Actors Who Died With Unfinished Roles

When an actor dies on set, the project (if ever completed) is an eternal memorial, forever remembered for the unique and shocking tragedy. Below is a list of notable celebrities who died while filming a movie or TV show, from Heath Ledger to Brandon Lee to Marilyn Monroe. The list also includes famous actors killed on set. The untimely deaths of the following actors and actresses occurred either while they were on set, during the middle of filming, or before production was completed on the project. These unexpected and tragic deaths of television and film entertainers were shocking and the celeb's loss was felt all over the world, while there are also other deaths on this list that have even been considered some of the most fascinating unsolved Hollywood murders.

To read about other actors on this list, go here:

#hollywood #death #weirdhistory

[SC_]

Notably missing here is Chris Farley, who was in the middle of recording the Voice of Shrek (yes, that Shrek) for the first film when he tragically passed. It was quite a different take on the character, Farley channeling much of his own self loathing into the role.

[kandipiatkowski]

Jeanne Cooper (mother of Corbin Bernsen) was a long standing character on the soap opera, Young and Restless, when she passed. She was written out of the series by having her character dies on a "bucket list" trip. The show even aired an hour long episode where the actors recalled their memories of working with her. Very touching. There have been a few other actors die while on the show, but I haven't watch the soap opera in quite a while.

[jasonbaker-medlock]

You completely left out Heather O’Rourke. The last few scenes of Poltergeist III had to use a stunt double .

[lisam]

It’s so nice to hear your voice. The others that fill in are ok, but don’t hold a candle to you!

[tremorsfan]

Bela Lugosi was not actually filming Plan 9. Bela died in August of 1956 while Plan 9 entered production in November of that year. What Bela actually shot was test footage for a planned film called "The Ghoul Goes West". Ed Wood decided to incorporate the footage into his film as a tribute to his late friend.

[TheWillow]

I miss Heath and Brandon had a lot of talent and in their prime at the time. Both 28 so young

[wnb]

Kept waiting for Carrie Fisher. They had to do quite a bit to finish her roll in The Rise of Skywalker. You missed her.

[davidlancaster]

A fitting tribute to all these great actors. Stimulates memories. Thanks WH

[NebMunb]

The death of the actor and two child actors by the helicopter is sad. I've seen footage of the chopper coming right at them, and the last thing dude does is cover up the kids with his body. What a aad way to go, but he went out trying to help the kids.

[KeavyGoesLive]

If you have any doubts about John Candy’s kind-hearted nature being real or fake, he did a movie called “Only the Lonely” with veteran actress Maureen O’Hara. When Candy learned his trailer was larger than hers, he moved all of his stuff to her trailer and gave her his trailer.

[ARedMotorcycle]

John Landis is a horrible human being. That little weasel did everything he could to deny responsibility, and pretty much got away with it. He in refused to listen to anyone who said that it was unsafe, and forced the scene anyways.

[BattleBecause]

Marilyn Monroe was beautiful right up to the end. An underrated, talented actor too. She has stood the test of time more than anyone else.

[parkmadison]

What about Jon-Erik Hexum? He died by an accidental self-inflicted blank cartridge gunshot in 1984. He was filming a show called Cover Up at the time.

[michaelmoore]

This could definitely use a part 2: Oliver Reed, Freddie Prinze, Jon-Erik Hexum, Phil Hartman, Andy Whitfield...

[auntvesuvi]

Thanks for this! 💀➡🎭 I'm so glad you mentioned BRAINSTORM (1983). I *love* that movie!!! And I've always wished I could've seen what the makers originally planned for the narrative.

[shepshape]

There are so many others, but the one that came to my mind first was Aaliyah who was queen of the vampires in Queen of the Damned. She died in a plane crash while filming a music video, and her brother stepped in to record some of her dialogue in the movie.

[xcobyxzei]

I cried when Steve Irwin died, being an Australian and having a love for animals, I LOVED Steve.

[marygrummer]

Interesting! Love this channel, REALLY love the narrater, who makes these stories so much more entertaining. 😊

[thefamouspeopleus]

The tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of these talented actors highlight the fragility of life and the unpredictability of the entertainment industry.

[JacobMcandles]

Can’t believe you forgot Pete Duel from “Alia’s smith and Jones”….