The stars earning from beyond the grave
The American actor and activist was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in 'Roman Holiday' (1953) and 'The Heartbreak Kid' (1972). He died of Alzheimer's-related pneumonia at the age of 99.
The Irish-British novelist and philosopher was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1997. She died two years later in Oxford, England.
With a career that spanned five decades, the country singer sold over 45 million records worldwide. He died of Alzheimer's six years after announcing his diagnosis.
Famous for his World War II cartoons depicting American soldiers, the Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist died of Alzheimer's disease at the age of 81.
Often portraying bubbly, eccentric blondes, Golonka is remembered for playing Millie Hutchins on the television comedy 'The Andy Griffith Show' and Millie Swanson on 'Mayberry R.F.D.' At age 85, she died due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Sources: (Ranker) (IMDb)
See also: Celebrities who died with major secrets
The French-American actress and singer appeared in 33 films between 1922 and 1937. She died of Alzheimer's disease on March 21, 1994, in Palm Beach, Florida, aged 89.
The renowned Irish actress died at age 91, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. In 2020, she was listed at number 30 on The Irish Times list of Ireland's greatest film actors.
The American actor is best known for being the first actor to play Superman in the 1948 movie serial 'Superman' and its 1950 sequel 'Atom Man vs. Superman.' He also played Lois Lane's father Sam Lane in 1978's 'Superman: The Movie.' Alyn died at the age of 88 from Alzheimer's disease.
Mainly known for his comedic roles, and also for his portrayal of Willy Wonka in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' (1971), Wilder died from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He had been diagnosed three years prior but kept his condition private.
Preminger directed more than 35 feature films in a five-decade career after leaving the theater. He also acted in a number of movies. He died from lung cancer while suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
The Russian-born actress won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 'Zorba the Greek' in 1964. She died of pneumonia, having suffered a long time with Alzheimer's disease.
With a career spanning over six decades, the iconic actor was famous for his distinctive raspy voice and his ability to portray a wide range of characters. Meredith died at age 89 from complications of Alzheimer's disease and melanoma.
The American conductor and composer was referred to by his peers and critics as "the Dean of American Composers." His health deteriorated through the '80s, and he died of Alzheimer's disease and respiratory failure on December 2, 1990.
Dorian Leigh was an American model and is considered one of the first supermodels. She died in a Falls Church, Virginia, nursing home from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 91 in 2008.
The comic actress was best known for her role opposite Sid Caesar on 'Your Show of Shows.' Aged 92, she died from natural causes incidental to Alzheimer's disease.
Best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo on the series 'Columbo,' Falk's death was caused by pneumonia, with complications of Alzheimer's.
The Greek actress and singer starred in over 70 films in a career spanning more than 50 years. Some of her most famous movies included 'The Guns of Navarone' (1961), 'Zorba the Greek' (1964), and 'The Trojan Women' (1971). In 2013, Papas began to suffer from Alzheimer's disease. She died on September 14, 2022, at the age of 93.
In 1964, Poitier was the first Black actor and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He was one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema. His cause of death was cardiopulmonary failure, with Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer listed as underlying causes.
Barker hosted 'The Price Is Right' from 1972 to 2007, making it the longest-running game show in North American television history. He also hosted 'Truth or Consequences' from 1956 to 1975. Barker died from Alzheimer's disease at age 99 in 2023.
Bennett was diagnosed in 2016, but due to the slow progression of his illness, the iconic jazz singer continued to record, tour, and perform until he retired from concerts due to physical challenges. His final two performances were held in 2021, at Radio City Music Hall with Lady Gaga. Bennett died at his home in New York City on July 21, 2023.
The civil rights activist was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2004. She died the following year in her apartment in Detroit.
Often regarded as the greatest boxer of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and diabetes in his later years, and sadly died at the age of 67.
The renowned blues singer suffered from chronic leukemia and Alzheimer's. She died on January 20, 2012, five days before her 74th birthday.
Known for his distinctive drawl and everyman screen persona, Stewart died of a heart attack caused by an embolism at the age of 89. Alzheimer's disease was one of the underlying causes of his death.
The Oscar-winning actor was a supporter of Ronald Reagan, and a five-term president of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA). After announcing he had Alzheimer's disease in 2002, Heston retired from both acting and the NRA presidency. He died at the age of 84.
Shortly after she was diagnosed in the early '80s, the Hollywood bombshell became one of the first celebrities to publicly share she had Alzheimer's. Hayworth's decision to speak out helped increase public and private funding for research. She died at age 68 from complications associated with Alzheimer's disease on May 14, 1987.
Known for playing leads in various action, western, and war films, Bronson's health deteriorated in his later years. Although pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease have been cited as his cause of death, neither appears on his death certificate. Instead, respiratory failure, metastatic lung cancer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive cardiomyopathy are cited as the causes of death.
In August 1994, the 40th President of the United States was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which he announced through a handwritten letter in November. By the end of 2003, Reagan had lost his ability to speak and was mostly confined to his bed, no longer able to recognize any family members. He died of pneumonia, complicated by Alzheimer's on June 5, 2004.
One of the most respected character actors in American cinema, O'Brien's career spanned almost 40 years. He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at age 69.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. The most common cause of death among Alzheimer's patients is aspiration pneumonia. This happens when, due to difficulty in swallowing caused by the disease, one inadvertently inhales food particles, liquid, or even gastric fluid. Alzheimer's can happen to anyone, and unfortunately, many famous people's lives have been cut short because of it, including actors, musicians, and athletes.
Click through this gallery to remember the celebrities who died from Alzheimer's.
Celebrities who died from Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease and dementia can affect anyone, even the rich and famous
CELEBRITY Health
According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. The most common cause of death among Alzheimer's patients is aspiration pneumonia. This happens when, due to difficulty in swallowing caused by the disease, one inadvertently inhales food particles, liquid, or even gastric fluid. Alzheimer's can happen to anyone, and unfortunately, many famous people's lives have been cut short because of it, including actors, musicians, and athletes.
Click through this gallery to remember the celebrities who died from Alzheimer's.