16 Movies And Television Shows That Lost Their Star In The Middle Of Production
Once an actor or actress makes their onscreen debut, they become an instant hit. Not only do they have newfound fame, but they score legions of fans. Most of these celebrities go on to have a long life, thriving with success. However, there's been some instances where tragedy strikes and end's the life of the celebrity.
A lot of celebrities have had their careers cut short because of a tragedy. Marilyn Monroe and James Dean are a pair of Hollywood screen legends, who died too early. While they went on to become icons, many have wondered what their careers would've been like if they were alive today.
A celebrity's passing has an impact on everyone, from their peers in Hollywood to their fans across the world. Most of the time, a celebrity's death is unexpected and in a few instances, their passing occurred during a production. When this happens, the producers and directors had to scramble to come up with a solution. Whether it's rewritten the script or bringing in another actor to fill the role, a lot of work goes into making sure the film gets completed.
One recent celebrity passing that caused a halt in production is Carrie Fisher, who was reprising her role as Princess Leia in the latest Star Wars film. Yet, like as the old saying goes “the show must go on.” So let's take a look at the celebrities who passed away in the middle of a production, and how the producers completed the filming.
16 Heather O'Rourke: Poltergeist's Young Star Finished The Third Film
Child star Heather O'Rourke became a sensation when she portrayed the role of Carol Anne in Poltergeist. The blonde girl's performance in the opening scene where she announces “they're here” is considered one of the greatest moments in cinema history. The film would go on to be a box-office success and Heather was on her way to becoming a star.
She would guest star on a few shows and was cast in a few made to TV movies, but the Poltergeist franchise would be her biggest success. She reprised her role as Carol Anne in the film's two sequels. During the filming of the third film, Heather became ill, yet managed to complete filming. However, a few weeks later the young girl passed away.
Although she had completed most of her scenes, the director reshot the last scenes with the help of a stand-in and special effects.
15 Heath Ledger: Three Actors Took Over His Last Role
Heath Ledger rose to fame when he was cast in the romance comedy 10 Things I Hate About You. He went on to have a steady career with films such as The Patriot, Monster's Ball, and Brokeback Mountain. Ledger proved that he was more than a pretty face, he had talent. He received many honors for his work, including a posthumous Academy Award for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight.
In 2008, Ledger tragically passed away due to an overdose. Shortly, after his death The Dark Knight was released. Although many consider that to be his most prominent role, it wasn't his last. Ledger was in the middle of filming The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus when his death occurred. To complete the final scenes the writers tweaked the script as directors enlisted the help of actors Jude Law, Colin Farrell, and Johnny Depp to carry on Ledger's role
14 Paul Walker: Fast And Furious Franchise Wouldn't Be The Same Without Him
Prior to making it big as a star, Paul Walker had bit parts in small movies such as Varsity Blues and Pleasantville. But it was his role as Brian O'Connor in the 2001 The Fast and the Furious that gained him instant fame. Paul's onscreen chemistry with co-star Vin Diesel is one of the reasons he and the film became a success. He would go on to reprise his role in five more installments of the movie's franchise.
It was while filming Furious 7 that tragedy struck. Walker and a friend were killed in a car crash. The actor's death was a huge shock to fans and the producers of Furious 7 halted production to determine how to continue. With a few script revisions along with the help of Paul's brothers, they were able to complete the film in a way to pay tribute to Paul and his character.
13 Carrie Fisher: Tribute To An Iconic Princess
As the daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, Carrie Fisher was born into Hollywood royalty. Following in her parents' footsteps, Carrie created a successful career for herself. Her biggest break came when she was cast in the iconic role of Princess Leia in the Stars Wars movie franchise. The first three films starring Fisher earned billions of dollars at the box office and is considered one of the greatest all-time films.
In 2015, Fisher would once again portray Princess Leia in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Her role not only was a hit with longtime fans but also brought in a new generation. She had just completed filming Star Wars: The Last Jedi and was in talks to star in the next installment when she passed away in December 2016.
After Fisher's death, George Lucas paid tribute to Carrie and her iconic role at the end of The Last Jedi.
12 Chris Farley: Was Original Voice Of Shrek
Like a few of his fellow comedians, Chris Farley rose to fame on Saturday Night Live. His jolly exterior along with his over-the-top humorous antics made him a hit with fans. After nearly five years with the show, Farley announced his departure to focus on a film career. He teamed up with his good friend, actor David Spade for the comedies Tommy Boy and Black Sheep.
In 1997, he had begun working on what could've been his biggest role. Farley was set to do the voice of the lovable ogre Shrek in the animated movie. He had already recorded most of his dialogue when he passed away suddenly in December 1997.
Following his death, former SNL co-star and good friend Mike Myers was cast as the new Shrek. The producers also rewrote the dialogue to fit Mike's style.
11 Cory Monteith: Glee Wrote His Death Into The Show
Like many actors, early in his career, Cory Monteith could only land tiny parts in movies and TV shows. But in 2009, his big break would come when he landed a lead role on the new Fox show Glee. Portraying the character of high-school quarterback Finn Hudson, Monteith showed off his acting and musical talent on the hit show. Not only did Cory gain fame from the show, but he also found love with co-star Lea Michele.
After the filming of season four was completed, tragedy struck when Cory passed away at the age of 31. As season five was about to start shooting, producers and writers discussed how to continue without Cory. Michele was vocal and adamant about continuing to film after her love passed away. The final decision was made to kill off the character of Finn. In one of the early episodes of the new season, the writers paid tribute to both Cory and his famous character as the Glee club members remember him.
10 Bruce Lee: Film Released Years After His Death
When he was just a teen Bruce Lee left his home in Hong Kong to start a new life in America. Setting down roots in San Francisco, he would begin a famed career as an actor and martial arts pioneer. By the 1970s, he became a breakout star with films such as Fists of Fury and Enter the Dragon. Lee's martial arts skills became popular with audiences, who flocked to the theater to see the star in action.
In 1973, Lee was ready to resume shooting for the film The Game of Death when he passed away at the age of 32. The producers of the film decided to continue on with the help of a plot rewrite and the addition of two stand-ins for Lee's role. The movie was released five years after Lee's passing and became a huge hit.
9 John Candy: Lovable Comedian Brought Humor In Wagon's East
Throughout the 80s and 90s, John Candy was one of Hollywood's famous comedians. His chubby appearance along with his comedic chops made him a hit with fans. Films such as Spaceballs, Uncle Buck, and Home Alone had audiences of all ages falling in love with the actor. Whether he was doing family friendly movies or serious adult comedies, Candy's presence commanded the screen.
Sadly, John Candy's life was cut short in 1994 when he passed away from a heart attack. At the time, Candy was filming the comedy Wagons East, which was about a wagon master leading a group of settlers to their new home. The film was only a few days away from completion when Candy's death occurred. With the help of a stand-in and a few rewrites to the script, John Candy's final film was completed.
8 James Dean: Received Academy Award Nomination For Final Film
In the 1950s, James Dean was a Hollywood heartthrob. Not only was he a handsome man, but he had tremendous talent. His big break came when he starred in the 1955 film East of Eden. The movie earned him a Golden Globe and made Hollywood take notice. Soon every executive wanted to hire him. Dean's success continued with his next movie Rebel Without a Cause. Then in 1955, he was cast in the film Giant, which co-starred Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson. Filming had just finished wrapping when James Dean was killed in a car crash.
The director and producers didn't have to do much since Dean had finished most of his scenes, but they did bring in actor Nick Adams to help with voiceover work for Dean's character. Giant was released a year after his death and James Dean would receive a posthumous Academy Award nomination for his role.
7 John Ritter: Funny Man Continued To Entertain With New Show
In the 1970s and early 1980s, comedian John Ritter became a star with his role as Jack Tripper on the show Three's Company. His performance on the show would earn him an Emmy Award along with a Golden Globe win. Following the show's cancellation in 1984, he continues to work steadily with roles in other TV shows and a few movies.
In 2002, Ritter returned to television with the show 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. The show also featured Katey Sagal and a young Kaley Cuoco. The show became a success and was renewed for a second season. However, a few weeks into filming the new season, Ritter passed away. The producers of the show decided to write his character's death into the show. Despite James Garner and David Spade being brought in to fill the void, the show was canceled after it's the third season.
6 Phil Hartman: TV Show Axed His Character
When Phil Hartman joined Saturday Night Live in 1986, little did he know that it would jumpstart his career as an actor and comedian. His portrayals of Bill Clinton and Frank Sinatra were a hit with viewers and critics. Soon Phil would be trading New York for Hollywood as he landed roles in movies such as Houseguest and Jingle All The Way. He would also voice several characters on The Simpsons and have a lead role on the NBC show NewsRadio.
In 1998, at the height of his career, Phil Hartman was tragically killed. Following his death, Simpsons creators decided not to include his characters on the show anymore. As for NewsRadio, the writers had Hartman's character die and Jon Lovitz was later brought in as a replacement.
5 Natalie Wood: Final Film Was Completed When Sister Took Over The Role
Natalie Wood's career began when she was a young child. She made her film debut in the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. She would go on to have a successful career as a leading actress in films such as Rebel Without A Cause, West Side Story, and Splendor in the Grass. By the late 70s and into the early 80s, Wood's career began to wind down as she wanted to spend more time with her children.
But the acting bug got to Natalie again and she was ready to make a comeback. She was in the middle of starring alongside Christopher Walken in the sci-fi flick Brainstorm when she tragically passed away. The filming was halted and studio executives contemplated shelving the film, but the director pleaded with them to continue on. With the studio's permission, filming was completed with the help of Natalie's sister, Lana Wood.
4 Marilyn Monroe: Blonde Bombshell's Final Movie Was Never Completed
The blonde bombshell is the epitome of a Hollywood starlet. Her gorgeous looks along with her talent made her a success on and off screen. From the 1940s to 1960s, she was in demand. Every studio wanted to cast her in their films. With iconic roles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, and The Seven Year Itch; it's no surprise why she was one of the most sought-after actresses of that time.
Sadly, the actress' life was cut short when she passed away in August 1962. Prior to her death, Marilyn was filming a movie called Something's Gotta Give. However, production of the film was met with difficulties due to Monroe skipping filming. Producers got so fed up with her behavior that she was fired. They tried to move on with different actresses, but due to financial strain, the studio eventually shelved the film.
3 Philip Seymour Hoffman: Hunger Games Star's Last Scenes Had To Be Rewritten
During the early days of his career, Philip Seymour Hoffman was known more as a supporting actor than leading man. Fans remember him best from his roles in Twister and Boogie Nights. But by the mid-2000s, he'd slowly made the transition into a critically acclaimed lead actor. His biggest role would come in 2005 when he played the title character in Capote. The film earned him a slew of awards including an Oscar.
After the success of Capote, Hoffman's career continued to grow. In 2013, he was cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in the film adaption of The Hunger Games sequel. He would reprise the role in the film's other two installments. However, during filming Mockingjay Part 2, Hoffman passed away.
Hoffman had completed most of the major scenes, but to complete the remaining ones, the producers rewrote the script to pay tribute to his Hunger Games character.
2 Brandon Lee: The Crow Was His Most Famous Role
As the son of martial arts king/actor Bruce Lee, it's no surprise that Brandon Lee would follow in his father's footsteps. At just the age of 20, he began his acting career by landing bit parts in television shows and B-Movies. But his career slowly began to take off when he starred in the 1992 movie Rapid Fire. A few months later he was cast in his most famous role, which would sadly be his last.
Lee would play Eric Draven in the film adaption of the popular comic book The Crow. Filming was nearly complete when Lee was accidentally shot during one of the scenes. After the death of Brandon Lee, the director used stunt doubles to complete the final scenes. The film was released a year after Brandon's death, and it went on to become a box-office and critical success.
1 Larry Hagman: JR Ewing Was Laid To Rest
For thirteen years, Larry Hagman portrayed the legendary role of JR Ewing on the nighttime soap opera Dallas. Hagman's portrayal of the ruthless oil businessman made him and the character popular with the show's fans. After the show ended in 1991, Hagman guest starred in a few TV shows but didn't have any big-time roles.
In 2012, Hagman would once again wear a cowboy hat to reprise in the role as JR in the new Dallas reboot. Reunited with his co-stars Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray, they along with the younger stars made the reboot a success. Just as the show was gearing up for a second season, Larry Hagman passed away at the age of 81.
He had already filmed a few episodes and writer tried to figure out a plan for the character.They finally decided to pay homage to the original Dallas having a murder mystery surrounding JR's death.