18 Celebrities Who Died Without Us Realizing It

Richard Attenborough

Life is hectic. That's a fact. But sometimes it is so hectic that we tend to miss some MAJOR events – and these events aren't always positive. For instance, have you ever been watching an old movie featuring an actor you completely forgot about, only to look him up and realize that he passed away nearly 20 years ago?


Upon reading that name you're probably thinking of the guy who narrated all those spectacular wildlife documentaries – but that's David. This is his brother, who was featured in films like Jurassic Park and The Great Escape.

Well this happened to me recently (I'm not going to say who it was) and it got me thinking – how many famous people have died without me realizing it? Well unfortunately that list was a lot longer than I thought. Check it out.

He died in 2014 of heart disease.

Michael Clarke Duncan


Remember the big dude from The Green Mile? He's dead too.

Many people don't realize that the iconic actor suffered from a heart attack in 2012.

Jean Stapleton


Stapleton was a fantastic actor who was most known for her role as Archie Bunker's high-pitched wife Edith on All In The Family.

She passed away due to natural causes at the age of 90 back in 2013.

James Avery


Most famous for his role as Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, James Avery had a huge fan base up until his death in 2013.

He was only 68.

Harold Ramis


Even if you don't know the name, you definitely know the face. Ramis lent his talents to such hilarious films as Ghostbusters, Stripes, Animal House, Caddyshack, Groundhog Day and many, many more.

He passed away in 2014.

Gregory Hines


This famous dancer/choreographer/actor was a familiar face in the '90s. He has been on shows like Law & Order and in such films as The Muppets Take Manhattan and The Preacher's Wife.

He died back in 2003 from liver cancer.

Leonard Nimoy


There's no chance that any Star Trek fan missed Leonard Nimoy's death back in 2015, but for others who weren't as familiar with the show this may come as a shock.

Marcia Wallace


The name may not ring a bell but her most famous characters will. Ever hear of Edna Krabappel?

The voice of Bart Simpson's teacher passed away in 2013.

Chris Penn


Sean's brother, who made a name for himself in such films as Reservoir Dogs and Starsky and Hutch, passed away in 2006 at the young age of 40.

James Rebhorn


The ultimate "what do I know that guy from?" actor, James Rebhorn died after a lengthy battle with melanoma in 2014.

He found success later in his career for his role on Homeland.

Lisa Robin Kelly


Lisa was fantastic in her role as Eric's bully of an older sister in That '70s Show.

However, away from the set she struggled with addiction and it ultimately lead to her death in 2013.

John Cazale


Most people know Cazale from his memorable role as Fredo in The Godfather series, however he's also had feature roles in other greats like The Deer Hunter and Dog Day Afternoon.

He passed away in 1978.

John Spencer


The West Wing actor died of a heart attack in 2005 at the age of 58.

Throughout his career he starred in various shows and films.

Cory Monteith


At only 31, the popular star of Glee passed away after a battle with depression and addiction.

Brittany Murphy


Brittany was at the height of her fame when she tragically passed away due to complications with pneumonia and anemia.

John Ritter


The famous 70s sitcom star passed away when he was just 54.

His sudden death was caused by an aortic dissection.

Natasha Richardson


Famous actress and wife of Liam Neeson, Natasha Richardson tragically died at the age of 45 after a skiing accident.