Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app

Continue in app Continue in browser

“Bruce Lee”: 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine

ADVERTISEMENT

Different people have different timelines for their achievements. Some, like Colonel Sanders, open their first restaurant at 55, coming to fame late in life. And some manage to become world famous by their early twenties, leave behind a colossal creative legacy - and then pass away like a meteorite in the night sky.

Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Alexander the Great, Jim Morrison, John Belushi - the question is rather that the people around them didn't feel how young they actually were when they passed away. And this viral thread in the AskReddit community is about exactly such people. Many of whom we have already actually outlived...

More info: Reddit

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine The musicians on Titanic, who played on ‘til the end? Most of them were in their early twenties. Young guys with really bright futures ahead of them. Jock Hume, one of the violinists, had a pregnant fiancée back home in Scotland! The oldest was Wallace Hartley, and he was only 33 years old!

Their legend and sacrifice looks a bit different when you realize how young they all were. Brave as hell.

gdmaria , wiki Report

Final score:

61points

Shark bait hoo haha 2 months ago

The one in the upper left picture makes me think of Sheldon Cooper

23points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#2

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Mozart died at 35. He composed over 800 works.

applestem , Barbara Krafft Report

Final score:

57points

Apatheist Account2 2 months ago

He started when he was 4 though.

19points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#3

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Otis Redding was 26. Had just recorded “Dock of the Bay,” but didn’t live to see it released.

Listening to his music, it is absolutely astounding that his incredibly soulful voice belonged to someone so young.

MerryTexMish , Stax Records Report

Final score:

56points

Lost Panda 2 months ago

He actually hadn't finished Dock of the Bay, the whistling was added in lieu of the final verse. Or so I heard.

15points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

In fact, world history knows examples of people who achieved fame at completely different ages - both very young and extremely old. For example, the famous Byzantine commander Narses was an ordinary courtier in the emperor's palace until he was 74 years old - and only by chance did he discover his great military talent.

But still, situations when a person achieves a lot in this life at a relatively early age are much more common. And people manage to do so much in the short time allotted to them on this Earth that later, when we read their biographies, we are actually amazed - did they really die so young?

#4

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Joan of Arc was only 19 when they burned her to death.

Himeh_Canknow , Albert Lynch Report

Final score:

53points

Linda van A. 2 months ago

Every woman with an opinion of her own was a witch.

22points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#5

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Buddy Holly died at 22. He left enough unfinished recordings and transcriptions behind that his label was able to release Buddy Holly singles for 10 years after his death.

probably-the-problem , Brunswick Records Report

Final score:

52points

Serena Myers 2 months ago

"The Day The Music Died"

25points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#6

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Princess Diana, I think she was only 35.

sideeyedi , John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com Report

Final score:

52points

Alexia 2 months ago

36 (on 1st July that year). Still incredibly young

22points

View More Replies...

View more comments

A significant part of the people presented in this list are representatives of art who led, let's say, not the healthiest lifestyle. The so-called "27 Club", which includes celebrities who passed away at this age, has acquired wide (and sad) fame. It is believed that the "27 Club" appeared in the 20th century, but in fact, similar cases occurred earlier.

It's just that the modern world, with its fixation on numbers and celebrities, simply couldn't ignore the fact that three rock'n'roll superstars (Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin) died at the same age, 10 months apart. And later, many began to consider the number "27" almost 'fatal' for the music stars.

#7

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Martin Luther King was only 39. Marilyn Monroe was 36.

Competitive_Crew_983 , Nobel Foundation Report

Final score:

49points

Skogsrået 2 months ago

I read that during Kings autopsy the doctors said his heart was like the heart of a 60 year old man. Can you imagine the stress he must have gone through? Dunno is this is verified though.

15points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#8

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Bruce lee was only 32, crazy right.

mindfulmuserx Report

Final score:

48points

DennyS (denzoren) 2 months ago

Brandon Lee was 28.

20points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

#9

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Van Gogh was only 37 when he died.

choose2hope , Vincent van Gogh Report

Final score:

48points

DennyS (denzoren) 2 months ago

Damn, I'm 36. I've always felt sad he wasn't really recognized while alive.

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

However, deaths at a young age were more of a pattern in the old days - especially considering the state of medicine at the time. "We shouldn't forget that a couple of centuries ago there were no antibiotics or basic hygiene rules - even among doctors during abdominal surgeries," says Valery Bolgan, a historian and editor-in-chief of the Ukrainian news agency Intent, whom Bored Panda asked for a comment here.

"And the average life expectancy in the old days was much shorter - so, for example, Mozart's death, which happened at the age of 35, was not perceived by his contemporaries as something out of the ordinary. Moreover, 35 years at the end of the 18th century was perceived as maturity and a rather respectable age."

And adulthood for many people began much earlier, Valery also says. "Teen years several centuries ago were already considered the age when a person was perceived as a true adult. The same Alexander the Great became a king at the age of 20. It's just now, when people's life expectancy has increased significantly, we perceive history differently."

ADVERTISEMENT

#10

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Freddie Mercury was only 45, I just surpassed him in age.

zerbey , Freddie Nevermore Report

Final score:

48points

Lost Panda 2 months ago

This was the one in my head when I clicked. Was listening to Queen the otherday and thought "Man... the universe where Freddie is still alive got lucky"

25points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#11

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine James Dean was 23.

Impossible_Inside_42 , In-house publicity still Report

Final score:

45points

Nikolka 2 months ago

Such a hot man ♥

11points

View more comments

#12

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison were all 27.

Worldly_Raccoon_479 , WatchMojo.com Report

Final score:

43points

ZuriLovesYou 2 months ago

And Amy Winehouse.

31points

View More Replies...

View more comments

And still, when a person passes away at such a young age, literally in a couple of years, doing so many wonderful things that many of us are not destined to do in our entire lives - this cannot but cause sadness.

So let’s just scroll this list to the very end, pay tribute to the memory of the famous people mentioned here - and maybe try to do something outstanding ourselves. After all, the examples of Narses and Colonel Sanders are also damn inspiring!

ADVERTISEMENT

#13

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Bob Marley was only 36.

12345_PIZZA , 3000deathbringer Report

Final score:

42points

zububonsai 2 months ago (edited)

Note to myself: make an skin doc appointment to get checked (no, seriously, i've always procrastinated in that respect and work outdoors for the last 25 years and up until I was 20 I've never even heard of sun screen lotions, so I had a lot of sun burns in my childhood...)

4points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#14

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine John Candy (uncle Buck) was only 44 when he died.

No-Independence-6842 , Letterman Report

Final score:

42points

Skogsrået 2 months ago

Loved and missed. ❤️

15points

#15

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Steve Irwin was only 44.

“That’s a ripe old age for a Crocodile Hunter!”

-Norm; about 2 days after Steve was killed.

doeldougie , Lexarus Report

Final score:

40points

Mez 2 months ago

Beautiful man....true Aussie legend.

11points

View more comments

#16

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Tupac was only 25 when he died.

SnooCauliflowers5174 , BETNetworks Report

Final score:

39points

Mez 2 months ago

This one hit me.....absolute rap legend. His music is being passed on through the generations, kids today love him.

12points

View more comments

#17

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Elvis. 42.

Active_Beat2222 , Akshat Luthra Report

Final score:

35points

arthbach 2 months ago

This is the first one on the list that surprised me. In his last performances he looks like an old man.

31points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#18

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Franz Kafka was about to turn 41. Most of his works were published after his death and against his last will, so he didn’t even get to see his success.

Judith Barsi was only 10 when she was murdered by her father shortly after finishing her lines for Anne-Marie in "All Dogs Go to Heaven“.

Midnight1899 , wiki Report

Final score:

35points

Stephanie Did It 2 months ago (edited)

Judith Barsi is more famously known as the voice of Ducky in The Land Before Time. Her sweet, lilting voice will always be with us.

23points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#19

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Mama Cass from the Mama's and the Papa's was only 32.

DefendTheStar88x , wiki Report

Final score:

34points

glowworm2 2 months ago

And for the record, no, it wasn’t because she choked on a ham sandwich.

33points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#20

Robert Wadlow - tallest man in the world died of a foot infection at age 22. He went to high school with my husband's grandparents. He was 8' 11.1" tall when he died. He had to go up the stairs at school sideways.

catladyx65 Report

Final score:

33points

Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 months ago

Due to sepsis from a wound on his lower leg. Hard to feel pain and treat it when your head is so far away from your feet...

0points

#21

Ritchie Valens he was 17! Could’ve passed for 30.

CriticalStation595 Report

Final score:

32points

ZuriLovesYou 2 months ago

SEVENTEEN?! He looks 27, at least!

6points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#22

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine John Belushi. Hard to believe he was only 33 and I've out lived him.

Inner_thoughts_loud , wiki Report

Final score:

31points

Julie S 2 months ago

If Robin Williams hadn't given up the d***s he could have gone the same way. They used to get bombed together and go out on the town!

1point

View more comments

#23

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine I always think about John Keats being 25 when he died. From the same disease that killed two members of his family too, he had months of knowing he was dying and even wrote his own gravestone.

waterfoul- , John Keats Report

Final score:

31points

T'Mar of Vulcan 2 months ago

I often think of his poem "When I have fears that I may cease to be". It really gives you perspective.

4points

#24

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Alexander the Great was 32.

klsmv , wiki Report

Final score:

30points

DennyS (denzoren) 2 months ago

Imagine people being like "damn, that guy is great...we should let him know....hey! Alexander, the Great!"

0points

#25

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Still can’t believe Hank Williams Senior was only 29 when he died.

impalamilk , WSM radio Report

Final score:

30points

Robin Roper 2 months ago

Heart failure caused by the combination of alcohol, morphine and chloral hydrate.

5points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#26

Patsy Cline was 30. Plane crash.

gay_aquarian Report

Final score:

30points

Katrina Nixon 2 months ago

Crazy...

10points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#27

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Al Capone was only 48 when he died. He was just 26 when he became the crime boss of Chicago.

WildBad7298 , Chicago Bureau Report

Final score:

29points

geezeronthehill 2 months ago

Syphilis got him.

5points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#28

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Aaliyah. 22.

Septlibra , Mika-photography Report

Final score:

29points

tarryn norwich 2 months ago

I know its not the best movie, but she slayed in Queen of the Damned.

19points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#29

River Phoenix, 23.

dallas_hunter Report

Final score:

29points

Alexia 2 months ago

D**g overdose. The scenes from the movie he was working on at the time are haunting.

7points

View more comments

#30

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine The Notorious BIG was only 24. He always seemed a lot older due to his huge size, deep voice and intimidating presence.

Dabrigstar , BETNetworks Report

Final score:

28points

Josh Hart 2 months ago

Pdiddy strikes again

1point

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

#31

Selena, was only 23 she could have been massive.

Final score:

13points

Stephanie Did It 2 months ago

To her admirers in South Texas and Mexico, she already was. We grieve her still.

8points

#32

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Pocohontas was 22, Sacagawea was 24. They both were influential in American history while enduring abuse from white men (John Smith, John Rolfe, the men who kidnapped Pocohontas and those who forced her to convert to Christianity. Sacagawea’s husband Toussaint Charbonneau).

Middle-Merdale , Simon van de Passe Report

Final score:

13points

Stephanie Did It 2 months ago

Matoaka (Pocahontas) was only a child when the encounter with John Smith took place. There was no romance; Disney studios portrayed a complete lie. She was held hostage by English colonists, forced to convert and had a child amazingly quickly after being married to Rolfe. Displayed as a"civilized savage" in England, she quickly died of a disease that she had no resistance to.

15points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#33

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Sid Vicious was only 21.

vestan--pance , Chicago Art Department c/o: L. Schorr Report

Final score:

12points

Danni 2 months ago (edited)

sorry to all the punk music lovers, But F@ck that guy specifically! he murdered kittens and later his girlfriend. so in my opinion he died too late.

3points

View more comments

#34

Tutankhamun died at 18-19!

Panic_Hamster Report

Final score:

12points

#35

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Jim Croce was 30 when he died in a plane crash.

ExposedTamponString , ABC Television Report

Final score:

11points

Julia Cargile 2 months ago

I love his music.

7points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#36

Judy Garland was only 47.

SobiTheRobot Report

Final score:

11points

Julie S 2 months ago

Same age as I am

1point

#37

"Bruce Lee": 30 People Who Were Much Younger When They Died Than People Actually Imagine Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales and elder brother of Henry VIII, was 15 when he died.

Blackbirds_Garden , wiki Report

Final score:

10points

Roxy222uk 2 months ago

Henry VIII was never meant to be king and wasn't raised to be king, which explains a lot.

12points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#38

Richard III was 32 when he died at the Battle of Bosworth.

revolutionutena Report

Final score:

7points

Robert Trebor 2 months ago

Alexander the Great was 32.

0points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#39

Jon Bonham and Keith Moon were 32.

Cliff Burton was 24.

devolution3 Report

Final score:

7points

Lori Bartlett 2 months ago

Michael Hutchence (lead singer from INXS) - 37 - loved his voice

5points

Oleg Tarasenko

After many years of working as sports journalist and trivia game author and host in Ukraine I joined Bored Panda as a content creator. I do love writing stories and I sincerely believe - there's no dull plots at all. Like a great Italian composer Joaquino Rossini once told: "Give me a police protocol - and I'll make an opera out of it!"

After many years of working as sports journalist and trivia game author and host in Ukraine I joined Bored Panda as a content creator. I do love writing stories and I sincerely believe - there's no dull plots at all. Like a great Italian composer Joaquino Rossini once told: "Give me a police protocol - and I'll make an opera out of it!"

Monika Pašukonytė

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

What do you think ?

Kay Sohn 2 months ago

Izzy (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole), who sang "Over the Rainbow" and played ukelele died at 38. The voice of an angel.

13points

Lost Panda 2 months ago

Chris Farley... Only 33... Could you imagine what other comedic gold he could have made...

13points

john doe 2 months ago

By now he would have made 2 more good movies and about 30 really bad ones. Just going with how most of his SNL alum turned out.

6points

Load More Replies...

Jaya 2 months ago

I do not like these facts. And on an unrelated note: I'm gonna go sit in the corner and cry about how old I apparently already am.

5points

Load More Comments

Kay Sohn 2 months ago

Izzy (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole), who sang "Over the Rainbow" and played ukelele died at 38. The voice of an angel.

13points

Lost Panda 2 months ago

Chris Farley... Only 33... Could you imagine what other comedic gold he could have made...

13points

john doe 2 months ago

By now he would have made 2 more good movies and about 30 really bad ones. Just going with how most of his SNL alum turned out.

6points

Load More Replies...

Jaya 2 months ago

I do not like these facts. And on an unrelated note: I'm gonna go sit in the corner and cry about how old I apparently already am.

5points

Load More Comments

Back to Homepage

More about History

Next in History

Related on Bored Panda

Related on Bored Panda

Trending on Bored Panda

Also on Bored Panda