This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Jason Tsoi. Find him on Instagram at @jason.tsoi. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Celebrity deaths have a significant impact, sending ripples across the world and fans into collective mourning. But when celebrities pass away at a young age, it leaves an indescribable sadness that is hard to shake. When celebrities leave the world, they leave behind a legacy, touching the lives of their fans. Let’s reflect and remember the celebrities who died too young.
Cameron Boyce
On Jul. 6, 2019, the shocking news of actor Cameron Boyce’s passing sent shockwaves around the world. The 20-year-old died of “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy,” according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. Known for his roles as Luke Ross on the Disney Channel show “Jessie” and Carlos De Vil in the film franchise “Descendants,” Boyce’s death left many people in shock as young people grew up watching him on television. With his humor and bright personality, the late actor brought his characters to life, providing viewers with joy and laughter.
But, Boyce is also recognized for his humanitarian work. During his career, the actor supported various causes, like fighting the global water crisis and gun violence. As a supporter of the Thirst Project — a non-profit organization dedicated to providing people with clean water, Boyce raised money for the construction of two wells in Swaziland. To honor Boyce’s legacy, the late actor’s parents, Libby and Victor Boyce, founded the Cameron Boyce Foundation, raising awareness for epilepsy.
Cory Monteith
Another actor who tragically passed away at a young age was Cory Monteith. On Jul. 13, 2013, the 31-year-old actor was found dead in his hotel room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver, B.C. According to an autopsy report from the BC Coroners Service, Monteith died of “mixed drug toxicity, involving intravenous heroin use combined with the ingestion of alcohol.” Remembered for his role as Finn Hudson on the Fox television series “Glee,” Monteith captivated audiences with his singing voice and acting.
Having been involved with music, the late actor used his influence to support the arts. Before his death, Monteith made a donation to Project Limelight — a charity towards supporting performing-arts skills for children in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside community. Following his unexpected passing, co-stars from the show paid tribute to Monteith in the episode “The Quarterback,” donating the proceeds from music sales towards the non-profit program that he had last donated to.
Naya Rivera
Just days before the seven year anniversary of her co-star’s death, actress Naya Rivera tragically lost her life. On Jul. 8, 2020, the 33-year-old went on a boat ride with her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, on Lake Piru. While swimming in the lake, Rivera and her son were separated from the boat. The then-four-year-old was later discovered alone on the boat, prompting authorities to report her missing. A few days later, Rivera’s body was recovered. The late actress died of an accidental drowning, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner.
Best known for her role as Santana Lopez on “Glee,” Rivera made a significant impact, portraying an openly Afro-Latina lesbian on television. She showed the LGBTQ+ community that they can be who they are without feeling ashamed. Alongside her acting, the late actress also gained the spotlight on the show for her singing. Rivera soared in popularity by covering songs, like Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” and Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” As of today, Rivera continues to make an impact on the lives of many viewers through her groundbreaking work.
Chadwick Boseman
A couple of months after Rivera’s death, the world lost another legendary star: Chadwick Boseman. At the age of 43, the late actor passed away on Aug. 28, 2020. In a statement on Boseman’s Instagram account, it was announced that the late actor had died after years of battling colon cancer. Known for his revolutionary role as King T’Challa in Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” Boseman broke barriers by playing the first Black superhero in the cinematic franchise. Through his work, the late actor was a role model and inspiration for many Black children. Following his death, Marvel Studios paid tribute to Boseman’s work in the “Black Panther” sequel, “Black Panther Wakanda Forever.”
Outside of the film scene, Boseman was also a heroic figure in the real world. While battling cancer, the late actor dedicated his time to donating to assist cancer patients. Boseman was also involved in social justice efforts, including the Black Lives Matter movement. The late actor signed an open letter, calling for the entertainment industry to end the glorification of police brutality and anti-Black content.
Liam Payne
Last month, the news of singer Liam Payne’s death shocked the music industry and fans across the world. On Oct. 16, the late singer died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. According to autopsy and toxicology reports, Payne died of “polytrauma and internal and external bleeding” with “traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant” in his system.
Known for being a singer in the boy band, One Direction, Payne enchanted fans with his vocals and songwriting skills. Some of the most popular songs the late singer recorded with the band includes “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” Following the split of the boy band, the late singer went on to pursue a solo career. In 2019, Payne produced his first debut album, “LP1,” featuring songs, like “Strip That Down (feat. Quavo)” and “For You (With Rita Ora).” On Nov. 20, members of One Direction gathered to pay their respects and say farewell to the late singer.
Even though these celebrities are no longer with us, their legacies will live on forever. We will always remember them through the work that they produced during their careers.
What are your favorite memories of these late celebrities? Let us know in the comments.
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