10 Celebs Who Gave Interviews When They Knew They Were Dying
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VOICE OVER: Patrick Mealey
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
In a poignant exploration of human resilience, we delve into the powerful interviews of celebrities who faced their mortality with courage and grace. These remarkable individuals shared their stories, insights, and reflections while battling terminal illnesses. Our countdown includes emotional interviews with icons like Charlton Heston, Alex Trebek, John McCain, Steve Jobs, Patrick Swayze, Chadwick Boseman, and others who showed incredible strength in their final moments. Which of these moments touched you the most?
10 Celebs Who Gave Interviews When They Knew They Were Dying
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at famous figures who gave interviews knowing they might not have much time left.
Charlton Heston
Starring in classic films like “Ben-Hur” and “Planet of the Apes,” few actors dominated the screen like Charlton Heston. Even as he started taking fewer lead roles, Heston remained in the public eye with high-profile cameos and as the president of the NRA. Heston permanently stepped away from the spotlight after announcing he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in August 2002. That December, Heston and his wife Lydia Clarke welcomed journalist Peter Jennings into their home. Jennings could tell that the disease was already affecting the aging Heston, who struggled to remember things. Despite putting on a brave face, Heston suspected he would be afraid as his condition inevitably worsened. This would be Heston’s final televised interview before his passing in April 2008.
Alex Trebek
It was impossible to imagine “Jeopardy!” without Alex Trebek for over 35 years. While the long-running game show could last forever, it became clear in 2019 that Trebek’s phenomenal tenure would soon end. The TV legend was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Seeking treatment, Trebek remained committed to his “Jeopardy!” duties. All the while, Trebek opened up about his illness in several interviews. Trebek maintained an optimistic attitude, expressing an eagerness to return to the “Jeopardy!” set. At the same time, Trebek didn’t sugarcoat his condition, saying that he wasn’t afraid to die. Between interviews, Trebek balanced work and treatment for twenty months. Trebek shot his final “Jeopardy!” episode in October 2020, passing away several days later.
John McCain
This Arizona senator overcame cancer in the past. Yet, nothing could prepare him for July 2017. After doctors discovered a blood clot over his left eye, McCain was rushed into surgery. Weeks after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, McCain returned to the Senate where he helped preserve the Affordable Care Act. While McCain had a fighting spirit, treatment wouldn’t buy him much more than another year or so. That September, McCain and wife Cindy Hensley sat down with Lesley Stahl of “60 Minutes” at their ranch. In addition to discussing Donald Trump’s presidency, McCain talked about his health and the legacy he hoped to leave behind. “60 Minutes” revisited the interview in August 2018 following the former Republican presidential nominee’s death.
Steve Jobs
In January 2006, Steve Jobs shared a close-knit secret with Disney CEO Bob Iger: his cancer was back. While Jobs was committed to seeing his son graduate high school, he knew he’d be lucky to survive that long. While Jobs didn’t regularly make public appearances, he was still the face of Apple. Over the following years, Jobs promoted the iPhone as the game changer it was in presentations and interviews. In 2010, Jobs gave one of his final interviews at the D8 Conference, comparing PCs to trucks and Apple products to cars. Although Jobs filled the room with charisma, speculations concerning his health continued to grow. It nonetheless came as a shock when Jobs announced his resignation in August 2011, only two months before dying.
Anthony Perkins
In September 1992, Anthony Perkins passed away due to AIDS-related complications. The actor best known for playing Norman Bates had been privately seeking treatment over the past two years, only recently announcing his condition to the public. A month after Perkins died, AMC aired what turned out to be his last interview with film professor Richard Brown. Perkins reflected on his work in films like “Desire Under the Elms,” “Friendly Persuasion,” and, of course, “Psycho.” The focus remained on Perkins’ career and the craft of acting. As the interview concluded, though, Perkins mentioned how lucky he felt to still be alive and working. While Perkins appeared hopeful about the future, his illness soon took its toll. This retrospective interview thus served as a bittersweet farewell.
Patrick Swayze
The star of “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost” was in the middle of filming the show “The Beast” upon learning that he had stage IV pancreatic cancer. Swayze finished his work on the season while undergoing treatment. He also found the strength to speak with Barbara Walters. With his wife Lisa Niemi by his side, Swayze expressed gratitude to those who had sent letters of support. Swayze was grateful that he had made it through ten months of treatment, confident he could keep going. Even so, Swayze knew his time was limited. Best-case scenario, Swayze thought he’d lived another five years, although he felt two was more realistic. Unfortunately, it was even less. Swayze died in September 2009, nine months after the interview aired.
Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman found out he had stage III colon cancer in 2016. Over the next four years, he turned Black Panther into a universal icon. Beyond the MCU, Boseman appeared in several other projects while privately enduring chemo and surgeries. Making Boseman’s accomplishments all the more heroic, he never showed any signs of declining health in interviews. Watching Boseman laugh alongside late-night hosts, he seemed like an actor with a long career ahead. As his cancer advanced to stage IV, though, Boseman’s life was cut tragically short. During a 2018 interview, Boseman tearfully mentioned two terminally ill children determined to live long enough to see “Black Panther.” This interview is even more emotional knowing Boseman’s secret struggles and how his legacy continues to inspire.
Olivia Newton-John
After surviving two previous experiences with cancer, Olivia Newton-John faced another round in 2017. The “Grease” star appeared resilient as she addressed her cancer’s return during interviews with “60 Minutes Australia” and the “Today” show. Discussing treatment, Newton-John seemed assured she could overcome cancer again. Throughout the next five years, Newton-John gave updates about her life and health in several interviews. While Newton-John always sounded upbeat, she revealed in a 2021 interview with “Extra” that her cancer hadn’t gone away. In February 2022, Newton-John spoke with Direct Talk, saying that her favorite expression was, “This too will pass.” It would sadly be a parting message, as Newton-John passed away that August. Yet, her contributions to breast cancer research are still making a difference.
Karen Black
Many celebrities have given interviews knowing it might be their last, but few have taken an approach quite like Karen Black. The Oscar-nominated actress received her ampullary cancer diagnosis in November 2010. Having part of her pancreas removed, Black lost a significant amount of weight and struggled to get out of bed. As her condition worsened, Black decided that she wanted to document the final stages of her life. According to journalist Elliot Mintz, Black contacted him about a month before her passing in August 2013. At her request, Mintz interviewed Black from her hospital bed. The two talked about her life and career, as well as their friendship. Years later, Mintz reflected that nothing in his “broadcast life” had prepared him for that conversation.
Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty had a history of medical issues, including a bout with stage III breast cancer in 2015. Although Doherty entered remission in 2017, the cancer eventually returned and advanced to stage IV. After initially keeping her diagnosis private, Doherty shared her harrowing experience in an ABC interview. By 2023, the cancer spread to her brain and bones. The writing was on the wall, but Doherty didn’t give up on treatment. In another ABC interview, Doherty provided an update on her condition and talked about her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear.” Through this memoir of sorts, Doherty shared insight into her career and cancer. She also found time to answer questions from fans. Doherty continued to record the podcast regularly until her death in July 2024.
Which interview gives you chills just thinking about it? Let us know in the comments.
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at famous figures who gave interviews knowing they might not have much time left.
Charlton Heston
Starring in classic films like “Ben-Hur” and “Planet of the Apes,” few actors dominated the screen like Charlton Heston. Even as he started taking fewer lead roles, Heston remained in the public eye with high-profile cameos and as the president of the NRA. Heston permanently stepped away from the spotlight after announcing he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in August 2002. That December, Heston and his wife Lydia Clarke welcomed journalist Peter Jennings into their home. Jennings could tell that the disease was already affecting the aging Heston, who struggled to remember things. Despite putting on a brave face, Heston suspected he would be afraid as his condition inevitably worsened. This would be Heston’s final televised interview before his passing in April 2008.
Alex Trebek
It was impossible to imagine “Jeopardy!” without Alex Trebek for over 35 years. While the long-running game show could last forever, it became clear in 2019 that Trebek’s phenomenal tenure would soon end. The TV legend was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Seeking treatment, Trebek remained committed to his “Jeopardy!” duties. All the while, Trebek opened up about his illness in several interviews. Trebek maintained an optimistic attitude, expressing an eagerness to return to the “Jeopardy!” set. At the same time, Trebek didn’t sugarcoat his condition, saying that he wasn’t afraid to die. Between interviews, Trebek balanced work and treatment for twenty months. Trebek shot his final “Jeopardy!” episode in October 2020, passing away several days later.
John McCain
This Arizona senator overcame cancer in the past. Yet, nothing could prepare him for July 2017. After doctors discovered a blood clot over his left eye, McCain was rushed into surgery. Weeks after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, McCain returned to the Senate where he helped preserve the Affordable Care Act. While McCain had a fighting spirit, treatment wouldn’t buy him much more than another year or so. That September, McCain and wife Cindy Hensley sat down with Lesley Stahl of “60 Minutes” at their ranch. In addition to discussing Donald Trump’s presidency, McCain talked about his health and the legacy he hoped to leave behind. “60 Minutes” revisited the interview in August 2018 following the former Republican presidential nominee’s death.
Steve Jobs
In January 2006, Steve Jobs shared a close-knit secret with Disney CEO Bob Iger: his cancer was back. While Jobs was committed to seeing his son graduate high school, he knew he’d be lucky to survive that long. While Jobs didn’t regularly make public appearances, he was still the face of Apple. Over the following years, Jobs promoted the iPhone as the game changer it was in presentations and interviews. In 2010, Jobs gave one of his final interviews at the D8 Conference, comparing PCs to trucks and Apple products to cars. Although Jobs filled the room with charisma, speculations concerning his health continued to grow. It nonetheless came as a shock when Jobs announced his resignation in August 2011, only two months before dying.
Anthony Perkins
In September 1992, Anthony Perkins passed away due to AIDS-related complications. The actor best known for playing Norman Bates had been privately seeking treatment over the past two years, only recently announcing his condition to the public. A month after Perkins died, AMC aired what turned out to be his last interview with film professor Richard Brown. Perkins reflected on his work in films like “Desire Under the Elms,” “Friendly Persuasion,” and, of course, “Psycho.” The focus remained on Perkins’ career and the craft of acting. As the interview concluded, though, Perkins mentioned how lucky he felt to still be alive and working. While Perkins appeared hopeful about the future, his illness soon took its toll. This retrospective interview thus served as a bittersweet farewell.
Patrick Swayze
The star of “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost” was in the middle of filming the show “The Beast” upon learning that he had stage IV pancreatic cancer. Swayze finished his work on the season while undergoing treatment. He also found the strength to speak with Barbara Walters. With his wife Lisa Niemi by his side, Swayze expressed gratitude to those who had sent letters of support. Swayze was grateful that he had made it through ten months of treatment, confident he could keep going. Even so, Swayze knew his time was limited. Best-case scenario, Swayze thought he’d lived another five years, although he felt two was more realistic. Unfortunately, it was even less. Swayze died in September 2009, nine months after the interview aired.
Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman found out he had stage III colon cancer in 2016. Over the next four years, he turned Black Panther into a universal icon. Beyond the MCU, Boseman appeared in several other projects while privately enduring chemo and surgeries. Making Boseman’s accomplishments all the more heroic, he never showed any signs of declining health in interviews. Watching Boseman laugh alongside late-night hosts, he seemed like an actor with a long career ahead. As his cancer advanced to stage IV, though, Boseman’s life was cut tragically short. During a 2018 interview, Boseman tearfully mentioned two terminally ill children determined to live long enough to see “Black Panther.” This interview is even more emotional knowing Boseman’s secret struggles and how his legacy continues to inspire.
Olivia Newton-John
After surviving two previous experiences with cancer, Olivia Newton-John faced another round in 2017. The “Grease” star appeared resilient as she addressed her cancer’s return during interviews with “60 Minutes Australia” and the “Today” show. Discussing treatment, Newton-John seemed assured she could overcome cancer again. Throughout the next five years, Newton-John gave updates about her life and health in several interviews. While Newton-John always sounded upbeat, she revealed in a 2021 interview with “Extra” that her cancer hadn’t gone away. In February 2022, Newton-John spoke with Direct Talk, saying that her favorite expression was, “This too will pass.” It would sadly be a parting message, as Newton-John passed away that August. Yet, her contributions to breast cancer research are still making a difference.
Karen Black
Many celebrities have given interviews knowing it might be their last, but few have taken an approach quite like Karen Black. The Oscar-nominated actress received her ampullary cancer diagnosis in November 2010. Having part of her pancreas removed, Black lost a significant amount of weight and struggled to get out of bed. As her condition worsened, Black decided that she wanted to document the final stages of her life. According to journalist Elliot Mintz, Black contacted him about a month before her passing in August 2013. At her request, Mintz interviewed Black from her hospital bed. The two talked about her life and career, as well as their friendship. Years later, Mintz reflected that nothing in his “broadcast life” had prepared him for that conversation.
Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty had a history of medical issues, including a bout with stage III breast cancer in 2015. Although Doherty entered remission in 2017, the cancer eventually returned and advanced to stage IV. After initially keeping her diagnosis private, Doherty shared her harrowing experience in an ABC interview. By 2023, the cancer spread to her brain and bones. The writing was on the wall, but Doherty didn’t give up on treatment. In another ABC interview, Doherty provided an update on her condition and talked about her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear.” Through this memoir of sorts, Doherty shared insight into her career and cancer. She also found time to answer questions from fans. Doherty continued to record the podcast regularly until her death in July 2024.
Which interview gives you chills just thinking about it? Let us know in the comments.
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