On July 29, 1974, Cass Elliot—better known to the world as Mama Cass, the powerhouse vocalist from The Mamas and the Papas—died in her London flat at just 32 years old. Her sudden passing marked the end of a career that had helped define the sound of the 1960s, with her warm, soaring vocals and magnetic presence shaping an era of folk-pop harmony and counterculture cool. From her breakout success with hits like “California Dreamin’” to her groundbreaking solo career and status as a trailblazing woman in rock, Cass Elliot’s life was filled with triumph, turmoil, and transformation.
Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman
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24:13
Ep. 113 - Michelle Trachtenberg
On February 26, 2025, Michelle Trachtenberg – the beloved actress whose memorable roles in Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl made her a standout talent of her generation – passed away from complications related to diabetes at the age of 39. Trachtenberg's passing was a heartbreaking loss to those who knew and admired her, following years of struggle with mental illness and the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, but her legacy remains as a gifted performer who left a lasting impact on both television and film.
Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman
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21:44
Ep. 112 - Mitch Hedberg
On March 30, 2005, Mitch Hedberg—the cult-favorite standup comedian best known for his surreal one-liners and laid-back delivery—died of a drug overdose at the age of 37. His passing cut short a singular voice in comedy, whose offbeat brilliance and shy charisma earned him a devoted following and the respect of peers across the industry. From his iconic late-night sets to his lasting influence on alternative comedy, Hedberg’s legacy as one of the most original and beloved comics of his generation continues to resonate.
Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman
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23:34
Ep. 111 - James Dean
On September 30, 1955, James Dean—the magnetic actor whose brooding intensity and vulnerable charm captured the spirit of a generation— died in a horrific car crash at the age of 24. Dean’s brief career was defined by iconic roles in Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden, and Giant, where he portrayed complex, emotionally raw characters that embodied a new kind of tortured masculinity rarely seen in American film. Though he only starred in three movies, his performances left an indelible mark on cinema, and his gruesome death at such a young age cemented his mythic status as a symbol of unrealized potential and the fragility of youth.
Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman
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23:10
Ep. 110 - George Steinbrenner
On July 13, 2010, George Steinbrenner—the fiery and relentless owner who turned the New York Yankees into a global juggernaut—died of a heart attack at the age of 80. His passing marked the end of an era defined by his insatiable drive for winning, controversial leadership style, and willingness to spend whatever it took to build a dynasty. From his fierce clashes with managers and players to his transformative impact on modern baseball economics, Steinbrenner’s legacy as one of the most influential—and polarizing—figures in sports history endures.
Hosts: Jason Beckerman & Derek Kaufman
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Last Days explores the final days of some of the biggest icons in sports and entertainment, breaking down precisely what led to the passing of figures who were larger than life but somehow even bigger in death. Derek Kaufman and Jason Beckerman debunk the myths, unpack the tragedies, and tell the real stories behind the most fascinating celebrity deaths.
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