and divorce, having gone through all that three to four times, had three children, and adopted three more. He was a pilot, he had written books, and was still acting in films even up to 2015. He died in 2016, from a cardiovascular disease, having also faced heart problems in the past.

David Strickland, 29

David Strickland had barely embarked on his acting career when he got a job at a popular sitcom, Suddenly Susan. He had been suffering from mental health issues, specifically a bipolar disorder which was made worse by his drug use and alcoholism. With an arrest for cocaine possession, a court-ordered rehab hanging over him, a difficult divorce, and child custody battle - David snapped, hanging himself in 1999. It also didn't help that he had stopped taking his bipolar medication.

Amanda Peterson, 43

A former teen star, Amanda Peterson became famous with the teen rom-com Can't Buy Me Love. By the mid-'90s, she had retired from the entertainment business and was trying to get her life back in order. She had developed serious problems with drug addiction and had frequent run-ins with the law, including an arrest for a DUI and another for possession of drugs. She was supposedly drug-free when she died in 2015, but the autopsy revealed her death to be an accidental drug overdose.

Alan Thicke, 69

Actor and songwriter Alan Thicke was most known for Growing Pains, where he played psychiatrist, Jason Seaver. Loved in Canada, he was used as a spokesperson by a company involved in debt settlement, a practice outlawed in both Canada and the US. With two marriages ending in divorce, his third one was cut short when he died of an aortic dissection in 2016, a condition that has high blood pressure and smoking among its risk factors.

Cory Monteith, 31

Cory Monteith had trouble adjusting after his parent's divorce and developed problems with alcohol and marijuana at a young age. He followed a drug and alcohol addiction program at 19 and stayed clean for quite some time, eventually getting a job on Glee. Success proved too much to handle for Cory, who started using drugs again until an intervention by friends and colleagues convinced him to go back to rehab.  Unfortunately, three months after completing his treatment, he was found dead of a heroin and alcohol overdose.

Dana Hill, 32

Dana Hill was aiming at being a pro athlete but diabetes cut that dream short. She went into acting and became known with the film National Lampoon's European Vacation. She did a lot more work as a voice actor, though, voicing Max on Goof Troop and Jerry on Tom and Jerry: The Movie. Sadly, her diabetes caused her to fall into a coma in 1996 and less than a month later, a massive stroke ended her life at the age of 32.

Johnny Lewis, 28

Johnny Lewis was a talented actor whose skill can be seen in the first two seasons of Sons Of Anarchy and The O.C. In 2011, an accident left him with brain trauma, which was probably the beginning of the end for him. Mental health issues, compounded by rampant drug abuse led to an arrest for assault and another for breaking and entering. His defense attorney managed to get him out of jail after two months but five days after his release, Lewis murdered his landlady before falling to his death by accident.

Leslie Carter, 25

Leslie Carter achieved minor success as a pop singer but, being the sister of Aaron and Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, she was well known. Unfortunately, she was a lot more troubled than her brothers. One year after the birth of her daughter and before her planned attempt to attend a rehab program, she died of an apparent overdose of Zyprexa, Zanax, and cyclobenzaprine, devastating her family. It was in 2012 and Leslie was only 25.

Lee Thompson Young, 29

Lee Thompson Young first found fame as a teenager through the series The Famous Jett Jackson, working in various movies and TV shows later in life. Lee had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder but it was mostly handled through medication. Prior to his death, he had developed depression, which led to him committing suicide by shooting himself in 2013, while still a part of Rizzoli & Isles.

Suzanne Crough, 52

Suzanne Crough became famous in the '70s as a child actor, appearing on The Partridge Family as Tracy. Her last film was Children Of Divorce in 1980, after which, she retired from show business, opened up a bookstore, and lived her life away from publicity. She died in 2015, due to a rare condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, a type of cardiomyopathy that is mostly genetic in origin.

 

Dave Cash, 74

A well-known British radio DJ, who had worked for Radio London and BBC Radio 1, Dave Cash was an influential figure of the still-nascent commercial radio. He was also a successful writer, with three books published under his name. His death in 2016 was the result of a massive heart attack, and the doctors were unable to save his life. With more than one divorce in his past, we hope he had a will and testament ready, to settle his affairs in this world.

Victoria Wood - 62

Actress, director and comedy specialist Victoria Wood mastered many skills in her life, including a little bit of singing. Unfortunately, in late 2015 the actress was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We're sure she had medical insurance but even the best medical treatment wasn't enough to save her and she, unfortunately, passed away in April 2016 at the age of 62. Since she and her husband were divorced, unless she remembered him in her will, her inheritance will go to her two children.

David Gest - 62

Comedian and TV personality David Gest had a life full of ups and downs. In 2002 he married actress and singer Liza Minnelli but they separated a year later. Gest got his criminal lawyers involved and sued Minnelli for $10 million, claiming she was emotionally and physically abusive. Gest put this down on her drug and alcohol addiction. The case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. In April 2016 David Gest was found dead in his hotel room due to a stroke. We don't imagine there was a trust fund left in his will after reportedly being $650,000 in debt.

Johan Cruyff - 68

Johan Cruyff was an incredibly talented Dutch football player. He rose through the footballing world and became an icon and idol to many people. Unfortunately, Cruyff was a heavy smoker up until 1991 (well into his career) and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. After a long battle with it, he eventually passed away in March 2016. His death shook the world of soccer and thousands of tributes poured in for a man who brought glory to his club and country. We imagine he had his will attorney fix up a good last testament before he passed.

Burt Kwouk - 85

Actor Burt Kwouk starred in many roles in the movie and TV industry throughout his life but he will likely be remembered for his portrayal of Cato in the Pink Panther movies. Kwouk lived a full life and died at the very respectable age of 85, after losing the battle to cancer. He died in 2016. We're sure he had the very best cancer treatment but sometimes it's a fight you cannot win, especially when you're in your eighties.

Lynne Thigpen - 54

The death of actress Cherlynne "Lynne" Thigpen was a shock to the world. She was still young, just 54 at the time of her death. In the days leading up to her death, she complained of multiple headaches but didn't seek treatment. A few days later she passed away and the autopsy report concluded she died of a cerebral hemorrhage. The date was March 12, 2003. If ever there was a silver lining to the death of a human, it's that Thigpen more than likely set aside a trust fund for her family even if her death was unexpected. We'd like to think so, anyway.

Chris Cornell - 52

Singer and musician Chris Cornell was famous, successful and unfortunately suffered from depression. On top of that, he had a drug abuse problem and alcohol addiction, which only made things worse. We're not sure if he ever visited a depression treatment center (or a drug rehab facility for that matter) but he tragically took his own life in 2017. After performing a show, he committed suicide at the age of 52. We wonder if he had a last will and testament in place before he died.

Scott Weiland - 48

Scott Weiland was a musician and one of the original members of Stone Temple Pilots. He died in December 2015 at the age of 48, after an alleged drug overdose. This isn't too surprising given that he struggled with a severe drug addiction. It was also very public knowledge that he'd attempted to get help too, after visiting a drug treatment rehab center at least a dozen times. Unfortunately, it didn't work, since he died from that very addiction.

Bobbi Kristina Brown - 22

Bobbi Brown's story is a rather sad one. She was the daughter of Whitney Houston and singer Bobby Brown. She had a chaotic upbringing which was aggravated even more by Houston's drug addiction. After her mother died, she inherited her entire estate and wealth. Brown was allegedly found in her bathtub by husband Nick Gordon and after receiving emergency medical treatment was put into a coma. After being on life support for months and being declared brain dead, she eventually passed away in 2015. Reports emerged that she had a case of lobar pneumonia, although autopsy reports suggest prescription drugs, alcohol and cannabis were in her system.

Nancy Reagan - 94

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan lived a full life until the grand age of 94. The wife of former US President Ronald Reagan died in 2016 due to congestive heart failure. We're sure she had a very lucrative life insurance package though and those closest to her more than likely benefited from her last will and testament. She had been a widow since Ronald Reagan's death in 2004 and despite her age, had been active in politics and socially, though a slip and fall in 2008 raised fears for her health.

J. T. Walsh - 54

Actor J.T Walsh wasn't camera shy and featured in many movies during his 23-year career. He was known for roles in The Negotiator, Pleasantville, and Nixon, among many others. In 1998 however, when he was just 54 years old, Walsh suffered a fatal heart attack. Ironically, it happened while he was a guest at the Optimum Health Institute. We're not sure if he had life insurance or not but we're pretty confident he had a will in place, just in case.

Teena Marie - 54

Singer Teena Marie had an angelic voice and was highly respected throughout the music industry. She died on Boxing Day in 2010 at the age of 54. The cause of death is unknown and autopsy reports state it was natural causes. Some people suggest her tonic-clonic seizure that occurred one month prior to her death could have been a reason. In 2004 a large picture frame hit her on her head while she slept, causing her to have momentary seizures. These seizures affected her for the rest of her life and could have been a factor in her death. We assume she probably had a last will and testament from that day forward.

Misty Upham - 32

Misty Upham was a Native American actress who had roles in Django Unchained and August: Osage County. Her death was a tragedy which could have been partly due to her mental health issues. She disappeared from her home in 2014 and was found dead a week later by family members. A lot of controversy was stirred up due to the local police refusing to class her as a missing person or help look for her. Her father also claimed in 2017 that she was a victim of indecent assault by a member of Harvey Weinstein's team. We're sure his defense attorneys are investigating. It's a tragic story of a woman who was full of potential.

Gareth Thomas - 71

Gareth Thomas was a British actor who gained fame for his role in Blake's 7. His first and second marriages ended in divorce, whereas his third wife was with him to the end. In 2016, at the age of 71, he passed away due to suffering from heart failure. Due to his age, we're pretty sure he had a last will and testament in place prior to his death. If not then his wife and children might have been a bit disappointed.

Gia Allemand - 29

Gia Allemand did some reality TV work such as The Bachelor but was mainly known as a model and dance instructor. The beauty died due to self-inflicted brain damage. It's not known whether she suffered from depression or had some other mental health issues, but she tried to hang herself. After being found and rushed for medical treatment, she was diagnosed with brain damage and died two days later. Her last will and testament was never organized but a note was found with stated her mom should receive everything.

Denise Robertson - 83

Denise Robertson was a British writer and TV broadcaster. She lived a fairly full life and died at the ripe, old age of 83. Unfortunately, she lost a battle with pancreatic cancer and passed away in March 2016. We're sure she received the very best cancer treatment and given her age she would definitely have had a last will and testament arranged. She was also married twice, with both marriages resulting in her husband's death. We guess that's one way to save on costs for a divorce lawyer.

Shain Gandee - 21

Shain Gandee seemingly appeared out of nowhere but gained fame after recurring appearances in Buckwild. In 2013 he, his father and another person were driving in an SUV when they fell into a ditch. Unfortunately, this blocked the exhaust pipe and caused a lethal amount of carbon monoxide to fill the cabin of the car. Autopsy reports concluded they died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The tragic circumstances of his death means no last will and testament would have been in place, although we're sure his girlfriend might have considered hiring a personal injury lawyer.

Pat Morita - 73

Legendary actor Pat Morita is best known for his role as Mr. Miyagi, the patient mentor from The Karate Kid films. He sadly passed away in 2005 after losing a battle with kidney failure. He might have died before his time but 73 is still a good age to reach. We like to think his will lawyer finalized a last testament prior to his death so his family hopefully gained some monetary help from his trust fund.

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes - 30

Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopez was a very talented singer who was gaining more and more fame. She was also known as part of TLC. Lopez had been known to struggle with alcohol addiction but received alcohol rehab treatment to move on. A personal injury lawyer might have been called in to investigate her death after she was involved in a car accident in 2002, dying when she was only 30 years old. It was a huge loss to the music industry and shocked the world.

Paul Daniels - 77

Magician Paul Daniels, known for his appearances on several TV shows, passed away at 77 years old. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was declared inoperable and he breathed his last in 2016. A loved but controversial figure, he got a divorce from his first wife and mother of his children and in 1988, married his assistant, a woman 20 years younger than him. We're sure he left a lovely trust fund behind for his family as he would more than likely have had a last will and testament in place.

Anna Nicole Smith - 39

Anna Nicole Smith gained her fame as a model and actress, although her life was plagued with a drug abuse problem. She constantly battled with her drug addiction and ultimately it became the reason she died. In 2007 she was declared dead after a drug overdose. Issues arose after her wedding to billionaire Howard Marshal, who passed away in 1995. He chose to leave her out of his will and testament, which led to her and his family's inheritance lawyers having to go to court for a solution.

Tennessee Williams - 71

Tennessee Williams gained acclaim as a brilliant playwright in the '50s but he also suffered a lot. His life was tainted with a drug addiction along with mental health issues, mainly depression along with alcohol addiction. It's not known whether he checked into drug rehab treatment but he did have to undergo psychoanalysis. In 1983 when he was 71 years-old he passed away. Unfortunately, he somehow got a bottle cap lodged in his throat and choked to death, so in a sense, his drinking killed him. 

Caroline Aherne - 52

British Actor Caroline Aherne gained her fame and fortune for roles in TV shows like The Royle Family. She died in 2016 when she was only 52 years old, after losing her battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with lung cancer and despite undergoing cancer treatment, she passed away. She also suffered from mental health issues, as well as struggling with a long history of drug and alcohol addiction.

DJ AM - 36

DJ AM, whose real name was Adam Goldstein, was a DJ from the US. A lot of his work was done in Las Vegas casinos. He died in 2009 at the age 0f 36 after suffering a drug overdose. It's not known whether he ever tried drug rehab treatment for his drug addiction, but it was ultimately the thing which killed him. He was considered lucky after surviving a plane crash. We wonder if he wrote a last will and testament after surviving his crash. Maybe a good life insurance policy was in order?

Carrie Fisher - 60

Carrie Fisher is best known for her role in Star Wars and was classed as an iconic actress in Hollywood. The downside to her early fame was that she developed a drug addiction which she battled with most of her life. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 60 while on a flight with United Airlines. Reports claim that she stopped breathing during the flight and autopsy reports concluded that she died from sleep apnea.

Jeff Buckley - 30

Jeff Buckley was a music icon who had a huge presence in the music industry during the '90s. At the time of his death, rumors emerged that he might have died due to his drug and alcohol addiction although ultimately he was completely sober when he died. The cause of his death was that he fell into the Wolf River Harbor where he drowned. We wonder if he had a good life insurance policy in place.

Marvin Gaye - 44

Marvin Gaye was a soul music legend. He was highly respected and is still classed as one of the best soul artists to have graced the world. During his life, Marvin struggled with mental health issues, mainly depression as well as a drug addiction. His death shook the world and was very tragic. His father shot him point blank after the two were involved in an argument. He didn't survive the attack but his defense lawyers did ensure his father received a jail sentence.

Rick Parfitt - 68

Singer, guitarist and all-around talented musician Rick Parfitt was a member of band Status Quo. They quickly gained fame and with that, a lot of money. Parfitt's bank account was rumored to be stacked with dollars at the time of his death, so much so that his ex-wives were allegedly arguing profusely about his last will and testament. Sorry ladies, sometimes you just have to earn your own keep! Rick's cause of death was due to an old shoulder injury which led to a fatal infection, although a lot of people were surprised it wasn't down to his drug and alcohol addiction.

Piers Sellers - 61

Dr. Pierce Sellers worked for N.A.S.A as an astronaut and was a scientist who specialized in climate. We imagine he got paid rather generously for his work and ventures into space. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and despite the very best medical treatment, he passed away in 2016 at the age of 61. Even N.A.S.A can't help with cancer treatment by the look of things. Still, we are sure he must have had a very nice life insurance policy in place for his loved ones.

AA Gill - 62

AA Gill was a British author and columnist for a national newspaper, as well as a travel, film and food critic. He suffered from drug and alcohol addiction when he was younger but after attending a rehab center went clean at the age of 29. In December 2016, the last article he wrote was published, which explained he was suffering from severe lung cancer that it had affected his whole body. Despite trying to battle it with cancer treatment, the author passed away at the age of 62.

Greg Lake - 69

Greg Lake was a musician and songwriter who became a famed rock star. He was one of the rare stars who despite experiencing world-wide fame, didn't develop a drug and alcohol addiction. Not only that, he and his wife never got a divorce! Unfortunately, though, he was diagnosed with cancer in December 2016. With death looming on the horizon, we can assume he organized his last will and testament prior to his passing.

Andrew Sachs - 86

Andrew Sachs was a British actor who gained fame and fortune for his role in the TV show Fawlty Towers. In 2012 the actor was unfortunately diagnosed with vascular dementia and despite several years receiving medical treatment, he passed away in November 2016. As sad as it is to say, it might have been for the best as the actor was eventually left unable to walk or speak due to the illness. He was survived by his wife and three children, who will probably share his inheritance.

Jean Alexander - 90

Actress Jean Alexander lived to be an impressive 90 years-old, which is quite the feat. She was a regular name in Coronation Street where she gained a lot of her fame. She didn't have any family but we're sure she still made a last will and testament after her body slowly began to grow weary. After suffering a mild stroke in 2014, she had been living at an assisted living facility, from where she was taken to a hospital and died 3 days after her 90th birthday.

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez - 23

Selena shot to fame after breaking the stereotypes of female Latin singers and became a huge icon. Along with her fame came some trouble, though, as one of her employees, Yolanda Saldivar, got caught embezzling funds. As Selena approached her about the subject Saldivar pulled out a gun and shot her, severing a critical artery and killing the pop icon. She was only 23-years-0ld. After being caught Saldivar struggled to get representation as no defense attorney wanted to help her.

Robert Vaughn - 83

Actor Robert Vaughn had won many awards throughout his career and gained a lot of fame from The Man From U.N.C.L.E. He studied alongside his busy acting career too, adding to his skill-set, earning a master's degree in theater and finally, a Ph.D. in communication. When he was 83-years-old the actor lost his battle with leukemia and passed away. Even the best medical treatment couldn't help him.

Sir Jimmy Young - 95

Sir Jimmy Young was a singer-turned-radio-host from the UK. His time on the radio saw him become one of the most successful radio hosts of all time. At almost 100-years old (passing away at 95) Young lived an incredible life and interviewed many people. His bank account was probably grateful too. He passed away from natural causes and we assume his last will and testament was in place prior to his death.

Natalie Wood - 43

Actress and TV star Natalie Wood started her career as a child actor. She quickly surpassed all expectations and gained immense respect and support throughout Hollywood. Some of her major works include Rebel Without A Cause and Miracle In 34th Street. We're not sure if she had a drug abuse addiction or not but after she died traces of drugs and alcohol were found in her system. This wasn't the cause of her death though. She was on a boat with her husband where she somehow fell into the sea and drowned at the young age of 43.

Guillaume Depardieu - 37

French actor and star Guillaume Depardieu was very successful throughout France. His father, Gerard Depardieu was also a successful actor, well-known throughout the industry. When he was just 37-years-old he passed away after contracting pneumonia in the middle of filming a movie. He couldn't fight off the illness and it eventually took his life. It's unlikely he had a last will and testament in place due to his young age but as he was famous and wealthy, his financial advisers might have suggested it.

James Avery, 68

James Avery was the maverick actor who played the role of Uncle Phil on the hit show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Viewers from all corners loved and appreciated his character. The show became a blazing hit. But like all fairy tales, Avery bid us goodbye and never looked back again. Will Smith famously said “An Uncle Phil for every young man.” Those are the words that best describe the legacy of the man for who he was.

Tony Burton, 78

Starting out as a professional boxer did not quite work out for Tony Burton, whose bad choices led to his arrest for armed robbery and subsequent incarceration. In prison, he not only fell in love with acting but also managed to graduate from the University of California. He became famous due to his appearances on The Shining and Rocky. In 2016, he died of pneumonia, survived by his wife and three children.

Jeff Hanneman - 49

Metal musician and member of the group Slayer, Jeff Hanneman became wealthy and famous. He is still considered as a legend in the music industry for his influence on thrash metal music. Despite reports that he was bitten by a spider that killed him, the autopsy reports concluded that due to his heavy alcohol addiction, his liver stopped working. He died in 2013, leaving his fortune, which comes up to about $14 million, to his wife.

Jimmy Perry - 93

Actor Jimmy Perry gained a lot of fame both for his time in front of the camera and behind it as a scriptwriter. He was involved in the huge TV show Dad's Army and lived a full life into his 90s. In 2016, at the age of 93, he contracted a short illness which his body couldn't fight off. His last will and testament was read out to his relatives and reports mention that he left £226,000 to those close to him. That's an awful lot of money for someone's inheritance!

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