PODCAST · society
Last Days
by TMZ
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.
Episodes
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Ep. 187 - Waylon Jennings
On February 13, 2002, Waylon Jennings — the gravel-voiced outlaw whose independence, restless spirit, and unmistakable sound helped redefine country music — died from complications of diabetes at his home in Chandler, Arizona, at the age of 64. Jennings had spent more than four decades…
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Ep. 186 - XXXTentacion
On June 18, 2018, XXXTentacion — the Florida rapper whose raw, emotionally charged music made him one of the defining voices of the SoundCloud generation — was shot and killed during a robbery outside a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida, at the age of 20. Born Jahseh Onfroy,...
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Ep. 185 - Elizabeth Taylor
On March 23, 2011, Elizabeth Taylor — the violet-eyed Hollywood icon whose extraordinary beauty, fierce talent, and tumultuous personal life made her one of the most famous women in the world — died of congestive heart failure at a hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 79. Taylor spent more than...
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Ep. 184 - Rock Hudson
On October 2, 1985, Rock Hudson — the dashing, legendary Hollywood icon whose magnetic screen presence, classic good looks, and effortless charm made him one of the defining leading men of Golden Age cinema — died of AIDS-related complications in his Beverly Hills home at the age of 59. Hudson…
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Ep. 183 - Bradley Nowell
On May 25, 1996, Bradley Nowell — the gifted, troubled singer whose raw voice, restless songwriting, and genre-blurring spirit made Sublime one of the defining bands of Southern California’s alternative scene — died of a heroin overdose in a San Francisco hotel at the age of 28. Nowell had spent...
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Ep. 182 - Tammy Wynette
On April 6, 1998, Tammy Wynette — the legendary country music singer whose unmistakable voice, emotional storytelling, and string of timeless hits earned her the title “The First Lady of Country Music” — died at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 55. Wynette spent more than three...
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Ep. 181 - “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott
On December 8, 2004, “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott — the virtuoso guitarist whose explosive playing, singular tone, and larger-than-life personality helped transform Pantera from a Texas metal band into one of the most influential and beloved heavy acts of the 90s — was shot and killed onstage at the...
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Ep. 180 - Michael Landon
On July 1, 1991, Michael Landon — the actor, writer, director, and producer whose work on Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Highway to Heaven made him one of television’s most beloved figures — died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 54. At the time of his death, Landon had spent more…
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Special Episode: Dolly Parton
On August 25, 2026, Dolly Parton — the singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist whose extraordinary gifts turned songs like Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and 9 to 5 into permanent parts of the American songbook — died at the age of 80. At the time of her death, Parton had...
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Ep. 179 - Fred Rogers
On February 27, 2003, Fred Rogers — the beloved television host and educator whose gentle voice, trademark cardigan sweaters, and unwavering compassion made Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood a cherished part of childhood for generations of Americans — died of stomach cancer at his home in Pittsburgh,...
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Hayden Panettiere Update: DEA Joins Investigation
New developments emerge in the investigation into the tragic and sudden death of actress Hayden Panettiere at just 36, as the DEA joins the probe and authorities await toxicology results to determine her official cause of death. Hosts: Jason Beckerman, Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad...
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Ep. 178 - Hayden Panettiere
On August 16, 2026, Hayden Panettiere — the actress and former child star whose performances in Remember the Titans, Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise made her one of the most recognizable young stars of her generation — died in South Carolina at the age of 36. At the time of her death,...
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Ep. 177 - Oliver Tree
On June 14, 2026, Oliver Tree — the 32-year-old genre-bending singer, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, and internet phenomenon whose wildly eccentric style, outrageous comedy, and infectious hits like “Alien Boy,” “Life Goes On,” and “Miss You” transformed him into one of alternative pop’s most...
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Ep. 176 - Christina Grimmie
On June 10, 2016, Christina Grimmie — the 22-year-old gifted singer, songwriter, and YouTube sensation whose extraordinary voice and infectious personality earned her millions of devoted fans before her third-place finish on The Voice introduced her to a national audience — was shot and killed...
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Ep. 175 - Sam Neill
On July 13, 2026, Sam Neill — the acclaimed New Zealand actor whose commanding screen presence, understated charisma, and unforgettable performances in Jurassic Park, The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, and Peaky Blinders made him one of the most respected and recognizable actors of his…
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Ep. 174 - Brian Jones
On July 3, 1969, Brian Jones — the brilliant but troubled founding member of The Rolling Stones who helped shape the band's early sound through his adventurous blend of blues, rock, and world music influences — died at his home in Sussex, England at the age of 27. At the time of his death, Jones...
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Ep. 173 - James “Whitey” Bulger
On June 22, 2011, James “Whitey” Bulger — the notorious Boston crime boss whose decades-long reign of organized crime, alleged involvement in multiple murders, and shocking ability to evade capture made him one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives — was arrested in Santa Monica, California, after...
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Ep. 172 - Jim Henson
On May 16, 1990, Jim Henson — the visionary puppeteer, filmmaker, and creator whose boundless imagination, gentle humor, and unforgettable characters transformed children's entertainment and captivated audiences of all ages — died in New York City at the age of 53. At the time of his death…
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Ep. 171 - Marilyn Monroe
On August 5, 1962, Marilyn Monroe—the glamorous actress whose beauty, charisma, vulnerability, and unforgettable screen presence made her one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons—died in Los Angeles at the age of 36. By the time of her death, Monroe had become one of the world’s biggest stars…
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Ep. 3 - Jelly Roll & Bunnie XO
Hosts:Derek Kaufman, Katie Hayes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Special Episode: Clive Davis
On June 22, 2026, Clive Davis — the legendary music executive whose extraordinary ear for talent helped shape the sound of popular music for more than six decades — remains one of the most influential figures in entertainment. From guiding the careers of artists like Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys,...
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Ep. 170 - AC/DC's Bon Scott
On February 19, 1980, Bon Scott — the hard-living Scottish-born singer whose raspy voice, mischievous charisma, and rebellious swagger helped transform AC/DC from an Australian pub-rock act into one of the most explosive bands in hard rock — died in London at the age of 33. At the time of his...
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Ep. 169 - Malcolm X
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X — the influential civil rights leader whose powerful voice challenged America to confront racism, inequality, and injustice — was assassinated in New York City at the age of 39. Rising from a troubled youth to become one of the most prominent and controversial...
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Ep. 1 - Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie
Here’s a TMZ-style episode description: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie seemed destined to become Hollywood royalty after falling in love on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, building a global empire of fame, philanthropy, and six children. But behind the glamorous image, cracks were forming that would...
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Ep. 168 - Ol' Dirty Bastard
On November 13, 2004, Russell Tyrone Jones — the wildly unpredictable rapper known as Ol' Dirty Bastard whose unfiltered charisma and singular voice helped define the Wu-Tang Clan’s rise from Staten Island streets to hip-hop immortality — died from an accidental drug overdose in New York City at...
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Ep. 167 - John Cazale
On March 13, 1978, John Cazale — the quietly brilliant actor whose remarkable run of performances helped define a golden era of American cinema — died of lung cancer in New York City at the age of 42. Though his career spanned only a handful of films, Cazale left an extraordinary mark through...
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Ep. 166 - Dražen Petrović
On June 7, 1993, Dražen Petrović — the brilliant Croatian guard whose fearless scoring and relentless drive helped transform the NBA’s perception of European basketball — died in a car crash in Germany at the age of 28. From his dominance in Europe to his emergence as a star with the New Jersey...
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Special Episode: Kyle Busch
On May 21, 2026, Kyle Busch — the fiercely competitive NASCAR champion whose relentless drive and unapologetic intensity made him one of the sport’s most polarizing and accomplished figures — died at the age of 41 following a sudden illness. A two-time Cup Series champion and one of the…
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Ep. 165 - Sid Vicious & Nancy Spungen
On February 2, 1979, Sid Vicious — the sneering, self-destructive bassist of the Sex Pistols whose reckless persona became synonymous with the chaos and nihilism of punk rock — died of a heroin overdose in New York City at the age of 21, just months after the stabbing death of his girlfriend…
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Ep. 164 - Bob Crane
On June 29, 1978, Bob Crane — the affable star of Hogan’s Heroes whose quick wit and everyman charm made him a fixture of American television — was found murdered in a Scottsdale, Arizona apartment at the age of 49. A performer who built his career on warmth and comedic precision, Crane…
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Ep. 163 - Meat Loaf
On January 20, 2022, Meat Loaf — the thunderous-voiced rock opera icon whose theatrical grandeur and raw emotional power turned Bat Out of Hell into one of the best-selling albums of all time — died at the age of 74. A performer of unapologetic excess and operatic intensity, he fused rock, drama,...
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Ep. 162 - Thurman Munson
On August 2, 1979, Thurman Munson — the gritty captain of the New York Yankees whose defensive brilliance and stubborn leadership defined a Bronx dynasty — died in a small plane crash at the age of 32. A competitor of rare intensity and blue-collar dignity, Munson built a legacy defined not by...
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Ep. 161- Takeoff (Migos)
On November 1, 2022, Takeoff — the quietly formidable Migos rapper whose precise flow and unflashy discipline anchored one of hip-hop’s most influential groups — died at the age of 28. A performer of rare technical control and restraint, he helped define the Atlanta trio’s sound not through…
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Ep. 160 - Elliott Smith
On October 21, 2003, Elliott Smith — the whisper-voiced songwriter whose fragile melodies and unflinching introspection reshaped indie music — died at the age of 34. A musician of rare emotional clarity and precision, Smith built a body of work defined not by spectacle but by intimacy, turning...
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Ep. 159 - Ernest Hemingway
On July 2, 1961, Ernest Hemingway — the Nobel Prize–winning author whose spare, forceful prose and larger-than-life persona helped define 20th-century American literature — died at the age of 61 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Ketchum, Idaho. A towering literary figure…
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Ep. 158 - Sean Taylor
On November 27, 2007, Sean Taylor — the electrifying Washington Redskins safety whose rare combination of size, speed, and ferocity redefined defensive football — died at the age of 24 following a gunshot wound sustained during a botched home invasion at his Miami home. A once-in-a-generation...
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Ep. 157 - Gianni Versace
On July 15, 1997, Gianni Versace — the visionary Italian fashion designer whose daring use of color, sensual cuts, and fusion of art, music, and celebrity culture helped define 1990s high fashion and transform runway shows into global spectacles — was shot and killed outside his Miami Beach…
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Special Episode: Chuck Norris
On March 19, 2026, Chuck Norris — the martial artist turned action star whose stoic presence and roundhouse kicks made him one of the most enduring symbols of American toughness — died at the age of 86. Rising from a world champion karate competitor to a Hollywood mainstay, Norris broke through…
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Ep. 156 - The Day The Music Died
On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly — the bespectacled Texas songwriter whose crisp vocals and groundbreaking fusion of country, rhythm and blues, and rockabilly helped define early rock and roll — died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa at the age of 22. On board with him were 17-year-old…
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Ep. 155 - Aaron Carter
On November 5, 2022, Aaron Carter — the platinum-selling pop singer and former child star who rose to fame in the late 1990s with bubblegum hits like “I Want Candy” and “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” — died at 34 after accidentally drowning at his California home, with authorities later ruling the...
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Ep. 154 - Andy Gibb
On March 10, 1988, Andy Gibb — the fresh-faced pop idol whose silky tenor and boyish charm made him one of the late 1970s’ biggest heartthrobs — died at the age of 30 from myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle worsened by years of cocaine abuse. As the youngest brother of Barry, Robin,...
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Ep. 153 - Robert Duvall
On February 15, 2026, Robert Duvall — the Oscar-winning American actor and filmmaker whose seven-decade career included landmark performances as Tom Hagen in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now, Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird, and the deeply human...
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Special Episode: Eric Dane
On February 19, 2026, Eric Dane — the charismatic actor whose striking presence and emotional depth made him a fan favorite on television — died at 53 following a courageous battle with ALS. Best known for his roles as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria,...
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Ep. 152 - Freddie Mercury
On November 24, 1991, Freddie Mercury — the electrifying frontman of Queen whose operatic voice and theatrical brilliance redefined rock stardom — died at the age of 45 from complications related to AIDS, just one day after publicly confirming his diagnosis. With towering anthems like Bohemian...
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The Look Back - Aaliyah
In this Look Back episode of Last Days, we revisit the life and final moments of Aaliyah, the groundbreaking R&B singer whose tragic plane crash shocked the world and left a lasting impact on music that still resonates today. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad…
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Special Episode: James Van Der Beek
On February 11, 2026, James Van Der Beek — the actor whose emotional vulnerability helped define a generation of teen television — died at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. Rising to fame as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek became the earnest, introspective face of...
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Ep. 151 - Sharon Tate
On August 9, 1969, Sharon Tate — the luminous young actress and rising star of Hollywood’s new generation — was brutally murdered at the age of 26 in one of the most shocking crimes in American history. A symbol of 1960s glamour and promise, Tate embodied a fresh, modern screen presence: playful,...
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The Look Back - David Carradine
In this Look Back episode of Last Days, we revisit the life and final years of David Carradine, a legendary actor whose unexpected death fueled rumors and unanswered questions that still linger today. Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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Ep. 150 - Steve McQueen
On November 7, 1980, Steve McQueen — the massive movie star whose minimalist swagger earned him the nickname “The King of Cool” — died at the age of 50 following complications from cancer surgery. A countercultural icon who bridged old Hollywood and the rebellious New Hollywood era, McQueen...
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Special Episode: Catherine O'Hara
On January 30, 2026, Catherine O’Hara — the singular comedic force whose fearless character work helped redefine modern comedy — died at the age of 71. A performer of extraordinary precision and range, O’Hara built a career not on punchlines but on total commitment, transforming eccentricity into...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Last Days have?
Last Days currently has 242 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Last Days about?
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...
How often does Last Days release new episodes?
Last Days publishes regularly with 242 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Last Days?
You can listen to Last Days on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Last Days?
Last Days is created and hosted by TMZ.
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