10 Celebs Who Died on the Same Day

WM-Celeb-10-Celebs-Who-Died-on-the-Same-Day_I2C9Q4

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at occurrences where notable individuals passed away on the same day in the same year, leaving behind lasting legacies.

John Adams & Thomas Jefferson

July 4, 1826

On the 50th anniversary of American independence, not one, but two of its founding fathers breathed their last breaths – dying within hours of each other. John Adams was the second president of the United States, while Thomas Jefferson was the third. Two Founding Fathers worked on the Declaration of Independence and in such, helped create America itself. It’s said that their relationship was fraught over the years, but a friendship was rekindled following their presidencies. In fact, their comradeship lasted right up until their final day on July 4th 1826 - exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Milton Berle, Dudley Moore, & Billy Wilder

March 27, 2002

Wednesday, March 27th 2002 claimed the lives of three highly respected figures in the entertainment industry. Milton Berle was a legendary comedian known as "Mr. Television" for his groundbreaking work in the early days of the medium. “Uncle Milty,” as he was often called, died from colon cancer at the age of 93. Meanwhile, Dudley Moore was a talented actor and musician who starred in such revered films as "Arthur.” The performer passed at 62 due to complications from a rare brain disease. As for Billy Wilder, the Hollywood legend was an acclaimed filmmaker, having directed certified classics like "Some Like It Hot" and "Sunset Boulevard." The official cause of Wilder’s death at 95 was pneumonia.

Margaret Thatcher & Annette Funicello

April 8, 2013

The day April 8, 2013 witnessed the passing of two women who made waves in very different arenas. Margaret Thatcher became Britain's first female Prime Minister; with her conservative policies leaving an indelible mark on British politics during her tenure from 1979 to 1990. In a completely opposite field of work, Annette Funicello rose to fame as a beloved Mouseketeer on "The Mickey Mouse Club." She later became a successful actress and singer, having starred in many popular “beach films” in the 1960s. Funicello, who was 70, passed away from complications related to multiple sclerosis, while Thatcher died following a stroke at age 87.

Carl Switzer & Cecil B. DeMille

January 21, 1959

January 21st 1959 was undoubtedly another sad day for Hollywood. Carl Switzer was best known for his role as Alfalfa in “The Little Rascals,” referred to as “Our Gang” in the 30’s and 40’s. The comedy series was a smash hit, not to mention pop culture touchstone. Tragically, he died at just 31 years of age after being involved in an altercation where he was shot. Also passing on the same day as Switzer was filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille. One of Hollywood's most influential directors, DeMille’s filmography includes the likes of “The Greatest Show on Earth” and “The Ten Commandments.” He died from issues related to a heart condition at age 77.

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, & J.P. Richardson Jr.

February 3, 1959

For many, February 3rd 1959 is "The Day the Music Died." That’s because three rock ‘n’ roll pioneers perished on this day. But, unlike others on this list, they all tragically died due to the same dire circumstances. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson Jr. – The Big Bopper, all died following a now infamous plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. Buddy Holly and his hits like "Peggy Sue" influenced countless artists, while Ritchie Valens was an up-and-coming star with a mega song on his hands in "La Bamba." The Big Bopper served as a popular singer-songwriter in his own right and is known for his hit single "Chantilly Lace." Their untimely deaths no doubt robbed the world of their immense talent.

Federico Fellini & River Phoenix

October 31, 1993

Halloween day 1993 marked the loss of two individuals who left their mark on the world of cinema – in a major way. Federico Fellini was an Italian film director known for his surrealistic style in movies like "8½" and "La Dolce Vita.” Film historians agree that his contributions to Italian cinema are unparalleled. However, the internationally renowned filmmaker’s death of a heart attack at 73 was overshadowed in the United States with news of the passing of rising star River Phoenix. The lauded young man’s promising career came to a tragic end due to an overdose outside of the popular West Hollywood nightclub The Viper Room. He was 23 years old.

Mahatma Gandhi & Orville Wright

January 30, 1948

Friday, January 30th 1948 is a day that saw two highly influential persons, with nearly nothing in common, pass away simultaneously. Mahatma Gandhi inspired civil rights around the globe as he championed non-violent resistance against British rule in India. His assassination at 78 shook the world, but cemented his place as an advocate for peace. On that same day, Orville Wright also passed away. Orville, along with brother Wilbur, was an aviation pioneer. The Wright Brothers revolutionized air travel. Their 1903 flight was historic in that it was the first instance of “a controlled, sustained flight in a powered vehicle.” Orville Wright died of a heart attack at age 76.

Orson Welles & Yul Brynner

October 10, 1985

On October 10th in 1985, both Orson Welles and Yul Brynner departed Hollywood, and our lives. Welles, of course, was a multi-talented artist known for his groundbreaking work in film, radio, and theater. He is perhaps best remembered for his masterpiece "Citizen Kane” – still considered one of, if not “the,” best film of all time. Welles succumbed to a heart attack in Las Angeles. Yul Brynner, on the other hand, was a charismatic actor of Russian descent who gained fame for his portrayal of the King of Siam in "The King and I." The Tony and Oscar winner died following a battle with lung cancer.

Freddie Mercury & Eric Carr

November 24, 1991

The world got a little less “cool” on November 24th 1991, as that’s the day we lost two rock superstars who made significant contributions to the world of music. Freddie Mercury was the flamboyant lead vocalist of Queen. And thanks to Mercury’s stage presence and extraordinary vocal range, Queen became one of rock's most iconic bands - captivating audiences worldwide. The celebrated musician died from AIDS at age 45. Another of rock’s legendary bands, KISS, saw its drummer pass away on the same day as Mercury. Eric Carr served as KISS' drummer during their successful '80s era – bringing incredible energy to all their rockn’ performances. Carr was 41 when he died of heart cancer.

Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett

June 25, 2009

The 25th day of June in 2009 is a day not many will forget, as this is the day that news broke of Michael Jackson’s passing. Afterall, Jackson was the biggest pop star in the world. A mega phenomenon, the “King of Pop” sold an astounding 750 million albums which, between them, spent 4,458 weeks on the Billboard charts. The singer died in Los Angeles at age 50 from a lethal combination of sedatives and an anesthetic. But Jackson wasn’t the only star to leave the world on that fateful day. Farrah Fawcett was a pop culture staple thanks to her iconic role on “Charlie's Angels”- not to mention other screen performances. Fawcett succumbed to cancer at a hospital in Santa Monica. She was 62.

Which of these celebrity deaths impacted you most? Pay your respects in the comments below.