Last Days
Last Days explores the final days of some of the biggest icons in sports and entertainment, breaking down precisely what led to the passing of figures who were larger than life but somehow even bigger in death. Derek Kaufman and Jason Beckerman debunk the myths, unpack the tragedies, and tell the real stories behind the most fascinating celebrity deaths.
Latest episodes
May 28, 2024 • 15min
Special Episode: Bill Walton
On May 27, 2024, Bill Walton -- the NBA legend whose brilliant but injury-shortened career set the standard for basketball excellence in the 70s and 80s -- passed away from colon cancer at the age of 71. Although his accomplishments on the court are rivaled by few, he will perhaps best be remembered for his colorful personality and quick wit in the broadcast booth.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 27, 2024 • 25min
Ep. 67 - Toby Keith
On February 5, 2024, Toby Keith – the country star whose songs about patriotism and blue-collar values made him one of the most successful musicians of all time - died of stomach cancer. Keith was an exceptionally talented singer and songwriter, but perhaps his greatest gifts were his intelligence and his authenticity, which gave him unique perspectives on war, politics, and friendships, and the ability to change minds and challenge stereotypes.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 24, 2024 • 11min
Special Episode: Morgan Spurlock
On May 23, 2024, Morgan Spurlock -- the filmmaker behind the 2004 documentary "Super Size Me" documentary -- passed away from cancer at the age of 53. His infectious enthusiasm, sense of humor, and creativity in a genre usually populated by films with more serious and sober tones set Spurlock's projects apart, shedding light on some of the most important social issues of the day and carving out a lasting legacy.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 20, 2024 • 24min
Ep. 66 - Gilda Radner
On May 20, 1989, Gilda Radner -- known best for her brilliant comedic performances on Saturday Night Live -- passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 42 ... something she worried about long before the disease was ever diagnosed. Despite her early death, Radner's vibrant legacy has remained very much alive as new fans continue to discover her timeless characters.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 13, 2024 • 21min
Ep. 65 - Alan Thicke
On December 13, 2016, Alan Thicke - the actor nicknamed "America's Dad" for his portrayal of Dr. Jason Seaver for seven seasons on “Growing Pains” - died after his aorta ruptured while playing hockey. Though Thicke's ultimately passing devastated those close to him, his legacy endures as a beloved television actor, songwriter, friend, and father.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 6, 2024 • 25min
Ep. 64 - Ray Liotta
On December 12, 2023, Ray Liotta -- best known for his iconic performances in Field of Dreams and Goodfellas -- passed away in his sleep while filming a movie in the Dominican Republic. His fiery intensity and hint of menace created a lasting imprint on film history, but it was Liotta's sweet and gentle nature offscreen that stood out most to his family, friends, and those closest to him.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 29, 2024 • 25min
Ep. 63 - Anne Heche
On August 11, 2022, Anne Heche, the actress whose stunning announcement of a romance with Ellen DeGeneres became one of the defining pop-culture moments of the 1990s, died following a fiery car wreck. Speculation raged in the wake of Heche’s death that drugs and alcohol must have been to blame, but the true culprit was something far more sinister and vastly more heartbreaking.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 22, 2024 • 27min
Ep. 62 - Andre The Giant
On January 27, 1993, André René Roussimoff -- the 7'4", 520-pound Frenchman who dominated professional wrestling during the 70s and 80s -- passed away in his sleep after an evening with friends. Although best known for his immense size and epic battles in the ring with Hulk Hogan and other bright stars of his era, it was Andre's brilliant performance as the warm-hearted giant in The Princess Bride that etched his name in Hollywood history.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 15, 2024 • 23min
Ep. 61 - Alan Rickman
On January 14, 2016, Alan Rickman died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite a reputation as one of the kindest men in Hollywood, Rickman made his name portraying some of the great bad guys in cinema history - from Hans Gruber, to the Sheriff of Nottingham, to Severus Snape - and in the process forever changed what it means to be a movie villain.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 11, 2024 • 24min
Special Episode: O.J. Simpson
On April 10, 2024, OJ Simpson — one of the most decorated football players and controversial figures of the last half of the 20th century — passed away after a brief battle with prostate cancer. His football and acting legacies were forever eclipsed by his criminal trial and eventual acquittal for the vicious double murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Simpson remained a polarizing figure until his last days, and his impact on American culture over the course of his life will not soon be forgotten.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
