Last Days

On May 2, 2012, Junior Seau -- an NFL legend who redefined the linebacker position during his career -- took his own life, shocking his friends, family, and many fans. Known for his fierce playing style and leadership on the field, Seau's impact on football forever changed and modernized the sport, but it was his untimely death that sparked a crucial conversation about the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the league, shedding light on the long-term consequences of head injuries and prompting calls for greater player safety measures.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thirty years ago this week, on April 5, 1994, Kurt Cobain - the Nirvana frontman whose raw, angst-ridden lyrics made him the voice for Gen X - killed himself in his Seattle home. Cobain’s death, brought on by years of drug use, physical pain, and depression, though tragic, cannot overshadow a singularly remarkable career that transformed American music.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On March 29, 2024, Lou Gossett Jr. – who rose to fame with his Emmy-award-winning portrayal of Fiddler in the miniseries Roots and an Academy Award-winning turn as drill sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentlemen – died after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of African-American actors, and as one of the kindest and most beloved men in Hollywood history.Hosts: Jason Beckerman and Charles Latibeaudiere Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirstie Alley, renowned for her iconic role as Rebecca Howe on Cheers and memorable performances in Look Who's Talking, left a lasting imprint on Hollywood. In this discussion, hosts Jason Beckerman and Derek Kaufman reflect on her remarkable yet complicated legacy. They explore her health struggles and untimely passing due to colorectal cancer, highlighting heartfelt tributes from her colleagues. The conversation dives into her vibrant personality, the challenges she faced stepping into an iconic role, and the public misconceptions surrounding her later life.

On July 2, 2004, Marlon Brando -- perhaps the most iconic film actor of the 20th century for his roles in classics like On the Waterfront and The Godfather -- passed away from a mysterious lung condition at the age of 80. Despite his personal troubles, Brando's groundbreaking and unconventional approach to acting ushered in a new era in Hollywood that continues to shape the art form to this day.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Len Bias was among the greatest basketball players ever who lived until his life was cut short by a lethal batch of cocaine. The true crime story of Bias’s death gripped the nation, but it left behind one of the most culturally destructive legacies in the history of sport.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Denver -- one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the 70s -- tragically died in a plane crash in 1997 off the coast of California. Despite his untimely death, Denver's musical legacy continues to resonate with timeless hits like Take Me Home, Country Roads and Annie's Song, which remain cherished anthems to this day. But perhaps his most lasting impact on the music industry came in the form of his powerful testimony on behalf of artists facing mounting censorship forces in Congress.Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On January 10, 2016, David Bowie - the visionary iconoclast who blended rock, glam, and avant-garde styles to revolutionize music - died of liver cancer in his NYC apartment. Bowie's evolving musical styles and various persona over a five decade career have been emulated by generations of musicians - from Madonna to Prince, Lady Gaga to Kanye West, and countless others. And even as his health deteriorated and he knew the end was near, David Bowie continued to produce works of staggering genius that solidified his unmatched legacy.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 28, 2022, Coolio -- the iconic rapper best known for hits like Gangsta's Paradise and C U When You Get There -- died from an accidental drug overdose at a home in Los Angeles. With his trademark braids and laid back style, Coolio left a profound mark on the music industry with his unique blend of simple and sincere lyrics set against classic funk beats. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to hip hop will continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 7, 2018, Mac Miller – one of the brightest and most beloved young musicians in the world – died after taking counterfeit opioid pills laced with fentanyl. Three men accused of distributing the pills have since been brought to justice, but that is little solace to his family and friends who mourn his loss, and for his legion of fans who were deprived of a budding musical genius.Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices