Last Days

On October 22, 2024, Fernando Valenzuela -- the legendary Mexican-born pitcher for Los Angeles Dodgers who thrilled baseball fans with his quirky windup and signature screwball -- passed away from an undisclosed illness at the age of 63. Beyond his incredible feats on the baseball diamond, Valenzuela became a cultural icon that transcended the sport, transforming the Dodgers from just another baseball team into an enduring symbol of ethnic pride.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On February 20, 1999, Gene Siskel -- who partnered with fellow film critic Roger Ebert to bring movie reviews to the masses -- died from brain cancer at the age of 53. With their wildly popular thumbs up/thumbs down reviews and spirited debates, Siskel and Ebert revolutionized the art of movie criticism and spread their infectious love of cinema to millions of fans around the world.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On October 16, 2024, Liam Payne -- one of the founding members of the massively successful boy band One Direction -- died at the age of 31 from an apparent suicide at a hotel in Buenos Aires. The singer left battled several personal demons during his life, but his undeniable talent as a performer and songwriter left a lasting impression.

Hosts: Derek Kaufman & Jason Beckerman

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On December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela - the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa - died at the age of 95. His death prompted a global outpouring of grief, as well as tributes to a man of uncommon grace and compassion, who put the interests of others ahead of his own and extended the reach of freedom and dignity to millions.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On October 12, 1999, Wilt Chamberlain -- the legendary basketball superstar who once scored 100 points in a single game -- passed away in his home from a heart attack at the age of 63. Known for his towering presence and dominance on the court, Chamberlain set numerous records during his career, and many of his feats on the hardwood remain unmatched to this day. Beyond shaping the modern game of basketball, Chamberlain's inarguable charisma and tales of womanizing have made him a enduring figure of fascination in sports and entertainment.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On September 30, 2024, Dikembe Mutombo -- the NBA legend best known for deploying his iconic finger wag after blocking an opponent's shot -- passed away at 58 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Despite his immense accomplishments as a player, Mutombo's most lasting contributions were made off the court, where he leveraged his infectious smile and generous spirit to become an ambassador of the game and a true global humanitarian.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On December 10, 2005, Richard Pryor - the groundbreaking comic whose fearless insights into race relations and modern life made him a comedy legend - died of a heart attack. Pryor single-handedly transformed stand-up comedy by using humor to reflect on social and political issues, and in doing created a new blueprint for modern comedy. Though he was beset with health problems throughout his adult life as a result of decades of drug and alcohol abuse, his sharp mind remained intact throughout his career and reminded audiences of the revolutionary talent he was.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On November 12, 2003, Jonathan Brandis -- the beloved '90s teen star known for SeaQuest DSV and The NeverEnding Story II -- died by suicide at the age of 27. Brandis, who struggled with his transition from teen heartthrob to adult actor, left an indelible imprint on the entertainment industry during his brief career and serves as a cautionary tale about the difficulties of life in Hollywood.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On October 4, 1970, Janis Joplin, the “Queen of Rock” whose famously raw and emotional voice captured the pain and angst of a generation, died at the age of 27. Joplin’s three year run of success was among the most unexpected and impressive in music history, and her untimely death left everyone asking what might have been.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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On February 25, 2017, Bill Paxton - the beloved actor whose relatable, everyman charm endeared him to generations of audiences in movies like The Terminator, Aliens, Twister and Titanic - died from a stroke following surgery to repair a heart condition that had plagued him since childhood. Paxton's untimely death was devastating to those who knew him, but his legacy is secure as one of the kindest, humblest, and most talented actors of his generation.

Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman

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