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Famous people who died with major secrets
- It is difficult for stars to keep any secrets when the limelight is constantly on them. However, these celebrities managed to hide their deepest secrets. Click to know more.
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Anthony Perkins
- The actor, well-known for his appearance in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' films, maintained a high level of privacy regarding his personal life. In fact, he silently battled AIDS and managed to keep it a secret until his demise in 1992.
© Getty Images
1 / 30 Fotos
Anthony Perkins
- A statement the actor had written was released after his death, in which he explained why he decided to keep his AIDS diagnosis private. "I chose not to go public about [having AIDS] because, to misquote 'Casablanca,' I'm not much at being noble, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of one old actor don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world."
© Getty Images
2 / 30 Fotos
Corey Haim
- In the '80s, the Canadian actor gained significant popularity as a child star. However, his success in Hollywood didn't just bring fame and wealth. Prior to his death, Haim alleged that he had endured abuse during those peak years of his career.
© Getty Images
3 / 30 Fotos
Corey Haim
- The identity of the culprit remains a mystery up until now. However, Corey Feldman (left), his co-star and friend from 'The Lost Boys,' allegedly knows his true identity.
© Getty Images
4 / 30 Fotos
Corey Haim
- Feldman has mentioned actors like Dominick Brascia, but the truth remains unknown. A documentary was created to explore this story further.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Sally Ride
- Ride made history as the first American woman to venture into space. However, she carried a secret that remained undisclosed until her passing.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Sally Ride
- Unbeknownst to the public at the time, Sally Ride was also the first gay woman to go into space.
© Getty Images
7 / 30 Fotos
David Cassidy
- Before he died, the singer openly discussed his struggle with dementia. David Cassidy's passing on November 21, 2017 led to speculation linking his death to the ailment. However, the assumption proved false.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
David Cassidy
- In a documentary released after his death, Cassidy confessed, "There is no sign of me having dementia at this stage of my life... It was complete liquor poisoning. And the fact is, I lied about my drinking."
© Getty Images
9 / 30 Fotos
Whitney Houston
- Huston's life was marked by successful songs, along with marital issues and struggles with addiction. However, amidst all the public knowledge, a long-held secret emerged only after the singer's death in 2012: she was reportedly a victim of abuse.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
Whitney Houston
- According to reports, singer Dee Dee Warwick, who is a cousin of Whitney Houston and her brother Gary, allegedly molested both siblings. Whitney's assistant and close friend, Mary Jones, shared an incident when the singer confided in her about the abuse. Jones recalls Houston saying, "Mary, I was molested at a young age too. But it wasn't by a man—it was a woman."
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
David Carradine
- The actor, famous for his martial arts performances, was discovered deceased in a hotel room in Bangkok in 2009. The reason for his death was determined to be caused by asphyxiation resulting from an ill-fated solo intimate incident.
© Getty Images
12 / 30 Fotos
David Carradine
- Carradine was a calm and composed man, and most people wouldn't suspect anything unusual about him. However, those close to him, like his third wife, Gail Jensen, acknowledged his "kinky moments."
© Getty Images
13 / 30 Fotos
Prince
- The world may have been stunned to learn that Prince died from an accidental overdose of an opioid painkiller, but other secrets surfaced after the artist's death in 2016.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
Prince
- After his passing, it was disclosed that Prince's philanthropic endeavors were conducted with utmost secrecy, as he frequently made anonymous donations, exemplifying his true generosity.
© Getty Images
15 / 30 Fotos
Prince
- An environmentalist who contributed to the Green Jobs Act reportedly received an undisclosed amount of money—later confirmed to be US$50,000—from the deceased celebrity through an anonymous check.
© Getty Images
16 / 30 Fotos
George Michael
- Despite any controversies surrounding the singer, both positive and negative, it wasn't until George Michael's passing that the world truly became aware of his kind and charitable nature.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
George Michael
- Over the years, the singer made substantial donations to various charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Terrence Higgins Trust, and Childline. "Over the years he gave us millions," said the founder of Childline, Esther Rantzen, recalling his generosity in providing the organization with millions of pounds in royalties from his immensely popular song 'Jesus to a Child.'
© Getty Images
18 / 30 Fotos
Gene Wilder
- The actor's legacy will forever include his performance in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' (1971). Wilder's passing resulted from complications of Alzheimer's disease, an ailment he chose to keep concealed from the public.
© Getty Images
19 / 30 Fotos
Gene Wilder
- Wilder's family released a statement to explain why he had concealed his condition. They stated: "The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn't vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him 'there's Willy Wonka,' would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world."
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Bob Crane
- Actor Bob Crane, known for his role in 'Hogan's Heroes,' was reportedly murdered in 1978. Upon investigation, undisclosed information about a secret came to light.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
Bob Crane
- The authorities discovered a vast assortment of homemade provocative photos and videos in his belongings, leading to speculation about the actor's potential romantic addiction.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Rock Hudson
- After a career lasting more than 30 years, Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s, ultimately passing away on October 2, 1985.
© Getty Images
23 / 30 Fotos
Rock Hudson
- During that period, the illness was mostly linked to men, and despite rumors, Hudson never explicitly acknowledged his orientation. The actor's orientation remained undisclosed until his passing.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Billy Tipton
- The jazz musician from America gained popularity in the 1950s as a member of the Billy Tipton Trio. It is said that the musician had been married at least five times and had three adopted children.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Billy Tipton
- However, Tipton's transgender identity was only revealed after his death, on the day he passed away.
© Getty Images
26 / 30 Fotos
Billy Tipton
- The "Tipton story is about the indeterminacy of gender identity," wrote Diane Middlebrook, author of the book 'Suits Me: The Double Life of Billy Tipton.'
© Getty Images
27 / 30 Fotos
Jimmy Savile
- The beloved British radio and TV personality garnered a large following until disturbing facts about his life surfaced after his passing in 2011.
© Getty Images
28 / 30 Fotos
Jimmy Savile
- Around 450 individuals accused Saville of abuse. The BBC reports that roughly 80% of the alleged victims were female, with 80% being children or young individuals. Sources: (Nicki Swift)
© Getty Images
29 / 30 Fotos
Famous people who died with major secrets
- It is difficult for stars to keep any secrets when the limelight is constantly on them. However, these celebrities managed to hide their deepest secrets. Click to know more.
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
Anthony Perkins
- The actor, well-known for his appearance in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' films, maintained a high level of privacy regarding his personal life. In fact, he silently battled AIDS and managed to keep it a secret until his demise in 1992.
© Getty Images
1 / 30 Fotos
Anthony Perkins
- A statement the actor had written was released after his death, in which he explained why he decided to keep his AIDS diagnosis private. "I chose not to go public about [having AIDS] because, to misquote 'Casablanca,' I'm not much at being noble, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of one old actor don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world."
© Getty Images
2 / 30 Fotos
Corey Haim
- In the '80s, the Canadian actor gained significant popularity as a child star. However, his success in Hollywood didn't just bring fame and wealth. Prior to his death, Haim alleged that he had endured abuse during those peak years of his career.
© Getty Images
3 / 30 Fotos
Corey Haim
- The identity of the culprit remains a mystery up until now. However, Corey Feldman (left), his co-star and friend from 'The Lost Boys,' allegedly knows his true identity.
© Getty Images
4 / 30 Fotos
Corey Haim
- Feldman has mentioned actors like Dominick Brascia, but the truth remains unknown. A documentary was created to explore this story further.
© Getty Images
5 / 30 Fotos
Sally Ride
- Ride made history as the first American woman to venture into space. However, she carried a secret that remained undisclosed until her passing.
© Getty Images
6 / 30 Fotos
Sally Ride
- Unbeknownst to the public at the time, Sally Ride was also the first gay woman to go into space.
© Getty Images
7 / 30 Fotos
David Cassidy
- Before he died, the singer openly discussed his struggle with dementia. David Cassidy's passing on November 21, 2017 led to speculation linking his death to the ailment. However, the assumption proved false.
© Getty Images
8 / 30 Fotos
David Cassidy
- In a documentary released after his death, Cassidy confessed, "There is no sign of me having dementia at this stage of my life... It was complete liquor poisoning. And the fact is, I lied about my drinking."
© Getty Images
9 / 30 Fotos
Whitney Houston
- Huston's life was marked by successful songs, along with marital issues and struggles with addiction. However, amidst all the public knowledge, a long-held secret emerged only after the singer's death in 2012: she was reportedly a victim of abuse.
© Getty Images
10 / 30 Fotos
Whitney Houston
- According to reports, singer Dee Dee Warwick, who is a cousin of Whitney Houston and her brother Gary, allegedly molested both siblings. Whitney's assistant and close friend, Mary Jones, shared an incident when the singer confided in her about the abuse. Jones recalls Houston saying, "Mary, I was molested at a young age too. But it wasn't by a man—it was a woman."
© Getty Images
11 / 30 Fotos
David Carradine
- The actor, famous for his martial arts performances, was discovered deceased in a hotel room in Bangkok in 2009. The reason for his death was determined to be caused by asphyxiation resulting from an ill-fated solo intimate incident.
© Getty Images
12 / 30 Fotos
David Carradine
- Carradine was a calm and composed man, and most people wouldn't suspect anything unusual about him. However, those close to him, like his third wife, Gail Jensen, acknowledged his "kinky moments."
© Getty Images
13 / 30 Fotos
Prince
- The world may have been stunned to learn that Prince died from an accidental overdose of an opioid painkiller, but other secrets surfaced after the artist's death in 2016.
© Getty Images
14 / 30 Fotos
Prince
- After his passing, it was disclosed that Prince's philanthropic endeavors were conducted with utmost secrecy, as he frequently made anonymous donations, exemplifying his true generosity.
© Getty Images
15 / 30 Fotos
Prince
- An environmentalist who contributed to the Green Jobs Act reportedly received an undisclosed amount of money—later confirmed to be US$50,000—from the deceased celebrity through an anonymous check.
© Getty Images
16 / 30 Fotos
George Michael
- Despite any controversies surrounding the singer, both positive and negative, it wasn't until George Michael's passing that the world truly became aware of his kind and charitable nature.
© Getty Images
17 / 30 Fotos
George Michael
- Over the years, the singer made substantial donations to various charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Terrence Higgins Trust, and Childline. "Over the years he gave us millions," said the founder of Childline, Esther Rantzen, recalling his generosity in providing the organization with millions of pounds in royalties from his immensely popular song 'Jesus to a Child.'
© Getty Images
18 / 30 Fotos
Gene Wilder
- The actor's legacy will forever include his performance in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' (1971). Wilder's passing resulted from complications of Alzheimer's disease, an ailment he chose to keep concealed from the public.
© Getty Images
19 / 30 Fotos
Gene Wilder
- Wilder's family released a statement to explain why he had concealed his condition. They stated: "The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn't vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him 'there's Willy Wonka,' would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world."
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Bob Crane
- Actor Bob Crane, known for his role in 'Hogan's Heroes,' was reportedly murdered in 1978. Upon investigation, undisclosed information about a secret came to light.
© Getty Images
21 / 30 Fotos
Bob Crane
- The authorities discovered a vast assortment of homemade provocative photos and videos in his belongings, leading to speculation about the actor's potential romantic addiction.
© Getty Images
22 / 30 Fotos
Rock Hudson
- After a career lasting more than 30 years, Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s, ultimately passing away on October 2, 1985.
© Getty Images
23 / 30 Fotos
Rock Hudson
- During that period, the illness was mostly linked to men, and despite rumors, Hudson never explicitly acknowledged his orientation. The actor's orientation remained undisclosed until his passing.
© Getty Images
24 / 30 Fotos
Billy Tipton
- The jazz musician from America gained popularity in the 1950s as a member of the Billy Tipton Trio. It is said that the musician had been married at least five times and had three adopted children.
© Getty Images
25 / 30 Fotos
Billy Tipton
- However, Tipton's transgender identity was only revealed after his death, on the day he passed away.
© Getty Images
26 / 30 Fotos
Billy Tipton
- The "Tipton story is about the indeterminacy of gender identity," wrote Diane Middlebrook, author of the book 'Suits Me: The Double Life of Billy Tipton.'
© Getty Images
27 / 30 Fotos
Jimmy Savile
- The beloved British radio and TV personality garnered a large following until disturbing facts about his life surfaced after his passing in 2011.
© Getty Images
28 / 30 Fotos
Jimmy Savile
- Around 450 individuals accused Saville of abuse. The BBC reports that roughly 80% of the alleged victims were female, with 80% being children or young individuals. Sources: (Nicki Swift)
© Getty Images
29 / 30 Fotos
Famous people who died with major secrets
But the truth had to come out...
© Getty Images
Celebrities are often in the spotlight, but some still manage to keep secrets throughout their lives. It's surprising how certain stars were able to conceal facts that only came to light after their passing. This gallery reveals a range of stories, from heartbreaking tales of abuse to heartwarming accounts of stars who were extremely generous.
Curious? Click through to discover the secrets these stars took to their graves.
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