Last Days
Last Days explores the final days of some of the biggest icons in sports and entertainment, breaking down precisely what led to the passing of figures who were larger than life but somehow even bigger in death. Derek Kaufman and Jason Beckerman debunk the myths, unpack the tragedies, and tell the real stories behind the most fascinating celebrity deaths.
Episodes
April 21, 2025 • 23 mins
On March 30, 2005, Mitch Hedberg—the cult-favorite standup comedian best known for his surreal one-liners and laid-back delivery—died of a drug overdose at the age of 37. His passing cut short a singular voice in comedy, whose offbeat brilliance and shy charisma earned him a devoted following and the respect of peers across the industry. From his iconic late-night sets to his lasting influence on alternative comedy, Hedberg’s legac...
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April 14, 2025 • 23 mins
On September 30, 1955, James Dean—the magnetic actor whose brooding intensity and vulnerable charm captured the spirit of a generation— died in a horrific car crash at the age of 24. Dean’s brief career was defined by iconic roles in Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden, and Giant, where he portrayed complex, emotionally raw characters that embodied a new kind of tortured masculinity rarely seen in American film. Though he only star...
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April 7, 2025 • 21 mins
On July 13, 2010, George Steinbrenner—the fiery and relentless owner who turned the New York Yankees into a global juggernaut—died of a heart attack at the age of 80. His passing marked the end of an era defined by his insatiable drive for winning, controversial leadership style, and willingness to spend whatever it took to build a dynasty. From his fierce clashes with managers and players to his transformative impact on modern bas...
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April 2, 2025 • 15 mins
On April 1, 2025, Val Kilmer – the charismatic and talented actor known for his chiseled looks and enigmatic presence – died at age 65. Kilmer’s career was defined by iconic roles, including his breakout performance as Iceman in Top Gun, his mesmerizing turn as Jim Morrison in The Doors, and his unforgettable portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone. Yet, his later years were marked by a courageous battle with throat cancer, during w...
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March 31, 2025 • 23 mins
On March 21, 2025, George Foreman—the legendary boxer and entrepreneur whose formidable presence in the ring as well as his business ventures made him a household name—passed away peacefully at the age of 76. Foreman’s career was defined by legendary bouts, including his dominant victory over Joe Frazier to win the heavyweight title and his iconic defeat to Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Yet his second act as a celebri...
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March 24, 2025 • 29 mins
On September 13, 1996, Tupac Shakur—the revolutionary rapper whose raw lyricism and larger-than-life persona made him a cultural icon—was gunned down in Las Vegas at just 25 years old. Less than six months later, on March 9, 1997, Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G., met a similar fate in Los Angeles, his life cut short at 24. The murders, forever linked in the East Coast-West Coast rivalry that defined an era...
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March 17, 2025 • 22 mins
On May 29, 2010, Dennis Hopper – the legendary actor and filmmaker whose groundbreaking performances and visionary direction in films like Easy Rider, Blue Velvet, Apocalypse Now, Hoosiers, and Speed, made him a defining figure of American cinema – passed away from prostate cancer at the age of 74. Hopper's passing was a significant loss to those who knew him, but his legacy is secure as one of the most daring, influential, and end...
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March 10, 2025 • 24 mins
On March 10, 2010, Corey Haim—the former teen heartthrob whose boyish charm and undeniable talent made him one of the biggest stars of the 80s—died at the age of 38. His passing marked the tragic end of a life shaped by early fame, addiction, and the relentless pressures of Hollywood. From his breakout roles in Lucas and The Lost Boys to his struggles with substance abuse and failed comebacks, Haim's legacy as a beloved icon of 80s...
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March 3, 2025 • 20 mins
On August 9, 2003, Gregory Hines – the legendary tap dancer, actor, and singer whose unparalleled rhythm and charismatic performances revitalized the art of tap dancing for new generations – died of liver cancer at the age of 57. Hines’ passing came after a private battle with the disease, which he had kept largely out of the public eye. Though his career spanned decades, from Broadway to Hollywood, Hines’ effortless style, innovat...
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February 27, 2025 • 16 mins
On February 26, 2025, Gene Hackman -- the actor who redefined the archetype of a Hollywood leading man with his raw intensity in movies like The French Connection and Hoosiers -- was found dead in his Santa Fe home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. The resulting investigation into the circumstances of their deaths has just begun, but it will do nothing to dim Hackman's onscreen legacy as one of cinema’s most versati...
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February 24, 2025 • 24 mins
On July 1, 2005, Luther Vandross — the velvet-voiced singer who defined romance for a generation — passed away at the age of 54, just two years after suffering a devastating stroke. With his flawless vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Vandross became one of R&B’s most celebrated artists, delivering timeless hits like Never Too Much, Here and Now, and Dance with My Father. His ability to blend soul, passion, and elegance made him a legend...
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February 23, 2025 • 39 mins
'2 Angry Men' is a weekly podcast hosted by Harvey Levin and Mark Geragos. Each week, the two sit down to discuss the scandals, triumphs, and chaotic moments that shape pop culture.
On this week's episode...
In this exclusive interview, the Menendez Brothers open up about life behind bars, the hardships they've endured, and their hopes for a second chance. From the mental and physical toll of decades in prison to their ongoing l...
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February 17, 2025 • 24 mins
On November 29, 1981, Natalie Wood — the legendary actress known for her starring roles in some of most iconic movies ever made, including Miracle on 34th Street and Rebel Without a Cause, drowned at the age of 43 under mysterious circumstances near Catalina Island, accompanied by her husband, Robert Wagner, and actor Christopher Walken. Despite initial reports labeling the incident as an accidental drowning, conflicting testimonie...
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February 10, 2025 • 24 mins
On October 25, 1999, Payne Stewart — one of golf’s most charismatic and beloved figures — died tragically in a plane crash at the age of 42. Known for his distinctive knickers and clutch performances, Stewart won three major championships, including a dramatic U.S. Open victory just months before his death. His passion for the game, sportsmanship, and larger-than-life presence left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire golfe...
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February 3, 2025 • 21 mins
On December 2, 1993, Pablo Escobar — the notorious drug lord whose empire revolutionized the global narcotics trade — was killed at the age of 44, following a violent manhunt in Medellín, Colombia. As the leader of the Medellín cartel for 17 years, Escobar used his formidable intelligence, relentless ambition, and ruthless capacity for violence to establish a reign of power so absolute that no one dared to challenge him. Known for ...
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January 27, 2025 • 27 mins
On March 7, 1999, Stanley Kubrick — the visionary filmmaker whose groundbreaking works reshaped the art of cinema — passed away at the age of 70, just days after completing his final film, Eyes Wide Shut. Known for masterpieces like 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and The Shining, Kubrick pushed the boundaries of storytelling and cinematography during his brilliant career. Beyond his technical genius, Kubrick’s fearless...
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January 20, 2025 • 25 mins
On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant — who is among the most decorated and revered basketball players in history, known for his unmatched work ethic and intensity that helped him win five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers - was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others. The tragic accident cut short a life defined by greatness yet marred by controvers...
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January 13, 2025 • 23 mins
On March 24, 2016, Garry Shandling — the trailblazing comedian who reshaped the landscape of television comedy in the 80s and 90s — passed away at age 66 after suddenly collapsing at his home. Known for his innovative blend of self-deprecating humor and sharp industry satire, Shandling left behind a legacy that forever altered the way we think about sitcoms and late-night TV. Beyond his on-screen brilliance, Shandling’s introspecti...
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January 6, 2025 • 21 mins
On April 20, 2018, Avicii – the groundbreaking Swedish DJ and producer whose chart-topping hits like Wake Me Up, Levels, and Hey Brother redefined the electronic music landscape – tragically passed away by suicide at the age of 28. Avicii's untimely death was a devastating loss to fans and collaborators alike, but his legacy remains indelible as one of the most innovative, beloved, and influential artists in the history of electron...
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December 30, 2024 • 18 mins
As we celebrate the New Year, Derek and Jason take the opportunity to reflect on some of the most memorable celebrities we didn't have a chance to cover on the podcast, focusing on their extraordinary lives and legacies.
Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman
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