Actors Who Died Before They Turned 30

The entertainment industry has been frequently struck by the sudden loss of young talent, leaving behind unfinished careers and mourning fans. Many rising stars who showed immense potential were taken in the prime of their lives due to accidents, health complications, or personal struggles. These actors had often already made significant marks on cinema and television, with some receiving posthumous acclaim for their final works. Their legacies continue to be felt through the films and series that captured their performances. The following list honors male actors who passed away before reaching the age of 30.

James Dean

James Dean was 24 years old when he died on September 30, 1955, following a high-speed car accident in Cholame, California. He became a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment through his role in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. The actor also received Academy Award nominations for his performances in ‘East of Eden’ and ‘Giant’. His death occurred while he was driving his Porsche 550 Spyder to a racing event in Salinas. He remains the only actor to have received two posthumous acting nominations at the Oscars.

River Phoenix

River Phoenix passed away at the age of 23 on October 31, 1993, outside the Viper Room in West Hollywood. His cause of death was determined to be combined drug intoxication involving cocaine and morphine. Phoenix earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for ‘Running on Empty’ and starred in the coming-of-age classic ‘Stand by Me’. He was widely considered one of the most talented actors of his generation at the time of his passing. His final completed film, ‘Dark Blood’, was not released until 2012.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger died at the age of 28 on January 22, 2008, in his New York City apartment. The cause of death was an accidental overdose of prescription medications. Ledger received a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’. He had previously gained significant attention for his roles in ’10 Things I Hate About You’ and ‘Brokeback Mountain’. His death occurred during the production of ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’, requiring the film to be completed with the help of other actors.

Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee was 28 years old when he died on March 31, 1993, during the filming of ‘The Crow’. He was fatally wounded on set when a prop gun was accidentally loaded with a real bullet fragment. Lee was the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee and was poised for a major career breakthrough with his performance as Eric Draven. The film was eventually completed using digital effects and stunt doubles and was dedicated to his memory. His performance in the movie remains highly regarded for its intensity and emotional depth.

Anton Yelchin

Anton Yelchin passed away at the age of 27 on June 19, 2016, in a freak accident at his home in Studio City, Los Angeles. He died of traumatic asphyxia after his Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled down his driveway and pinned him against a brick pillar. Yelchin was best known for his role as Pavel Chekov in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series. He also earned praise for independent films such as ‘Alpha Dog’ and ‘Green Room’. His career spanned over a decade, starting as a child actor in ‘Hearts in Atlantis’.

Brad Renfro

Brad Renfro was 25 years old when he died on January 15, 2008, at his home in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office determined his death was caused by an accidental heroin overdose. Renfro made a major film debut at age 11 starring alongside Susan Sarandon in ‘The Client’. He later appeared in notable films like ‘The Cure’ and ‘Apt Pupil’ during the 1990s. Despite his early success, his later years were marked by legal issues and struggles with substance abuse.

Jonathan Brandis

Jonathan Brandis died at the age of 27 on November 12, 2003, in Los Angeles. His cause of death was complications from a suicide attempt that had occurred the previous day. Brandis was a prominent teen idol in the 1990s, starring as Lucas Wolenczak in the television series ‘seaQuest DSV’. He also held leading roles in films such as ‘The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter’ and the miniseries ‘It’. At the time of his death, he was reportedly struggling with the direction of his adult acting career.

Cameron Boyce

Cameron Boyce passed away at the age of 20 on July 6, 2019, in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles. The cause of death was confirmed as a sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Boyce was a staple on the Disney Channel, starring in the series ‘Jessie’ and the ‘Descendants’ film franchise. He had also appeared in the comedy film ‘Grown Ups’ alongside Adam Sandler. Following his death, his family established a foundation in his name to support various charitable causes.

Lee Thompson Young

Lee Thompson Young was 29 years old when he died on August 19, 2013, at his apartment in Los Angeles. His death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Young rose to fame as the title character in the Disney Channel series ‘The Famous Jett Jackson’. Later in his career, he became a series regular on the police drama ‘Rizzoli & Isles’ playing Detective Barry Frost. His family later revealed that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and suffered from depression.

Chance Perdomo

Chance Perdomo died at the age of 27 on March 30, 2024, as the result of a motorcycle accident. No other individuals were involved in the crash that took the actor’s life. Perdomo gained international recognition for his role as Ambrose Spellman in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. He also starred as Andre Anderson in the superhero series ‘Gen V’. His sudden passing led to a delay in the production of the second season of his current television project.

Angus Cloud

Angus Cloud was 25 years old when he died on July 31, 2023, at his family’s home in Oakland, California. The cause of death was an accidental overdose involving a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Cloud was best known for his breakout role as Fezco in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. He had also completed work on several films, including ‘Abigail’, which were released posthumously. His death came just one week after the burial of his father in Ireland.

Sawyer Sweeten

Sawyer Sweeten passed away at the age of 19 on April 23, 2015, while visiting family in Texas. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sweeten was a child star known for playing Geoffrey Barone on the long-running sitcom ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’. He appeared on the show alongside his twin brother, Sullivan, and older sister, Madylin, from the age of 16 months. He had largely stepped away from the spotlight after the series concluded in 2005.

Raphaël Coleman

Raphaël Coleman was 25 years old when he died on February 6, 2020. He collapsed while out on a jog and suffered from heart failure despite having no prior health issues. Coleman was known for his role as Eric Brown in the 2005 film ‘Nanny McPhee’. As an adult, he had largely transitioned away from acting to become an environmental activist and wildlife biologist. He worked extensively with the group Extinction Rebellion under the name Iggy Fox.

Jackson Odell

Jackson Odell died at the age of 20 on June 8, 2018, at a sober living facility in Tarzana, California. The cause of death was an accidental overdose of cocaine and heroin. Odell had a recurring role as Ari Caldwell on the ABC sitcom ‘The Goldbergs’ and appeared in ‘Modern Family’. He was also a talented singer and songwriter who contributed music to the soundtrack of the film ‘Forever My Girl’. His family noted that he had struggled with addiction for several years.

Jansen Panettiere

Jansen Panettiere was 28 years old when he died on February 19, 2023, at his home in New York. His death was attributed to an enlarged heart combined with aortic valve complications. He was the younger brother of actress Hayden Panettiere and followed her into the industry as a child. Panettiere had roles in projects such as ‘Even Stevens’, ‘The Walking Dead’, and the film ‘The Last Day of Summer’. In addition to acting, he was an accomplished artist who frequently shared his work on social media.

Harry Hains

Harry Hains was 27 years old when he passed away on January 7, 2020. His death was caused by fentanyl intoxication complicated by other factors. Hains appeared in ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ and the Netflix series ‘The OA’. He was also a model and musician who performed under the name Antiboy. His mother, actress Jane Badler, publicly discussed his struggles with mental health and addiction following his death.

Tyler Sanders

Tyler Sanders died at the age of 18 on June 16, 2022, at his home in Los Angeles. The cause of death was an accidental fentanyl overdose. Sanders was an Emmy-nominated actor known for his work in ‘Just Add Magic: Mystery City’. He also made appearances in ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ and ‘The Rookie’. Sanders began his acting career at the age of 10 and was considered a promising young talent in the television industry.

Logan Williams

Logan Williams was 16 years old when he died on April 2, 2020, in British Columbia, Canada. His death was the result of an accidental fentanyl overdose. Williams was best known for playing the young Barry Allen on the CW series ‘The Flash’. He also appeared in ‘When Calls the Heart’ and ‘Supernatural’. His mother revealed that he had been battling addiction for several years prior to his passing.

Lee Ji-han

Lee Jihan died at the age of 24 on October 29, 2022, during the Halloween crowd crush in Itaewon, Seoul. He was one of the many victims caught in the tragic incident that occurred in a narrow alleyway. Jihan gained popularity as a contestant on the reality competition show ‘Produce 101’ Season 2. He had recently moved into acting and was filming the series ‘The Season of Kkokdu’ at the time of his death. His agency confirmed that he had been cast as the ex-boyfriend of the lead character.

Cha In-ha

Cha In-ha was 27 years old when he was found dead at his home on December 3, 2019. The exact cause of death was not publicly released by his family or local authorities. Cha was a member of the actor group Surprise U and appeared in several South Korean dramas. His notable credits included ‘The Banker’ and ‘Love with Flaws’. The latter series was still airing at the time of his passing, and the production team decided to air his scenes as planned.

Matthew Garber

Matthew Garber died at the age of 21 on June 13, 1977, at a hospital in London. The cause of death was pancreatitis, which had reportedly developed following a case of hepatitis contracted in India. Garber was a child star best known for playing Michael Banks in the 1964 film ‘Mary Poppins’. He appeared in three films alongside co-star Karen Dotrice, including ‘The Three Lives of Thomasina’. He was posthumously named a Disney Legend in 2004.

Justin Pierce

Justin Pierce was 25 years old when he died on July 10, 2000, in a hotel room in Las Vegas. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging. Pierce gained fame for his role as Casper in the controversial 1995 independent film ‘Kids’. He also appeared in the comedy ‘Next Friday’ alongside Ice Cube. Born in London and raised in New York, he was a professional skateboarder before pursuing a career in acting.

Christopher Pettiet

Christopher Pettiet passed away at the age of 24 on April 12, 2000, in Los Angeles. The cause of death was an accidental overdose of combined drugs, including cocaine and propoxyphene. Pettiet was known for his role as Zach Crandell in the 1991 comedy ‘Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead’. He also appeared in the television series ‘The Young Riders’ and the film ‘Point Break’. A scholarship fund was created in his name at the acting studio where he trained.

Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur died at the age of 25 on September 13, 1996, six days after being wounded in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. The cause of death was internal bleeding resulting from multiple gunshot wounds. While primarily known as a legendary rapper, Shakur was also an accomplished actor with leading roles in ‘Juice’ and ‘Poetic Justice’. He received critical praise for his dramatic range and presence on screen. His final film roles in ‘Gridlock’d’ and ‘Gang Related’ were released after his death.

Freddie Prinze

Freddie Prinze was 22 years old when he died on January 29, 1977, in Los Angeles. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though his death was later legally ruled accidental due to his history of playing with guns. Prinze was the star of the hit sitcom ‘Chico and the Man’, making him one of the youngest breakout stars in television history. He was a pioneer for Hispanic actors in mainstream American comedy. His son, Freddie Prinze Jr., also went on to become a successful actor.

Josh Ryan Evans

Josh Ryan Evans passed away at the age of 20 on August 5, 2002, in a hospital in San Diego. He died from complications during a medical procedure for a congenital heart condition. Evans was best known for his portrayal of Timmy, the living doll, on the soap opera ‘Passions’. He also appeared as the young Grinch in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’. Despite his small stature due to achondroplasia, he was celebrated for his immense screen presence and comedic timing.

Joey Morgan

Joey Morgan was 28 years old when he died on November 21, 2021. The cause of death was not immediately released to the public by his representatives or family. Morgan was known for his role as Augie Foster in the 2015 comedy ‘Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse’. He also appeared in films such as ‘Flower’ and ‘Compadres’. His ‘Scouts Guide’ director, Christopher Landon, described him as a brilliant and deeply sensitive person.

Kim Jong-hyun

Kim Jong-hyun died at the age of 27 on December 18, 2017, at a studio apartment in Seoul. The cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning from a coal briquette in a suspected suicide. While a member of the boy band SHINee, he also appeared in variety shows and music-related film projects. He was highly regarded as a songwriter and producer within the K-pop industry. His family later established a foundation to support young artists struggling with their mental health.

Moon Bin

Moonbin was 25 years old when he was found dead at his home on April 19, 2023. While the official cause of death was not explicitly detailed by his family, police investigated it as a possible suicide. Moonbin was a member of the K-pop group ASTRO and started his career as a child actor in ‘Boys Over Flowers’. He had recently returned to acting in the web series ‘The Mermaid Prince’. His passing led to an outpouring of grief from the global music and television community.

Sidhu Moose Wala

Sidhu Moose Wala was 28 years old when he was killed on May 29, 2022, in Mansa, Punjab. He was fatally shot while driving his vehicle by unidentified assailants in a gang-related attack. Although predominantly a famous singer and rapper, he had also ventured into acting with films like ‘Moosa Jatt’ and ‘Yes I Am Student’. He was a significant figure in Punjabi culture and the Indian entertainment scene. His death sparked national outrage and calls for justice regarding artist security.

Kunal Singh

Kunal Singh was 22 years old when he died on February 7, 2008, at his apartment in Mumbai. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging, though his family initially contested the findings. Singh rose to fame with his performance in the 1999 Tamil film ‘Kadhalar Dhinam’, which became a massive hit. He struggled to maintain his stardom in the years following his debut but continued to work in regional cinema. He was working as a producer at the time of his passing.

David Strickland

David Strickland was 29 years old when he died on March 22, 1999, in Las Vegas. He died by suicide in a hotel room during a break from filming his television series. Strickland was a regular on the NBC sitcom ‘Suddenly Susan’ playing the character Todd Stities. He also appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Forces of Nature’ alongside Sandra Bullock. His death was addressed in a special episode of his sitcom, which served as a tribute to his life and work.

Barry Brown

Barry Brown died at the age of 27 on June 25, 1978, at his home in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. The cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Brown was a classically trained actor who gained fame for his role as Frederick Winterbourne in ‘Daisy Miller’. He also starred in the Western ‘Bad Company’ alongside Jeff Bridges. In addition to acting, he was a noted film historian and writer who contributed to various cinematic publications.

Robert Francis

Robert Francis was 25 years old when he died on July 31, 1955, in Burbank, California. He died in a plane crash shortly after taking off in a private aircraft he was piloting. Francis had been hailed as a major new talent following his debut in the 1954 film ‘The Caine Mutiny’. He followed this with roles in ‘The Bamboo Prison’ and ‘The Long Gray Line’. His career lasted only one year, during which he appeared in four major motion pictures.

James Hayden

James Hayden died at the age of 29 on November 8, 1983, in New York City. The cause of death was a heroin overdose shortly after he had performed in a Broadway play. Hayden was best known for his role as Patrick ‘Patsy’ Goldberg in the epic film ‘Once Upon a Time in America’. He was a close friend and frequent collaborator of Al Pacino, appearing with him in ‘American Buffalo’. His death occurred at a time when he was being recognized as one of the finest young stage actors in New York.

Ross Alexander

Ross Alexander was 29 years old when he died on January 2, 1937, in Los Angeles. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his home. Alexander was a successful leading man during the 1930s, starring in films like ‘Captain Blood’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. He was considered a rising star at Warner Bros. and was known for his charm and vocal ability. Despite his career success, he reportedly suffered from severe depression and personal difficulties.

Merlin Santana

Merlin Santana died at the age of 26 on November 9, 2002, in Los Angeles. He was fatally shot while sitting in a car, an incident that was later determined to be a case of mistaken identity. Santana was best known for his role as Romeo Santana on ‘The Steve Harvey Show’. He also had a recurring role as Stanley on ‘The Cosby Show’ during his childhood. His death led to a high-profile trial and conviction of the individuals responsible for the shooting.

Johnny Lewis

Johnny Lewis was 28 years old when he died on September 26, 2012, in Los Angeles. He died from a fall or jump from a rooftop following an altercation that resulted in the death of his landlady. Lewis was known for his role as Kip ‘Half-Sack’ Epps in the first two seasons of ‘Sons of Anarchy’. He had also appeared in ‘The O.C.’ and the film ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’. His family stated that he had suffered from undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries and mental health issues prior to the tragedy.

Norman Chaney

Norman Chaney was 18 years old when he passed away on May 29, 1936, in Baltimore. His death was attributed to complications from surgery related to a glandular ailment that caused his excessive weight. Chaney was a famous child actor who played ‘Chubby’ in the ‘Our Gang’ short film series from 1929 to 1931. He was the first replacement for Joe Cobb and appeared in some of the series’ most famous early sound films. He had retired from acting and returned to regular schooling several years before his death.

Bobby Hutchins

Bobby Hutchins died at the age of 20 on May 17, 1945, at Merced Army Air Field in California. He was killed in a mid-air collision while participating in a training exercise during his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Hutchins was a child star known as ‘Wheezer’ in the ‘Our Gang’ series, appearing in 58 episodes between 1927 and 1933. After leaving the film industry, he focused on his education and eventually joined the military during World War II. He was scheduled to graduate from pilot training just one week after the accident.

Robert Harron

Robert Harron was 27 years old when he died on September 5, 1920, in a hospital in New York. He died from a gunshot wound that was officially ruled an accident while he was unpacking a trunk in a hotel room. Harron was a major star of the silent film era and a favorite of director D.W. Griffith. He starred in classic films such as ‘Intolerance’ and ‘The Birth of a Nation’. At the time of his death, he was one of the most popular and respected young leading men in Hollywood.

Eddie Cochran

Eddie Cochran was 21 years old when he died on April 17, 1960, in Bath, Somerset, England. He died from severe head injuries sustained in a taxi crash while he was on tour in the United Kingdom. While famous as a rock and roll musician, Cochran appeared in several films including ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’ and ‘Untamed Youth’. He was considered a multitalented performer who significantly influenced both the music and film industries of the 1950s. A plaque was later placed at the site of the crash to commemorate his life.

Ritchie Valens

Richie Valens passed away at the age of 17 on February 3, 1959, in an airplane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. The incident, which also took the lives of Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper, became known as The Day the Music Died. Valens had recently made his film debut in the musical ‘Go, Johnny, Go!’ and was a rising star in both music and media. His life was later the subject of the 1987 biographical film ‘La Bamba’. He remains one of the most influential young performers in the history of rock and roll.

Which of these actors’ performances do you think had the greatest impact on cinema or television history? Please share your thoughts in the comments.