Forever Young: Actors Who Died in Their Late Twenties

Heath Ledger (April 4, 1979 – January 22, 2008)

Australian movie actor and heartthrob, Heath Ledger got his first taste of critical acclaim as Mel Gibson’s son in the Revolutionary War drama “The Patriot” (2000). His tremendous talent earned him various acting awards for his role as Ennis Del Mar in “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) and eventually the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his edgy portrayal of Joker in the “The Dark Knight” (2008). Sadly, he was found lifeless in his Manhattan apartment by his housekeeper. An autopsy concluded weeks later that he died from an accidental “toxic combination of prescription drugs.” He was only 28.

Carole Landis (January 1, 1919 – July 5, 1948)

Tall and glamorous, Carole Landis became the new Hollywood sensation when she was cast as a cave girl in “One Million B.C.” (1940). Possessing a good singing voice, she also appeared in a few musicals but devoted much of her time entertaining US servicemen during World War II. Plagued by depression over failed marriages, financial problems and poor health, she committed suicide at age 29 by taking an overdose of barbiturates (Seconal).

Brandon Lee (February 1, 1965 – March 31, 1993)

The son of the late legendary martial arts expert and actor Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee could have become a major action star had his promising career not been cut short by tragedy. While performing the death scene for the film “The Crow,” he was accidentally struck by a bullet from a supposedly blank-loaded prop gun. The 28-year-old actor was rushed to the hospital but died twelve hours later.

Beatrice Hsu (November 13, 1978 – January 28, 2007)

Taiwanese actress and singer, Beatrice Hsu Wei Lun began her career as a model before gaining popularity for her lovable performances in several TV series, particularly “True Love 18″ (十八歲的約定) and the hit drama “Express Boy” (惡男宅急電). She died at age 28 in a high-speed vehicular accident while on her way to Nantou to film her latest TV show. The front airbag failed to deploy when her Mini Cooper, driven by her assistant, was hit on the rear by a truck.

Barbara La Marr (July 28, 1896 -January 30, 1926)

Image source

Barbara La Marr shot to stardom from a screenwriter to a silent film actress via Douglas Fairbanks‘ “The Nut” (1921). She appeared in over 30 films and danced in many Broadway musical comedies; and was widely known as “The Girl Who Was Too Beautiful.” The fast-paced Hollywood nightlife and her grueling work commitments, getting by with only 2 hours sleep a night, eventually took a toll on her health. She became addicted to drugs and alcohol that brought on tuberculosis and nephritis, from which she died at age 29.

Masako Natsume (December 17, 1957 – September 11, 1985)

Japanese model and actress Masako Natsume attained fame in 1977 when she represented Kanebo Cosmetics in a sunscreen ad where she appeared topless as the “Kooky Face” girl. She is best remembered for her role as the male part of Tripitaka in the cult Japanese TV series “Saiyūki” (1978-79) which was re-titled “Monkey” when it was dubbed into English by BBC in the 1980s. She died from acute leukemia at the age of 27.

Jonathan Brandis (April 13, 1976 – November 12, 2003)

Started acting in TV commercials at age 5, Jonathan Brandis appeared in small roles in several movies and TV shows before landing his first starring role in the film “The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter” (1990) and was rocketed to teen idol status for his portrayal of scientific prodigy in Spielberg’s futuristic TV series “SeaQuest DSV” (1993). Only age 27, he died from injuries sustained after attempting suicide by hanging himself due to depression over his lagging career.

Edie Sedgwick (April 20, 1943 – November 16, 1971)

Scene from Andy Warhol’s 1965 underground film “Poor Little Rich Girl”

American actress, model and socialite, Edith Minturn “Edie” Sedgwick was best known for appearing in several short films made during the 1960s by the avant-garde filmmaker, Andy Warhol, who was frequently blamed for her descent into drug/alcohol addiction and mental illness. She died at age 28 in her sleep after taking her prescribed medication. The cause of death was listed as “probable acute barbiturate and alcohol intoxication.”

Forever Young Series:

• MUSICIANS Who Died in Their:

  • Early Twenties
  • Mid-Twenties
  • Late Twenties

• ACTORS Who Died in Their:

  • Early Twenties
  • Mid-twenties
  • Late Twenties

• SPORTS PERSONALITIES Who Died in Their:
  • Early Twenties
  • Mid-Twenties
  • Late Twenties

• HISTORICAL PEOPLE Who Died in Their:

  • Early Twenties
  • Mid-Twenties
  • Late Twenties

More articles you might be interested in:

• 10 Bizarre Deaths in History
• 10 (more) Bizarre Deaths in History
• 10 (ultimate) Bizarre Deaths in History
• Unusual Wills and Testaments