Celebrity Cancer Deaths

When the world loses a celebrity to a cancer death, it gets another glimpse as to why cancer is one of the top causes of death in the United States. When a celebrity dies from cancer, it usually brings to light reasons why a cure must be found.

Celebrity cancer deaths affect the young and old alike, no matter if he or she was an Academy Award-winning actor or "one-hit wonder" musician. However, the more popular the celebrity, the greater attention his or her death will receive in the news.

Take a walk back in time with these celebrities whose lives were cut short by cancer.

Paul Newman

The world mourned "Ol' Blue Eyes" -- aka Academy Award-winning actor Paul Newman -- when he died from lung cancer September 26, 2008. The actor, philanthropist and race car driver was 83 years old.

Randy Pausch

Instead of fearing death, Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor, embraced it by giving what he called "The Last Lecture," a talk that would touch millions. Sadly, he died from pancreatic cancer on July 25, 2008 at the young age of 47.

Sydney Pollack

Legendary Oscar-winning director and actor Sydney Pollack lost his battle with stomach cancer on May 26, 2008 at the age of 65.

Suzanne Pleshette

Suzanne Pleshette, known for her roles on the stage, screen and television, passed away from lung cancer at the age of 70 on January 19, 2008. Her list of credits include The Bob Newhart Show, The Boys are Back and Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds''.

Merv Griffin

Hollywood entertainer Merv Griffin was 82 years old when he died from prostate cancer on August 12, 2007.

Peter Jennings

ABC's World News Tonight lost a dear friend August 7, 2005, when legendary newsman Peter Jennings succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 67.

Anne Bancroft

The illustrious Anne Bancroft was known for her work on Broadway as well as the silver screen in such classics as The Miracle Worker and The Graduate. Bancroft died from uterine cancer on June 6, 2005 at 73 years old.

Johnnie Cochran

Los Angeles, California, lawyer Johnnie Cochran made history as OJ Simpson's defense attorney in 1995's "trial of the century." Cochran was 67 when he died from brain cancer on March 29, 2005.

Linda McCartney

Musician Linda McCartney was known not only for her marriage to Beatle Paul McCartney, but for her work as a photographer and her efforts as an animal activist. At 56, she died from breast cancer on April 17, 1998.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Esteemed former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died May 19, 1994 from cancer of the lymphatic system. She was 64.

John Wayne

This legendary award-winning film actor was 72 when he died from lung cancer on June 11, 1979.

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