Last Days

On February 24, 2014, Harold Ramis — the comedic genius who shaped some of the most iconic films in American cinema—passed away from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis at the age of 69. With his uniquely dry wit and unforgettable charm, Ramis left an indelible mark on Hollywood, not only as a writer and director but as an actor who brought beloved characters to life. From Ghostbusters to Groundhog Day, his work redefined comedy and inspired a generation of filmmakers, infusing humor with unexpected depth and intelligence. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 4, 2012, Adam Yauch – the pioneering musician and filmmaker whose unique voice and visionary approach helped catapult the Beastie Boys to global fame with hits like "Sabotage," "Intergalactic," and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" – passed away from cancer after a three-year battle with the disease. Yauch's untimely death was a profound loss to those who knew him, but his legacy is secure as one of the most innovative, socially conscious, and influential figures in hip-hop and music history. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 22, 2024, Fernando Valenzuela -- the legendary Mexican-born pitcher for Los Angeles Dodgers who thrilled baseball fans with his quirky windup and signature screwball -- passed away from an undisclosed illness at the age of 63. Beyond his incredible feats on the baseball diamond, Valenzuela became a cultural icon that transcended the sport, transforming the Dodgers from just another baseball team into an enduring symbol of ethnic pride. 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 October 16, 2024, Liam Payne -- one of the founding members of the massively successful boy band One Direction -- died at the age of 31 from an apparent suicide at a hotel in Buenos Aires. The singer left battled several personal demons during his life, but his undeniable talent as a performer and songwriter left a lasting impression. Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman 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 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