Elliott Smith, Reluctant Star

The 1998 Oscars telecast featured some of the biggest names in pop music — and then there was Elliott Smith.

Trendsetter Alexander McQueen

Fashion designer Alexander McQueen spent a relatively short time in the spotlight — he was only 40 when he ended his own life Feb. 11, 2010 — and yet he continues to influence his field.

Rob Ford (1969 - 2016), former mayor of Toronto

Rob Ford, the Canadian politician who was re-elected to the Toronto City Council in landslides and later became the city’s mayor for four years, died Tuesday, according to CNN. He was 46. The cause of death was cancer. He was first diagnosed with a rare form of the disease in 2014. Ford served 10 years on the council, from 2000 until 2010, the year when he was elected mayor. He campaigned on behalf of the working class, vowing to reduce the size of city government. "Toronto's government has grown bloated and wasteful," he said in a campaign video. "It's time to stop the gravy train that provides luxuries and perks to politicians and rich contracts to their friends."

Chyna Laurer (1969 - 2016)

As a wrestler, Chyna was known as the "9th wonder of the world."

Sean Rooks (1969 - 2016), NBA player and coach

Sean Rooks, a former professional basketball center, died June 7, 2016, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to multiple news sources. He was 46.

Alexis Arquette (1969 - 2016)

Alexis Arquette, transgender actress and sister of David, Patricia and Rosanna Arquette, has died at the age of 47, according to People Magazine.

Marc Spitz (1969–2017), Spin magazine writer

A music journalist and author, Marc Spitz wrote for Spin magazine and Salon.com.

Robert Miles (1969–2017), DJ known for club hit Children

Legendary DJ was known for the 1995 international smash hit “Children.”

Reggie “Combat Jack” Ossé (1969–2017), host of the popular hip-hop podcast “The Combat Jack Show”

The show featured interviews with hip-hop stars such as Common.

Johann Johannsson (1969 - 2018), award-winning film composer

Johann Johannsson, the award-winning film composer of soundtracks to “The Theory of Everything” and “Sicario,” has died, according to The Associated Press. He was 48.

Roy Hargrove (1969–2018), Grammy-winning visionary jazz trumpeter

Worked with Common and Erykah Badu.

Keith Flint (1969–2019), The Prodigy frontman

Energetic frontman sang on hit singles “Firestarter” and “Breathe.”

Jeff Blackshear (1969–2019), former NFL offensive lineman

Jeff Blackshear was an offensive lineman who played with the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Green Bay Packers. The guard started every game for the Ravens from 1997 until 1999. He was drafted by the Seahawks out of Northeast Louisiana University in the eighth round.

Aron Eisenberg (1969–2019), “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” actor

Aron Eisenberg was best known for playing Nog on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” He played the character on all seven seasons. Nog was a member of the alien race Ferengi and joined Starfleet. Eisenberg was born with only one kidney which stunted his growth, he stood five feet tall. He made appearances on “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose” and “The Wonder Years” and appeared in the “Star Trek” fan film “Renegades.”

Brad McQuaid (1969–2019), “EverQuest” video game designer

Brad McQuaid, designer of the popular MMORPG “EverQuest,” died Monday, November 18, 2019. He was 50.

Andrew Brooks (1969–2021), scientist who developed first COVID-19 spit test

Andrew Brooks was a research professor at Rutgers University and CEO of Infinity Biologix, who developed the first FDA-approved rapid saliva test for COVID-19.

Sabine Schmitz (1969–2021), racing driver and “Top Gear” star

Sabine Schmitz was a racing driver who was the first and, to date, only woman to win the famed 24 Hours Nürburgring race. She was also a star of TV’s “Top Gear.”

Anne Heche (1969–2022), longtime movie and TV star

Anne Heche was a popular actress whose many TV and film credits included “Cedar Rapids,” “Donnie Brasco,” and “Hung.” 

Andy Detwiler (1969–2022), “Harmless Farmer” YouTube star

Andy Detwiler was better known as “Harmless Farmer” on YouTube, where he chronicled his life as an amputee.

Darren Drozdov (1969–2023), former WWE wrestler

Darren Drozdov was a former NFL football player and WWE wrestler. A 1999 accident in the ring fractured two neck vertebrae, leaving him quadriplegic. 

Matthew Perry (1969–2023), star of Friends

Matthew Perry was an actor best known for playing Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends.”

Brian Barczyk (1969–2024), TikTok reptile expert 

Brian Barczyk was a reptile expert who founded the Reptarium Reptile Zoo in Michigan and had widely followed channels on TikTok and YouTube.

Héctor Ortiz (1969–2024), coach with the Texas Rangers 

Héctor Ortiz was a former Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher and a coach with the Texas Rangers.

Lichelle “Boss” Laws (1969–2024), pioneering female rapper 

Lichelle Laws was better known as Boss, a pioneering rapper and the first woman signed to Def Jam Records.

Akebono Tarō (1969–2024), Hawaiian-born sumo star

Akebono Tarō was a Hawaiian-born sumo star who became the first ever non-Japanese wrestler to achieve the sport’s highest rank and helped lead a resurgence of interest in the sport. 

Dave McCarty (1969–2024), won 2004 World Series with the Red Sox

Dave McCarty was an 11-season Major League Baseball veteran who won a World Series with the 2004 Red Sox, helping the team break its 86-year World Series drought.

Rachael Lillis (1969–2024), voiced both Misty and Jessie in Pokémon

Rachael Lillis was a voice actress best known as the voices of Misty and Jessie in the hit animated series “Pokémon.” 

Jerrod Mustaf (1969–2024), Maryland basketball star

Jerrod Mustaf was a star basketball player at the University of Maryland who had a brief career with the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns, as well as overseas teams.