Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women. In this video, we pay
tribute to some of the beloved and well-known celebrities who have died of lung cancer.
Actress Valerie Harper charmed sitcom audiences in the 1970s.
She starred as Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and its spinoff,
“Rhoda.” Valerie Harper died August 30, 2019, of lung
cancer that metastasized into her brain, at the age of 80.
Actor Paul Newman was one of the most beloved stars of all time.
His long list of iconic movies includes “The Hustler,” “Cool Hand Luke,” and “The
Sting.” Paul Newman died September 26, 2008, of lung
cancer at the age of 83. Singer and songwriter Donna Summer was known
as the Queen of Disco. Her smash hit singles included “Bad Girls”
and “Hot Stuff.” Donna Summer died May 17, 2012, of lung cancer
at the age of 63. Actor Peter Fonda was a hero of 1960s counterculture.
He co-wrote and starred in the iconic film “Easy Rider.”
Peter Fonda died August 16, 2019, of lung cancer at the age of 79.
Radio host Rush Limbaugh was one of the most prominent voices of conservative politics.
“The Rush Limbaugh Show” was the most popular talk radio show in the United States
for more than 30 years. Rush Limbaugh died February 17, 2021, of lung
cancer at the age of 70. Singer and actor Lou Rawls won three Grammy
Awards for his smooth R&B music. Music lovers still groove to his 1976 hit,
“You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.” Lou Rawls died January 6, 2006, of lung cancer
at the age of 72. Actress Jean Simmons was a 20th century movie
icon. She starred in films including “Guys and
Dolls” and “The Robe,” and in the TV miniseries “The Thornbirds.”
Jean Simmons died January 22, 2010, of lung cancer at the age of 80.
Actor Don Knotts cracked up TV audiences on “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Three’s
Company.” He was just as funny on the big screen, in
films like “The Incredible Mr. Limpet.” Don Knotts died February 24, 2006, of pneumonia
related to lung cancer, at the age of 81. Dancer, singer, and actress Ann Miller was
one of the great stars of classic movie musicals. Her star turns included “Easter Parade”
and “On the Town.” Ann Miller died January 22, 2004. Of lung
cancer at the age of 80. Singer and songwriter George Harrison became
a superstar as lead guitarist for the Beatles. He went on to a solo career with hits including
“My Sweet Lord” and “All Those Years Ago.”
George Harrison died November 29, 2001, of lung cancer that spread to his brain, at the
age of 58. Baseball player Joe DiMaggio was an icon of
the New York Yankees. He earned his nickname, Joltin’ Joe, in
a record-breaking 56-game hitting streak. Joe DiMaggio died March 8, 1999, of lung cancer
at the age of 84. Actress Audrey Meadows was one of the first
sitcom stars in TV history. She played Alice Kramden on “The Honeymooners,”
the classic comedy about life as a married couple.
Audrey Meadows died February 3, 1996, of lung cancer at the age of 73.
Actor and musician Desi Arnaz helped bring Cuban music to the U.S. as the bandleader
of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra. He went on to star in the iconic sitcom “I
Love Lucy” alongside his wife, Lucille Ball. Desi Arnaz died December 2, 1986, of lung
cancer at the age of 69. Actor Yul Brynner was known for movies including
“The Ten Commandments” and “The Magnificent Seven.”
He won two Tony Awards and an Oscar when he starred in “The King and I” on Broadway
and on the silver screen. Yul Brynner died October 10, 1985, of lung
cancer, at the age of 65. Musician Duke Ellington was an icon of jazz
and big band music. The pianist and bandleader composed classic
tunes including “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing” and “Sophisticated
Lady.” Duke Ellington died May 24, 1974, of lung
cancer at the age of 75. Actress Betty Grable starred in movies like
“Down Argentine Way” and “How to Marry a Millionaire.”
Known for her “million dollar legs,” she was the most popular pinup star of World War
II. Betty Grable died July 2, 1973, of lung cancer
at the age of 56. Musician and actor Nat King Cole is remembered
for all-time great songs including “The Christmas Song” and “Route 66.”
His posthumous duet with his daughter, “Unforgettable,” was a hit 25 years after his death.
Nat King Cole died February 15, 1965, of lung cancer at the age of 45.
The American Cancer Society reports that the number of deaths from lung cancer is currently
dropping, due to people stopping smoking and advances in early detection and treatment.
You can read more about the lives of the people featured in this video on Legacy.com.
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