Remembering 23 famous people who died from AIDS
03/11/16
23 Celebrities Who Lost Their Battle With AIDS
Decades after the epidemic of the 1980s, HIV remains a somber reality. HIV and AIDS do not discriminate when it comes to income, race, or sexuality, and learning of celebrities who died from AIDS seemed as commonplace as bearing the loss of friends and family. The stories of the following 23 individuals taught many that lesson, and many of these celebrities made it their mission to inform as many as possible about HIV's universal threat.
Rock Hudson (1925-1985)
Rock Hudson was Hollywood's ultimate leading man throughout the 1950s and '60s. He was famous for his onscreen romances with actresses like Doris Day, Julie Andrews, and longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor.
What nearly all of his fans didn’t know was that Hudson was also gay, and he took steps to protect his sexual identity and his career. Like many closeted stars of the era, he briefly married to mask his homosexuality
When Hudson died of AIDS-related complications in 1985, his death caused a mini-panic in Hollywood. Hudson was the first major Hollywood star to die of the illness, but controversy also arose because one of his last roles on the prime-time soap Dynasty required a long kiss with co-star Linda Evans. Evans was not angry at Hudson for not disclosing his HIV status, but others were not so educated and understanding.
In response to the loss of her beloved friend, Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research and later the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)
Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant and charismatic lead singer of the iconic rock band Queen, was widely known within the music industry for his bisexuality. As his health declined due to AIDS, a visibly frail Mercury made a poignant final appearance in the music video for “These Are the Days of Our Lives,” a reflective song that seemed to foreshadow his impending death. The video, released in 1991, served as a heartbreaking farewell to his fans.
Mercury's battle with AIDS ended in 1991 when he succumbed to bronchopneumonia, a complication arising from the disease. His death came just a day after he publicly confirmed his AIDS diagnosis, a courageous act that helped raise awareness about the disease at a time when stigma and misinformation were rampant.
“Following enormous conjecture in the press, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private in order to protect the privacy of those around me,” Mercury wrote in the open letter to his fans. “However, the time has now come for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth, and I hope everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease.”
In recognition of his extraordinary talent, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 18th on their prestigious list of the 100 greatest singers of all time in 2010, solidifying his place among the most iconic vocalists in music history.
Anthony Perkins (1932-1992)
Anthony Perkins, the actor best known for his portrayal of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thriller Psycho. While his role as the troubled and homicidal hotel owner solidified his place in cinematic history, Perkins’s career was already flourishing long before he donned Bates’s persona, having been nominated for both a Tony Award and an Academy Award, and receiving a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
Throughout his life, Anthony Perkins' personal relationships were a subject of interest and speculation. He was known to have engaged in close, romantic relationships with both women and men, including the celebrated composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, though these reports remain unconfirmed.
As Perkins’s health declined due to complications from AIDS, he offered an insightful perspective on the disease. In a statement released before his passing, he said that while some perceived AIDS as divine retribution, he saw it as an opportunity for humanity. He believed that the disease was “sent to teach people how to love and understand and have compassion for each other.”
Anthony Perkins died in 1992 from AIDS-related pneumonia. He was surrounded by his wife, Berry Berenson, and his two sons at the time of his death. Sadly, Berenson was one of the passengers on the ill-fated American Airlines Flight 11, which was hijacked and crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. She was 53.
Arthur Ashe (1943-1993)
Arthur Ashe broke barriers on and off the court throughout his career. He was the first African American tennis player to be selected for the U.S. Davis Cup team, and the only Black man to win singles titles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open.
Ashe contracted HIV from a blood transfusion during heart surgery. In 1992, he announced his condition to the world and founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health.
Ashe's battle with AIDS ended in 1993 when he succumbed to AIDS-related pneumonia. In recognition of his significant contributions to humanity, President Bill Clinton posthumously awarded Ashe the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was also honored with his own stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service.
Liberace (1919-1987)
Liberace was an American pianist and entertainer known for his flamboyant style, charisma, and dazzling showmanship. His virtuoso piano skills were undeniable, but it was his over-the-top persona, extravagant costumes, sparkling jewels, and a candelabra perched atop his piano that set him apart.
Liberace’s career spanned decades, from his early days as a child prodigy to his meteoric rise as a television and concert star. In his prime, he reigned supreme as the highest-paid entertainer in the world, amassing a fortune and a devoted fan base. His television show, The Liberace Show, was a campy cultural phenomenon.
Rumors about Liberace’s homosexuality swirled throughout his career, fueled by his effeminate mannerisms and close relationships with other men. However, he vehemently denied these rumors and maintained a carefully crafted public image that conformed to societal expectations of the time.
The 1980s brought a tragic turn of events. Liberace's health declined, and in 1987, he died from complications related to AIDS. The media frenzy that ensued highlighted the homophobia of the era and the immense pressure Liberace faced to conceal his true identity.
Gia Carangi (1960-1986)
Gia Carangi, widely recognized as the world’s first supermodel, graced the covers of numerous prestigious fashion magazines, including four international editions of Vogue, five editions of Cosmopolitan. She also secured her high-profile advertising campaigns for renowned fashion houses such as Armani, Versace, and Christian Dior, all before the tender age of 23.
Carangi was known for her openness about her sexuality, engaging in relationships with women, including photographers, makeup artists, and designers she encountered in the fashion industry.
Her promising career and life were cut short at the age of 26 when she became one of the first famous women to succumb to AIDS-related complications, believed to have been contracted through intravenous drug use.
Carangi's life and legacy were later immortalized in the 1998 HBO film Gia, starring Angelina Jolie, which earned critical acclaim and an Emmy Award.
Elizabeth Glaser (1947-1994)
Glaser became a leading AIDS activist after she received an HIV-contaminated blood transfusion while giving birth to her daughter Ariel. Ariel later died after contracting the illness through breast-feeding, and Glaser’s son Jake contracted it in utero. After Ariel’s death in 1988, Glaser cofounded the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to raise awareness about HIV in children. At the time of Ariel’s death, Glaser told The New York Times, "She taught me to love when all I wanted to do was hate. She taught me to help others when all I wanted to do was help myself." Glaser died in 1994 of AIDS-related complications, but her legacy lives on. The foundation reached an estimated 20 million women worldwide, testing 17 million, and enrolling more the 2.2 million in its HIV care and support program.
Perry Ellis (1940-1986)
Perry Ellis was a renowned American fashion designer, celebrated for his relaxed and classic sportswear aesthetic. His signature style, which incorporated elements like khakis, hand-knitted sweaters, and oversized jackets, was so influential that the New York Times hailed him for “glorifying the clean-cut, all-American look.”
Although his official cause of death was listed as viral encephalitis, rumors circulated that Ellis was HIV-positive. These rumors gained traction due to the death of his lover and business partner, Laughlin Barker, from Kaposi's sarcoma, an AIDS-related cancer. The Los Angeles Times published a series in 1986 dedicated to journalistic ethics, using the Ellis case to examine the appropriateness of including AIDS rumors in news stories.
Halston (1932-1990)
Halston was a renowned American fashion designer who rose to prominence in the 1970s. His minimalist designs, often featuring luxurious fabrics like cashmere and ultrasuede, were favored by high-profile clients such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Andy Warhol, and Liza Minnelli.
Halston was a fixture of NYC’s nightlife scene and a regular at the legendary discotheque Studio 54.
Halston’s life and career were tragically cut short by AIDS-related complications. He passed away in 1990 in San Francisco from Kaposi’s sarcoma, a cancer that often affects individuals with compromised immune systems. His death marked a significant loss for the fashion industry and the broader cultural landscape.
Robert Reed (1932-1992)
Robert Reed was an actor best known for his iconic role as Mike Brady, the patriarch of the popular 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch. His talent and dedication to the craft earned him three Emmy Award nominations for his performances in Medical Center, Rich Man, Poor Man, and Roots.
In 1992, Reed passed away due to bowel cancer. He was only 59. His passing was a heavy blow to his Brady Bunch family and fans, many of whom had come to view Reed as a father figure in his role as Mike Brady. When his doctor included his HIV-positive status on the death certificate, the revelation brought to light Reed’s battle with AIDS, a fact that was not publicly known during his lifetime.
Pedro Zamora (1972-1994)
Most famous for his appearance in the third season of MTV’s The Real World, Zamora was diagnosed with HIV at 17. He became the first out, HIV-positive man to appear on mainstream television, as the breakout star of The Real World's 1994 season set in San Francisco.
Zamora dated AIDS educator Sean Sasser while living in the Real World house, and the two exchanged vows in the first-ever televised same-sex commitment ceremony. Sadly, Zamora died hours after the groundbreaking finale aired. Pedro, a 2008 movie written by Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, dramatized Zamora’s short but impactful life.
Ryan White (1971-1990)
In the 1980s, Indiana-born Ryan White became the poster child of the AIDS epidemic.
He was a hemophiliac and contracted the disease through contaminated blood. Because of mistreatment by adults in his community and bullying by peers at school, White and his family set out to educate people on the facts of the disease. In the process, White made many A-list friends, including John Cougar Mellencamp, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Greg Louganis, and won the hearts of millions of Americans.
White died at age 18 of an AIDS-related respiratory infection. The Ryan White CARE Act, the largest federally funded program for people living with HIV or AIDS, was passed by the U.S. Congress shortly after his death.
Amanda Blake (1929-1989)
Amanda Blake, an iconic American actress celebrated for her portrayal of Miss Kitty on the long-standing television series Gunsmoke, tragically passed away due to complications arising from AIDS. The circumstances surrounding how she contracted HIV remain shrouded in mystery, leaving many unanswered questions. However, her death certificate explicitly cites CMV hepatitis, a condition directly linked to AIDS, as a contributing factor to her demise.
Adding to the tragedy, her fourth and final husband, Mark Spaeth, also succumbed to AIDS-related complications, further highlighting the devastating impact of the disease.
Rudolf Nureyev (1938-1993)
Rudolf Nureyev, a Soviet-born dancer celebrated for his ability to blend classical ballet with modern dance, defected to France in 1961. There, he met Danish dancer Erik Bruhn, and the two began a lifelong partnership that lasted until Bruhn’s death in 1986. He was also reportedly involved with Mick Jagger.
Nureyev’s fear of the impact an AIDS diagnosis would have on his career led him to conceal his illness until after his death. As reported by the New York Times, Nureyev tested positive for HIV in 1984, at a time when he was still highly sought-after in the dance world. He worried that if his HIV status was made public, countries like the United States might deny him entry, effectively ending his career.
Derek Jarman (1943-1994)
The films of Derek Jarman, a visionary British director from the 1970s through the 1990s, were renowned for their bold exploration of gay themes and unwavering political commentary. Jarman tackled a wide range of subjects, from challenging the authority of the monarchy to reinterpreting Shakespearean classics, and confronting the devastating AIDS crisis.
His distinctive cinematic style was often characterized as experimental, yet it consistently delivered a powerful message and a clear perspective. Jarman's 1991 film, Edward II, a reimagining of the life of King Edward II and his lover Piers Gaveston, is widely regarded as a modern masterpiece and played a crucial role in launching the career of actress Tilda Swinton.
Jarman remained open about his sexuality and his HIV-positive status throughout his life. He succumbed to AIDS-related complications in 1994, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of groundbreaking and thought-provoking films that continue to inspire and challenge audiences today.
Klaus Nomi (1944-1983)
Klaus Nomi, a German countertenor, captivated audiences with his unique blend of opera, pop, and electronic music and his striking appearance, characterized by heavy makeup, androgynous costumes, and a shaved head.
Nomi’s powerful voice and theatrical performances quickly garnered attention in the New York club scene of the late 1970s. He became a fixture at venues like The Mudd Club and Max’s Kansas City, where he shared the stage with other rising stars like David Byrne and Debbie Harry.
His collaborations with David Bowie, including a memorable appearance on Saturday Night Live, introduced him to a wider audience. Nomi’s influence extended to the fashion world, where his costumes inspired designers like Jean Paul Gaultier.
Nomi’s rising career was cut short by the AIDS epidemic. In 1983, he became one of the first publicly known figures to die from AIDS-related complications.
Brad Davis (1949-1991)
Brad Davis, renowned for his role in the gritty film Midnight Express, which depicted the harrowing experiences of Americans imprisoned and tortured in Turkey, was also recognized for his courage in taking on gay roles. Despite being heterosexual, Davis fearlessly portrayed homosexual characters in both Larry Kramer's play The Normal Heart and the film Querelle.
Davis's life took a tragic turn when he contracted HIV. He believed his infection stemmed from his past struggles with intravenous drug use, a belief shared by his wife. Davis received his HIV-positive diagnosis in 1985. However, fearing that revealing his status would lead to him being blacklisted in Hollywood and unable to find work, he chose to keep his diagnosis a secret.
Peter Allen (1944-1992)
Australian songwriter and entertainer Peter Allen is best remembered for his Academy Award-winning composition “Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do),” from the 1981 film Arthur. Allen also had hit collaborations with stars like Olivia Newton-John and Carly Simon. He was discovered by Judy Garland during a performance in Hong Kong, and he married Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, in 1967.
Allen was open about his homosexuality, which he publicly acknowledged in 1982. He was in a committed relationship with model and fashion designer Gregory Connell, who died from AIDS-related complications in 1984. Allen died from AIDS-related cancer in 1992 at the age of 48.
Allen left an enduring mark on the entertainment industry. His life and career were chronicled in the 1998 Broadway musical The Boy From Oz, starring Hugh Jackman in the lead role.
Lance Loud (1951-2001)
Lance Loud was featured in the 1973 PBS reality show An American Family, where he publicly came out to millions of viewers and made a significant impact on television history. After the show he moved to New York, started a band called the Mumps, and became a gay icon.
Loud passed away in 2001 from liver failure caused by hepatitis C and HIV. In 2011, HBO Films produced Cinema Verite, a movie about the making of the original PBS documentary, starring Diane Lane, Tim Robbins, James Gandolfini, and Thomas Dekker portraying Lance.
Steve Rubell (1943-1989)
In 1977, Steve Rubell partnered with Ian Schrager to establish the legendary discotheque Studio 54 in NYC. The club quickly became synonymous with extravagance and an environment where celebrities and the public could mingle and party. The star-studded guest list included Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger, Halston, Calvin Klein, Truman Capote, Diana Ross, Madonna, and Cher to name a few. The club also featured performances by the Village People, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, and other stars of the 1970s.
Rubell’s conviction for tax evasion in 1980 marked a turning point for NYC’s nightlife, with many observers noting the club scene was never the same. Despite receiving treatment with AZT, Rubell passed away in 1989 due to complications from AIDS, including hepatitis and septic shock.
Eazy-E (1963-1995)
Eazy-E rose to fame as a member of the groundbreaking group NWA, alongside Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. During NWA’s ascendance, Eazy-E invested in Ruthless Records, solidifying his position as the ‘Godfather of Gangsta Rap.’ However, internal conflicts led to the group’s dissolution, prompting Eazy-E to embark on a solo career that achieved moderate success.
Eazy-E’s life was cut short in 1995 when he succumbed to AIDS-related complications, just a month after receiving his diagnosis. In the face of his impending death, he released a heartfelt and cautionary statement to his fans.
“I've got thousands and thousands of young fans that have to learn about what’s real when it comes to AIDS,” Eazy-E wrote to his fans. “Like the others before me, I would like to turn my own problem into something good that will reach out to all my homeboys and their kin. Because I want to save their a***s before it’s too late. I have learned in the last week that this thing is real, and it doesn’t discriminate. It affects everyone.”
Eazy-E was 30 when he died.
Tom Fogerty (1941-1990)
With his brother John, Tom Fogerty was a founding member of the iconic Southern rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival. CCR achieved fame with hits like “Proud Mary,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Fortunate Son.” However, the band’s success was marred by a bitter feud between the Fogerty brothers in the early 1970s, leading to the band's eventual demise.
Following the collapse of CCR, Tom Fogerty embarked on a solo career after a dispute with John, but only achieved moderate success. His life was cut short in 1990 when he passed away due to AIDS-related complications. He had contracted the disease through a blood transfusion. Sadly, the Fogerty brothers never reconciled their differences before Tom's untimely death, leaving a permanent rift in their family history.
Keith Haring (1958-1990)
The artistic journey of Keith Haring began with a move to NYC in 1978, where he started painting his signature style – joyful, faceless creatures – on the city’s subway walls. These bold and playful figures quickly caught the public’s eye.
Haring's artistic ascent was marked by exhibitions in prestigious galleries and the cultivation of friendships with influential figures in the art world, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Madonna. As his fame grew, Haring's art took on a more socio-political dimension and he became a vocal advocate against apartheid and raised awareness about the devastating impact of AIDS.
Haring succumbed to AIDS in 1990 at his Greenwich Village apartment. His legacy continues to this day through his art and activism. The year before his untimely death, he established the Keith Haring Foundation dedicated to supporting AIDS research and providing funding for AIDS-related initiatives.
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