Last Days

On December 5, 2023, Norman Lear -- the man responsible for revolutionizing television in the 70s with a string of hit sitcoms, including All in the Family and Good Times -- passed away in his Los Angeles home at the age of 101. Already a television legend by his mid-50s, Lear could have spent the remainder of his incredible life basking in the glow of his accomplishments, but instead continued to champion the progressive political and social causes until his final days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On March 4, 2019, Luke Perry died from a stroke at a Los Angeles hospital. Though Perry enjoyed a remarkable career renaissance near the end of his life, he will always be remembered for his portrayal of brooding heartthrob Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 - the breakout star from the iconic show that changed television forever.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On April 10, 1992, Sam Kinison -- who turned screaming rants in small comedy clubs into a burgeoning career in Hollywood -- died after drunk driver crashed into his car on a California highway. Although remembered for his indulgent lifestyle, Kinison's tragic death at the age of just 38 had nothing to do with his vices and cut short one of the most unique careers in entertainment history.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 14, 2021, Norm Macdonald -- the legendary SNL alum and one of the greatest stand-up comedians of his generation -- passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer that he had waged privately for many years. His death shocked even some of his closest friends in the comedy world, but his fearless and wholly unique voice left behind a legacy that won't soon be forgotten.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On October 5, 2011, Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder who revolutionized personal computing and transformed the way we listen to music, watch movies, and communicate over the phone, died of pancreatic cancer. Jobs's legacy is complex - he was both a relentless innovator and a workplace tyrant, an unmatched visionary and someone who often took credit for the ideas of others. But through it all, Steve Jobs helped to shape the modern world as much as any person in history.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 4, 2006, Steve Irwin -- the global sensation best known as "The Crocodile Hunter" from his countless nature shows -- was killed in a freak accident while filming near the Great Barrier Reef. Despite the inherent danger of his profession, the sudden tragedy shocked the world and shattered the lives of his wife and two young children, who have spent the ensuing years carrying on his legacy of conservationism and infectious enthusiasm for wildlife.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On November 1, 2023, Bobby Knight -- the legendary college basketball coach best known for his trademark red sweater and fiery outbursts -- passed away at the age of 83 after years of declining health. Although lauded by many former players and fellow coaches for his undeniable contributions to the game, his legacy is complicated by his controversial antics off the court.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry – who will forever be remembered for his portrayal of Chandler Bing for ten seasons on Friends – drowned in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home. Though Perry struggled for decades with drug and alcohol addiction, his legacy endures as one of the most iconic television actors ever, and a man beloved by cast-mates and fans alike. He was 54 years old.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, Stephen “tWitch” Boss - who achieved fame as the DJ for 8 seasons on the Ellen DeGeneres Show – took his own life in a Los Angeles-area motel room. Without a clear explanation for why the man with the million-watt smile and a loving family could choose to end it all, rumors and speculation began to fill the void: Was it financial problems or difficulties at home? Did recent allegations about his time on Ellen push him over the edge? Or did tWitch's internal demons simply become too much for him to bear?Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On October 15, 2023, Suzanne Somers — who delighted audiences in the 70s as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company before reinventing herself as a fitness icon with the ThighMaster in the 90s — passed away at the age of 76 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her friends, family, and adoring fans mourned her passing, but she left behind a legacy of warmth, optimism, and cheerful perseverance that won’t soon be forgotten.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices