Last Days

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 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 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 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 musicians in rock history. 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 17, 2024, Bob Newhart – the comedy legend whose distinctive stammer, wry wit, and impeccable timing etched an indelible mark on the landscape of comedy over a six decade career - died after a short illness. In an industry often characterized by flamboyance and excess, Newhart remained true to himself. His onstage persona mirrored his offstage demeanor—humble, gracious, and genuine, which earned him a place among the most respected and admired people in the annals of entertainment. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twenty-five years ago on July 16, 1999, John F. Kennedy Jr. -- the son of of the late president whose salute of his father's casket in 1963 created one of the most indelible images of the 20th century -- died in a plane crash with his wife and sister-in-law while on the way to a cousin's wedding in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. His death sent shockwaves through the country, as people reckoned with yet another tragic example of the Kennedy Curse. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman 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

Farrah Fawcett -- the stunningly beautiful actress best known for her iconic role on Charlie's Angels -- passed away after a courageous public battle with anal cancer on June 25, 2009. Despite showing tremendous resilience and strength throughout her health struggles, Fawcett's death was overshadowed by the sudden death of pop superstar Michael Jackson, which captured global attention and robbed his fellow icon of the spotlight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the morning of June 5, 2018, Kate Spade - the iconic fashion designer who revolutionized the handbag and accessory markets in the 1990s and 2000s - hanged herself in her Upper East Side apartment. But despite the tragedy, Kate Spade left a legacy of singular kindness and generosity, and will forever be known as one of the most important and successful women in the history of American fashion. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On January 5, 1998, Sonny Bono -- one half of the legendary Sonny & Cher duo whose hit songs and variety show became cultural touchstones of the 60s and 70s -- died after a ski accident in Lake Tahoe. Although his musical legacy remains an important piece of music history, Bono's pivot to politics later in life is perhaps the best testament to a career defined by his scrappy perseverance and ineffable charm. Hosted by Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 27, 2024, Bill Walton -- the NBA legend whose brilliant but injury-shortened career set the standard for basketball excellence in the 70s and 80s -- passed away from colon cancer at the age of 71. Although his accomplishments on the court are rivaled by few, he will perhaps best be remembered for his colorful personality and quick wit in the broadcast booth. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 5, 2024, Toby Keith – the country star whose songs about patriotism and blue-collar values made him one of the most successful musicians of all time - died of stomach cancer. Keith was an exceptionally talented singer and songwriter, but perhaps his greatest gifts were his intelligence and his authenticity, which gave him unique perspectives on war, politics, and friendships, and the ability to change minds and challenge stereotypes. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 23, 2024, Morgan Spurlock -- the filmmaker behind the 2004 documentary "Super Size Me" documentary -- passed away from cancer at the age of 53. His infectious enthusiasm, sense of humor, and creativity in a genre usually populated by films with more serious and sober tones set Spurlock's projects apart, shedding light on some of the most important social issues of the day and carving out a lasting legacy. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices