Entertainment
15 Hollywood Celebrities Who Won the Genetic Lottery
25. George Segal
George Segal, the celebrated actor known for his roles in The Goldbergs and numerous films, passed away on March 23, 2021, at 87 due to complications from bypass surgery. His death marked the end of a distinguished career that spanned decades in both film and television. | © Acme Productions
24. Michael Conrad
Michael Conrad, known for his role on Hill Street Blues, passed away from urethral cancer in November 1983, just five weeks after his 58th birthday. His death came during the fourth season of the show, marking a sad end to his career on the iconic police drama. | © Paramount Pictures
23. Lee Thompson Young
Lee Thompson Young, the former Disney star known for his role on The Famous Jett Jackson, tragically took his own life on August 19, 2013, at just 29. His death, which shocked fans and colleagues, was attributed to struggles with depression, highlighting the hidden challenges many face despite a successful career. | © NBC
22. Dolph Sweet
Dolph Sweet, best known for his role on Gimme a Break!, passed away from stomach cancer on May 8, 1985, at 58. His co-star, Nell Carter, honored him with a heartfelt eulogy during the show's final episode of the season, marking a poignant farewell to the beloved actor. | © NBC
21. Adam West
Adam West, best known for his iconic role as Batman in the 1960s TV series, passed away at 88 after a brief but brave battle with leukemia. He died peacefully in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved actors to ever portray the Dark Knight. | © CBS
20. Marcia Wallace
Marcia Wallace, beloved for voicing Mrs. Krabappel on The Simpsons, passed away on October 25, 2013, at 70 from pneumonia, sepsis, and complications from breast cancer. Her death marked the end of an era for the iconic show, with staff aware of her health struggles prior to her passing. | © CBS
19. Jessica Walter
Jessica Walter, an acclaimed actress with a career spanning six decades, passed away in her sleep at 80 on March 24, 2021. Best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development, Walter's extensive career also included iconic performances in Play Misty for Me and Archer. | © 20th Television
18. Jack Soo
Jack Soo, best known for his role as the sarcastic Detective Sgt. Nick Yemana on Barney Miller, tragically passed away from cancer in 1979 during the show's fifth season. His death came at the peak of his popularity, leaving fans and co-stars alike to mourn the loss of a beloved sitcom star. | © CBS
17. Earl Hindman
Earl Hindman, best known for his role as the mysterious Wilson W. Wilson Jr. on Home Improvement, passed away in December 2003 at 61 from lung cancer. Despite his character's face being hidden for most of the series, Hindman became an iconic presence on the show, offering wisdom to Tim Taylor and leaving a lasting legacy. | © NBC
16. Philip McKeon
Philip McKeon, best known for playing Tommy Hyatt on Alice, passed away in December 2019 at 55 after a long illness. After his acting career slowed, he transitioned to producing and hosting a talk radio show, leaving behind a memorable legacy in television. | © CBS
15. Orson Bean
Orson Bean, known for To Tell the Truth and The Tonight Show, passed away in February 2020 at 91 after a tragic accident. He also appeared in sitcoms like How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, and Desperate Housewives, earning widespread recognition for his comedic talent. | © NBC
14. Richard Herd
Richard Herd, known for roles in V, SeaQuest DSV, and Star Trek: Voyager, also played George Costanza's boss on Seinfeld. A versatile actor, he appeared in shows like The Golden Girls and Quantum Leap, with his last role in Get Out, before passing away in May 2020 at 87 from colon cancer. | © CBS
13. Naya Rivera
Naya Rivera, best known for her iconic role as Santana Lopez on Glee, tragically passed away in 2020 at 33 after a drowning accident. Though she gained fame later in life, Rivera's career began in the '90s with appearances on sitcoms like Family Matters and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. | © Fox
12. Lisa Robin Kelly
Lisa Robin Kelly, known for her role as Laurie Forman on That '70s Show, tragically passed away in 2013 at 43 after battling alcoholism and addiction. Despite her early success, her struggles with substance abuse led to her departure from the show and a series of legal issues before her untimely death while in rehab. | © Fox
11. Max Wright
Max Wright, best known for playing Willie Tanner on ALF, passed away in 2019 at 75 after a long battle with lymphoma. Despite a career resurgence after his initial health scare, including a Tony nomination and a role on Norm, his struggle with cancer ultimately took his life, marking the end of a memorable television career. | © NBC
10. John Ritter
John Ritter, beloved for his iconic role as Jack Tripper on Three's Company, tragically passed away in 2003 at 54. While rehearsing for 8 Simple Rules, Ritter died suddenly from a tear in his aorta, leaving a lasting void in television and film with his memorable performances and comedic timing. | © ABC
9. Merlin Santana
Merlin Santana, who rose to fame with roles on The Cosby Show and The Steve Harvey Show, was tragically murdered at 26 in 2002. Shot in his car over a mistaken allegation, Santana's untimely death shocked fans and marked a devastating end to a promising sitcom career. | © NBC
8. Lamont Bentley
Lamont Bentley, known for his role as Hakeem on Moesha and The Parkers, tragically died at 31 in a car accident in 2005. After losing control of his vehicle, he was thrown into traffic and struck by multiple cars, ending the life of a talented actor and aspiring rapper far too soon. | © UPN
7. Andrew Koenig
Andrew Koenig tragically took his own life in 2010 at 41 after a long battle with depression. Though his acting career slowed after Growing Pains, he remained active in activism, using his platform to raise awareness about global issues. | © Fox
6. David Strickland
David Strickland, known for his role as Todd Stities on Suddenly Susan, tragically took his own life in 1999 at 29. Strickland’s promising career was overshadowed by his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, and his death led to a poignant, real-life-inspired storyline on the show that honored his memory. | © NBC
5. Michelle Thomas
Michelle Thomas, best known for her role as Myra Monkhouse on Family Matters, tragically passed away in 1998 at just 30 from cancer. Despite her career being cut short, her vibrant performance and warm personality continue to be remembered fondly by fans and co-stars. | © ABC
4. Markie Post
Markie Post, best known for playing Christine Sullivan on Night Court, passed away in 2021 at 70 after a battle with cancer. A beloved TV actress, she continued working on projects even during her treatment, leaving behind a legacy of memorable roles in shows like The Fall Guy and Chicago P.D. | © CBS
3. Adam Rich
Adam Rich, known for Eight Is Enough, tragically passed away at 54 in early 2023. Despite fading from the spotlight, he became a mental health advocate, openly discussing his struggles with addiction and highlighting the need for understanding and support. | © CBS
2. Fred Willard
Fred Willard, known as a comedic genius in Modern Family and Everybody Loves Raymond, passed away at 86 due to cardiac arrest. He spent decades delighting audiences with quirky roles in Anchorman and Best in Show, leaving a lasting legacy of laughter. | © ABC
1. Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry's death in October 2023 shocked fans worldwide, particularly those who loved his role as Chandler Bing on Friends. His sudden passing at 54, found unresponsive in his hot tub, was a tragic end to a career that spanned iconic sitcoms like The Odd Couple and Go On. | © NBC
