He had just done an HBO special and was finally coming into his own with his blend of philosophy and comedy as seen in his relentless and revelations bit.
He finally had quit smoking but too late to escape lung cancer, which he had throughout his famous final routines, but kept secret from most people.
How about Janice Joplin, Jon Belusi, Jimi Hendrix, (I just started “hearing” him), and Chris Farley.
Your thread made me think a little differently than maybe you might have expected.
I am a high school teacher and coach. Every year, (20), I see wasted talent, academically and athletically. It is so sad, and sometimes it really bothers me, physcially, mentally, and spiritually.
It does however spur me to be a good example to my own kids, work out with them daily, and try to give them sound advice.
First name that pops into my head is Jim Henson. (The Muppet Show, Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, etc.)
He died relatively young–I think he was in his early 50s?–because he was too busy to go to the hospital when he developed some pneumonia-related condition in his lungs.
Really ticks me off to think of all the wonderful fantasy movies that didn’t get made because he didn’t have the sense to take a break.
