Lucille Ball is considered one of comedy's greatest legends, but the actress didn't have an easy-going life. Here is the tragic real-life story of Lucille Ball.
October 2003 was going well for Elliott Smith. But that all collapsed on October 21, 2003 when Elliott Smith's partner, Jennifer Chiba, called 911 to collect Smith.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, the woman behind the Little House books really was born in the time of westward expansion -- February 7, 1867, outside Pepin, Wisconsin
Woody Guthrie was a giant of Western American folk music, looming large in the American imagination. But the man who helped pioneer resistance music was also unfairly blacklisted and didn't have an easy life. Here's the tragic story of Woody Guthrie.
No one who died in the 1959 plane crash, that day the music died, was an old man. The pilot, Roger Peterson, was just 21. Buddy Holly was 22; J.P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper," was the old man on the plane, at 28. Youngest of all was a rising star of Chicano rock -- Ritchie Valens. He was 17.
Away from the characters of Inspector Clouseau or Chance the Gardener, Peter Sellers was a troubled man. Here are some tragic details about Peter Sellers.
Alexander Hamilton has long been renowned as one of America's Founding Fathers, but he hasn't received quite as much attention in history as fellow founders. Lin-Manuel Miranda's epic rap-musical isn't entirely historically accurate, but it's close-ish. Here's the real story of Alexander Hamilton.
Despite his mental health struggles, Vincent Van Gogh painted amazing works throughout his short life. This is the tragic real-life story of Vincent Van Gogh.
In the predawn morning of of December 4, 1969, 14 police officers surrounded 2337 W. Monroe St, the Black Panther stronghold in Chicago. The raid about to be carried out was organized specifically to kill Fred Hampton.
As dramatic as the French Revolution was, the Tribunal had no interest in drama. Instead, they sentenced Marie Thérèse Louise to death, at the hands of the crowd.
Many comedians have created humor that lasts for ages, and one of those comics is Mitch Hedberg, whose drug addiction would send him to an early grave. This is the tragic real-life story of Mitch Hedberg.
The Notorious B.I.G.'s career was marred with legal troubles, coastal rivalries, and a feud with a former friend that ended in both their untimely murders.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second female Supreme Court Justice in history. Success didn't come easy. This is the tragic real-life story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Having faced down poverty, illness, divorce, and ever-changing public tastes, Cher continues to beat the odds, winning over generation after generation of fans with her unwavering dedication and authenticity. This is Cher's tragic real-life story.
Joan Jett's first music teacher told her girls couldn't play rock and roll. Her first solo album was rejected by 23 record labels. None of that stopped her.
Death is always tragic, but when someone who's brought joy and laughter to millions passes unexpectedly, it can be especially heartbreaking. Here are a few comedians who died tragically.