Careers that became legendary after the person died

[hateraid]

Name some entertainers/actors/musicians who's careers were average to great when they were alive or if they were still alive but elevated to legendary status after they died

[TheSilentKiller]

This doesn't fit exactly but is worth mentioning. Michael Jackson. Went from nearly everyone thinking he was a pedophile and all around asshole to the undisputed king of pop.

Edit for clarification: Obviously he had the the legendary music career well before his death. But at the time of his death that wasn't necessarily the first thing you thought of when you heard his name. Sadly, dying was the best thing he could do for his career.

[Mr.Kite]

This doesn't fit exactly but is worth mentioning. Michael Jackson. Went from nearly everyone thinking he was a pedophile and all around asshole to the undisputed king of pop.

Now I know you are no older than 15

[ace23]

Biggie, Pac, ODB, pretty much every decent rapper

[TheSilentKiller]

Now I know you are no older than 15
What? Before he died he was very unpopular. Now the focus has completely shifted back to his music career.

[bdreason]

Kurt Cobain

Drazen Petrovic

[HarryCallahan]

Heath Ledger, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin.

[hateraid]

Joplin I agree with

I would say River Phoenix. Was touted as the next Marlon Brando

[Heavincent]

Heath Ledger

Ledger's role as the Joker would have made him legendary regardless. I don't really think his death elevated him to a status he wouldn't have reached otherwise.

Kurt Cobain is a good choice. Some people claim he's one of the best guitarists of all time (Rolling Stone magazine), which is absolutely ludicrous.

[hateraid]

Maybe not legendary but Patrice O'Neal got completely overrated after he died

[HarryCallahan]

Ledger's role as the Joker would have made him legendary regardless. I don't really think his death elevated him to a status he wouldn't have reached otherwise.


One performance doesn't magically turn a mid-level Hollywood player into a legend. Besides, would he have been able to top that performance, judging by his resume almost certainly not. "Better to burn out, than to fade away"


James Dean is another one. Not terribly talented, died at the peak of his hype so is remembered as a legend. Would've been out of work in 5 years if he hadn't died.

[cos88]

paul walker

[HarryCallahan]

And you're basing this off what?

The fact that he was a talentless prima donna that nobody wanted to work with because of his constant tantrums? He was also a closeted homosexual and drug addict, with a penchant for self-destructive behaviour and masochistic tendencies.

[chosen_one6]

LOL at the assertion that Michael Jackson was not well liked before he died. Fcuking kids.

[HarryCallahan]

So an actor? :confusedshrug:

With only 5months experience was demanding script changes and camera angles. He refused to play he Hollywood game, constanty showing up at functions in jeans and a tshirt. At one such function he threw a steak at the wall in front of execs.. He was also renowned for getting waiters attention by banging his fists on the table.

He was a truly petulant child that nobody wanted to work with.

[HardwoodLegend]

Heath Ledger and River Phoenix are considered legends? They may have their niche groups of cult worship, but they're not in the same class as James Dean or Marilyn Monroe with household name status and their likeness being depicted everywhere.

River Phoenix got an Oscar nomination at the age of 18 back when the Oscars were more legit too, so a few people forecasting him as having potential to be "the next Brando" was somewhat justified.

[HardwoodLegend]

He was a truly petulant child that nobody wanted to work with.

Two-time Oscar nominee with marquee idol looks. He was going to get work.

[HarryCallahan]

Two-time Oscar nominee with marquee idol looks. He was going to get work.

He would've worked his way through that town his a jeri-can and a pack of matches, burning every bridge he crossed.

[bdreason]

Bob Marley.



Although I think his legend would have been even greater had he lived another few years.

[iamgine]

With only 5months experience was demanding script changes and camera angles. He refused to play he Hollywood game, constanty showing up at functions in jeans and a tshirt. At one such function he threw a steak at the wall in front of execs.. He was also renowned for getting waiters attention by banging his fists on the table.

He was a truly petulant child that nobody wanted to work with.
Other than demanding script/camera change, those seems like perfectly fine behaviors for an eccentric actor. Good even as it gets him and his movies publicity.

[HarryCallahan]

Other than demanding script/camera change, those seems like perfectly fine behaviors for an eccentric actor. Good even as it gets him and his movies publicity.

That kind of behaviour ruins working relationships.

It might make for headlines today, but in the days of studio control all it did was make for executive headaches, because they worked diligently to cover it up.

[East_Stone_Ya]

Biggie, Pac, ODB, pretty much every decent rapper

add Big L

[PHX_Phan]

This doesn't fit exactly but is worth mentioning. Michael Jackson. Went from nearly everyone thinking he was a pedophile and all around asshole to the undisputed king of pop.

Edit for clarification: Obviously he had the the legendary music career well before his death. But at the time of his death that wasn't necessarily the first thing you thought of when you heard his name. Sadly, dying was the best thing he could do for his career.

All of his legal troubles were so widely covered by the media because he was already an icon. He was considered the king of pop a long time before he died.

Anyways, I was going to say James Dean but he's already mentioned. Dude was a cultural icon off of three movies, the biggest of which was released after his death.

[iamgine]

Oh wait...Bruce Lee.

[oarabbus]

Kurt Cobain, Jimi, pretty much the entire 27 Club http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27_Club

Mitch Hedberg, Heath Ledger, Chris Farley, John Belushi, all were well liked/respected prior to their death but became legendary after

[DaHeezy]

Clicked on the link and got reminded of Freaky Tah.

http://www.datgif.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/black-kid-crying-tear.gif
:biggums:
You come in this thread to criticize people's posts then name drop the most irrelevant name to the thread title :rolleyes:

[DaHeezy]

What are you even talking about right now? Criticize who? The guy who thinks Michael Jackson got called King of Pop after he died? Or some dude who thinks Patrice Oneal wasn't slobbered before he died? Tell me, which one exactly hurt you to make this lame post?

At least those posts are relevant to OP along with James Dean. You posted a name that probably got less famous after he died. Your post may be the lamest in this thread. Now your getting all defensive? :rolleyes:

[DaHeezy]

Why are you rolling your eyes after every post? Do you think that makes your posts stronger or something? It just tells me you probably do this in real life.

As for this thread, I only said that because I haven't heard Lost Boyz in a minute. I understand and know full well he's not relevant and never was on their level. I never suggested otherwise. Why are you so butthurt?


:rolleyes:

I'm the one who's mad? Lol. You made a bad post. Get over it and move on

:rolleyes:

[Budadiiii]

moe getting destroyed. :oldlol:

Dude takes this shit far too serious. Get a degree man.

[DaHeezy]

What a fabulous post. Got to get the last word in after all.


:oldlol: , Look at the guy all bothered. Then he uses "the last post" comeback.
You are seriously mad! Get over it and move on. Be a bigger man

:rolleyes:

This guy is hurting to get that last word

[DaHeezy]

moe getting destroyed. :oldlol:

Dude takes this shit far too serious. Get a degree man.

I know right? He criticizes every post then follows it with the worst one. Now he's all huffin and puffin.

[DaHeezy]

White text covers all your bases, right?

It proved me right :oldlol:
And u still mad.

:rolleyes:

[Budadiiii]

moe after getting destoryed.

http://www.datgif.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/black-kid-crying-tear.gif

:facepalm

This is the internet dude... get a grip. You're actually upset IRL right now.

[DaHeezy]

Every time you say I'm mad, it becomes more true.

Budadaiii is my other account, genius.

It is true! If you weren't so hot and bothered why can't you just let it go? It's becomes even more obvious when you striving to get that last word in. The irony that you come at me saying that :oldlol:

Now you're ruining a perfectly good thread with your bitterness and pride
:rolleyes:

[DaHeezy]

It's almost like you can't stop replying.

Irony, especially to the baby.

[DaHeezy]

Last one wins. Just contain yourself.

I've already won, you keep looking bitter the more you post

[Trollsmasher]

Jesus Christ

[Budadiiii]

This is embarrassing.

:facepalm

Take the L and move on.

[DaHeezy]

This guy is having a meltdown :oldlol:
Log off and relax

[Budadiiii]

Why are so starved for my attention? Get over me already. It's getting creepy.
Every thread I enter now it's you annoying other posters and derailing threads.

Starved for your attention...

:facepalm

Just stop being such a pesky nerd and I wouldn't feel the need to call you out every once in a while.

[DaHeezy]

Meltdown? You posted as much as me over nonsense. Stop being lame.

Yet I'm not the one who's looking like a bitter baby. You keep embarrassing yourself more and more.

[DaHeezy]

Every thread I enter now it's you annoying other posters and derailing threads.

Starved for your attention...

:facepalm

Just stop being such a pesky nerd and I wouldn't feel the need to call you out every once in a while.

He's literally done this to himself. He should be happy to get your attention since he's obviously drawing more to himself in here. The more he posts the more embarrassing it gets for him
I'm actually feeling bad for him, yet entertained that he's willing to keep digging at his grave

[DaHeezy]

Is this the part where you stop replying because you made your point a while ago or do you keep repeating yourself because you're "winning"? :confusedshrug:

I'm just amused that you can keep going after embarrassing yourself. I'm curious to see how far you can take this. It's obviously more important to you to have the last word. So much more important that you would rather have that and look like the biggest baby on ISH rather than take the L.
I'll keep the crowd entertained.
I'll punch out and start again later. Gotta sleep. Something you're not going to get for a long long time :oldlol:

:rolleyes:

[Budadiiii]

He's literally done this to himself. He should be happy to get your attention since he's obviously drawing more to himself in here. The more he posts the more embarrassing it gets for him
I'm actually feeling bad for him, yet entertained that he's willing to keep digging at his grave
He just needs to stick to the NBA forum.

Nobody wants him in the OTC... he's literally a cancer or fungus just spreading it's roots throughout each thread and inflicting damage. The cancer even migrated to the Football forum the other day. :facepalm

[DaHeezy]

I'm not even reading your posts. I'm just trying to post last. Let's see how long you can keep this going.

:rolleyes:

[HarryCallahan]

Last... what do I win?

[KevinNYC]

James Dean is another one. Not terribly talented,
:roll:

:roll:

Let's add acting to list of stuff you know shit about. In fact, let's just add the arts in general.


Actually, I think you're just being deliberately contrarian.

[HarryCallahan]

:roll:

:roll:

Let's add acting to list of stuff you know shit about. In fact, let's just add the arts in general.


Actually, I think you're just being deliberately contrarian.

James Dean was a sh*tty actor. Being gay doesn't make you a good actor. Go watch girls you Lena Dunham loving moron.

[KevinNYC]

:roll:
James Dean was a sh*tty actor. Being gay doesn't make you a good actor. Go watch girls you Lena Dunham loving moron.:roll: :roll: :banana:

That really made laugh hard. Each sentence was stupider than the next. :banana:

[HarryCallahan]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :banana:

That really made laugh hard. Each sentence was stupider than the next. :banana:

Wow! FIVE emoticons, you must really not have any substantive reply.

I get why you like James Dean though, you resent your parents because they financially support your ultra-cool urban hipster life based on the "conservative" ideals of hard-work which you and your (D)-bag buddies loathe because of it's opposition to "social justice." Jimmy Dean is the perfect escapist role-model for you ands your belated teen angst.

[Bandito]

That Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned. Let's be honest, if she didn't die nobody would've have seen that movie.

[KevinNYC]

Wow! FIVE emoticons, you must really not have any substantive reply.

I get why you like James Dean though, you resent your parents because they financially support your ultra-cool urban hipster life based on the "conservative" ideals of hard-work which you and your (D)-bag buddies loathe because of it's opposition to "social justice." Jimmy Dean is the perfect escapist role-model for you ands your belated teen angst.

"Each sentence was stupider than the next " was the substance of my reply.

Do I like James Dean? I actually hardly ever think of James Dean, but it's utter nonsense to say he couldn't act or he's talentless. The fact is he and Brando changed film acting in America. You can say he is overrated or his myth is more due to his still photos than his movies, but it's just trolling to say he can't act.

As for the rest, what exactly is my ultra-cool hipster life? Where have I ever claimed such? Please point me to that.

And for the hard work stuff. I had my first job when I was ten and paid my way through college with no financial aid and modest scholarships.

Hard work is in opposition to social justice? Let me go tell every Catholic school teacher I ever had, it will be news to them.

Interesting projection, though. I'll give you that.

[LJJ]

Obviously Ledger is the king here. His campy supervillain portrayal was already deemed legendary before anyone had seen it, purely because of his death.

[HarryCallahan]

"Each sentence was stupider than the next " was the substance of my reply.

Do I like James Dean? I actually hardly ever think of James Dean, but it's utter nonsense to say he couldn't act or he's talentless. The fact is he and Brando changed film acting in America. You can say he is overrated or his myth is more due to his still photos than his movies, but it's just trolling to say he can't act.

As for the rest, what exactly is my ultra-cool hipster life? Where have I ever claimed such? Please point me to that.

And for the hard work stuff. I had my first job when I was ten and paid my way through college with no financial aid and modest scholarships.

Hard work is in opposition to social justice? Let me go tell every Catholic school teacher I ever had, it will be news to them.

Interesting projection, though. I'll give you that.

Can't believe you typed all that up in response to a blatant troll post.

You sure are sensitive buddy...

[HarryCallahan]

Oh wait forgot my ten emoticons...


:banana: :rockon: :pimp: :bowdown: :facepalm :rolleyes: :no: :bowdown: :applause:

[DeuceWallaces]

Obviously Ledger is the king here. His campy supervillain portrayal was already deemed legendary before anyone had seen it, purely because of his death.

You must not have been around for the hysteria and vigils after Cobain died?

And the person who said MJ is fairly spot on. He was a total pariah the past decade due to the allegations and odd behavior. Once he died most everyone pushed that aside and dialed their image of him back about 20 years.

[Nick Young]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4D5-tMJrlhA/TisHJRO728I/AAAAAAAAIHE/9f6HqXtKalQ/s1600/amy%2Bwinehouse%2Bbebada.jpg

this chick went from slightly above average singer to all time great Billie Holiday level legendary goddess after she died.:facepalm

TO me, she isn't that great at all. RIP doe


Also in the bay area theres this shit hyphy rapper named Mac Dre. He sucks but when he died suddenly people comparing him to Tupac lol wtshit

[DeuceWallaces]

No one really talks about her anymore.

[Nick Young]

No one really talks about her anymore.
well in London she is still talked about and shit with her face on it is still being sold.

[nightprowler10]

this chick went from slightly above average singer to all time great Billie Holiday level legendary goddess after she died.:facepalm

TO me, she isn't that great at all. RIP doe
Man she had great talent. I'd take her over Adele any day. I don't think she necessarily fits though. I think she was rated exactly how she is rated now before he passed away.

[LJJ]

You must not have been around for the hysteria and vigils after Cobain died?

And the person who said MJ is fairly spot on. He was a total pariah the past decade due to the allegations and odd behavior. Once he died most everyone pushed that aside and dialed their image of him back about 20 years.

Yeah I was a little young for that. :oldlol: Wasn't preoccupied with music at all back then.

[knickballer]

nietzsche

[DaHeezy]

Wow. I cannot believe you actually posted. :roll:

He's a present

http://kovaya.com/img/shovel.jpg

Continue digging

[nightprowler10]

And the person who said MJ is fairly spot on. He was a total pariah the past decade due to the allegations and odd behavior. Once he died most everyone pushed that aside and dialed their image of him back about 20 years.
Yeah pretty much. I recall people proclaiming him the best entertainer of our time on FB who hated his guts prior.

That said, he was pretty legendary regardless of the allegations.

[-p.tiddy-]

That Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned. Let's be honest, if she didn't die nobody would've have seen that movie.
no one saw the movie anyway :confusedshrug:

[-p.tiddy-]

Oh wait...Bruce Lee.
this is a good one I think

I'm not sure how "legendary" Bruce was while he was alive but right now there are still many that pretend he could beat the shit out of just about anyone...

Lee was like 120 lbs...a heavyweight MMA fighter would absolutely rape him



Probably safe to assume that his death greatly increased this Chuck Norris like legendary status

[Levity]

maybe not considered a legend, but phil hartman. after he died, i really began to notice how much influence he had on pop culture at the time, especially with the simpsons

rip troy mclure, lionel hutz and the simpsons golden years

[HardwoodLegend]

He would've worked his way through that town his a jeri-can and a pack of matches, burning every bridge he crossed.

That's speculation about what he "would have" done, but I brought up what already had done. Hollywood always has new emerging talent willing to work with established names and box office draws. Dean could have likely cleaned up his act if he felt himself being further and further ostracized and found work.

And, saying Ledger couldn't have topped his Joker role by judging his resume at death is tenuous speculation too. Most people probably would have thought the same thing about Matthew McConnaughey had he died after 'The Lincoln Lawyer'. That he wouldn't have been able to match that or 'A Time to Kill', but he's surpassed them twice with 'Mud' and 'Dallas Buyers Club'. Ledger was a serious student of his craft and on his way to making better decisions about his career.

[Dresta]

J.S Bach is the GOAT for this.

[Dresta]

That's speculation about what he "would have" done, but I brought up what already had done. Hollywood always has new emerging talent willing to work with established names and box office draws. Dean could have likely cleaned up his act if he felt himself being further and further ostracized and found work.

And, saying Ledger couldn't have topped his Joker role by judging his resume at death is tenuous speculation too. Most people probably would have thought the same thing about Matthew McConnaughey had he died after 'The Lincoln Lawyer'. That he wouldn't have been able to match that or 'A Time to Kill', but he's surpassed them twice with 'Mud' and 'Dallas Buyers Club'. Ledger was a serious student of his craft and on his way to making better decisions about his career.
Tbh Ledger was a dumbass who didn't know not to mix opiates and benzos, especially at the kind of doses he was taking.

Have little faith in him making smart decisions regarding other things.

[CelticBaller]

LOL at the assertion that Michael Jackson was not well liked before he died. Fcuking kids.
was he wrong? sure he was proclaimed king of pop well before his death, but the dude was a trainwreck and the butt of pedophile jokes

[HardwoodLegend]

Tbh Ledger was a dumbass who didn't know not to mix opiates and benzos, especially at the kind of doses he was taking.

Have little faith in him making smart decisions regarding other things.

Actually that makes me have more faith in him making smart decisions regarding his acting. His mind was so consumed with the arts that he had no time or room in it for the narcotic sciences.

[-p.tiddy-]

had not read up on Ledger's autopsy until now...

[QUOTE]Among the drugs found in Mr. Ledger

[mr.big35]

Heath Ledger is one. If he didnt die he would not win the oscar.

[B-Low]

I can understand what the dude that said Michael Jackson means. He clearly wasn't saying that MJ was average or wasn't already a legend when he died and everyone facepalming at his comment are just looking for something to come down on someone for. His point was that his death reignited his popularity

I remember in college before MJ died, I would have company over at my apartment or be driving someone around in my car, and if a Michael Jackson song came on my computer/mp3 player people would go "ew turn this shit off" or "seriously? why do you have that pedophile on there?"

Then all of a sudden he dies and it's considered cool to be an MJ fan again. I was at one club and somebody actually asked to see a manager so they could complain that the DJ hadn't played any Michael Jackson yet. The same celebs/comedians that made fun of him were dropping his name during awards acceptance speeches just to get cheap applause. Murals of him were popping up in random cities...

So i mean yeah Jackson was HUGE, prbably the biggest artist in the world for a good span, but from the late 90s up until his death, the majority of the public had turned on him and his death made the general population love him again. Like CelticBaller said, he was the punchline of more jokes than he was the object of admiration and death changed that. That's all he was saying

[-p.tiddy-]

I don't like the MJ one because I am an 80s kid and Michael was probably the biggest "star" I have ever seen in my life...the guy was every bit as big as Elvis was, probably bigger

yeah he "fell off" somewhere in the 90s but:

his "legend" status in the 80s >>>>>>>> after death

[Dresta]

had not read up on Ledger's autopsy until now...



:wtf:

talk about a drug cocktail...holy shit:lol

There really is no need to be taking all of those haha. Guy must've been trying to stupefy himself into oblivion (he kinda succeeded).

[Megabox!]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4D5-tMJrlhA/TisHJRO728I/AAAAAAAAIHE/9f6HqXtKalQ/s1600/amy%2Bwinehouse%2Bbebada.jpg

this chick went from slightly above average singer to all time great Billie Holiday level legendary goddess after she died.:facepalm

TO me, she isn't that great at all. RIP doe


Also in the bay area theres this shit hyphy rapper named Mac Dre. He sucks but when he died suddenly people comparing him to Tupac lol wtshit
I actually forgot this chick even died. Didn't she overdose or something?

[Megabox!]

Whitney Houston. Ppl I knew who were NEVER fans of her music at all starting buying and downloading her music like crazy as soon as she died.

[mr.big35]

I actually forgot this chick even died. Didn't she overdose or something?

She had that one song

[Dresta]

I actually forgot this chick even died. Didn't she overdose or something?
Alcohol poisoning :facepalm .

[knickballer]

Whitney Houston. Ppl I knew who were NEVER fans of her music at all starting buying and downloading her music like crazy as soon as she died.

She was always very popular and people just bought her albums because she died and it was the "hot" thing to do and it happens to every popular artist.

Another person is Pat Tillman. Went from solid football player to a folk hero legend

[-p.tiddy-]

She was always very popular and people just bought her albums because she died and it was the "hot" thing to do and it happens to every popular artist.

Another person is Pat Tillman. Went from solid football player to a folk hero legend
Tillman's sudden legend status was deserved IMO...killed by friendly fire, gov tried to cover it up

Tillman's death is proof that our gov is incapable of even the most simple cover-ups

[oarabbus]

Tillman's sudden legend status was deserved IMO...killed by friendly fire, gov tried to cover it up

Tillman's death is proof that our gov is incapable of even the most simple cover-ups


This. Tillman has a different case than these other entertainers who fvcked with the wrong speedball or mix of prescription drugs and OD died. Dude fvcking sacrified his multi-million dollar career for the country and got mowed down by friendly fire only to have his death covered up :mad: :mad: :mad:

[TheReal Kendall]

That Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned. Let's be honest, if she didn't die nobody would've have seen that movie.

This is kinda true.

Lefteye from TLC and maybe Ray Charles although he was already big but I the the movie just put him to legendary status

[knickballer]

Another person that might be added to the list is the Drazen Petrovic. Great basketball player but elevated his status to legendary to the eyes of alot of international fans. He's not that popular in the US although I would guess alot of US basketball fans would know who he is.

[Lebron23]

Bruce Lee

He became a Superstar, and movie legend after his sudden death at age 33.

[ace23]

Another person that might be added to the list is the Drazen Petrovic. Great basketball player but elevated his status to legendary to the eyes of alot of international fans. He's not that popular in the US although I would guess alot of US basketball fans would know who he is.
He was mentioned on the first page.

[Jailblazers7]

This is kinda true.

Lefteye from TLC and maybe Ray Charles although he was already big but I the the movie just put him to legendary status

Ray Charles was already a legend. You are already legendary if you get a major motion picture made about your life.

[mr.big35]

I think you could also mention 2pac. With him dead it made him alot more legendary. He had the mystery about him when he died.

[Rasheed1]

Jerome Brown

[ROCSteady]

Ray Charles was already a legend. You are already legendary if you get a major motion picture made about your life.

The Blindside :confusedshrug:

Michael Oher ain't no legend. Damn I hate that movie

[DeuceWallaces]

Tupac's popularity increased ten-fold after his death. There's no doubt about that.

[TheReal Kendall]

Tupac's popularity increased ten-fold after his death. There's no doubt about that.

Same with Big too.

[HardwoodLegend]

Tupac's popularity increased ten-fold after his death. There's no doubt about that.

Maybe, but that still doesn't mean he wasn't a living legend.

Anybody of any sort of clout is going to see a surge in popularity upon death. It's inevitable.

[Jailblazers7]

The Blindside :confusedshrug:

Michael Oher ain't no legend. Damn I hate that movie

Meh, he wasn't really even the main character in the movie tho. Story was about the adoptive family more than him. Ray was about the personality and life of Ray Charles.

[L.Kizzle]

This is kinda true.

Lefteye from TLC and maybe Ray Charles although he was already big but I the the movie just put him to legendary status
:biggums:



You can't mention 2pac. He was hilariously legendary before he died. He just went into otherworldly status.

We're talking about a dude who went number 1 while in prison. The first to do so.
:biggums:
How many albums before Me Against the World was an artist incarcerated when their album was released?

[DonDadda59]

Many artists, writers, poets, etc live poorly and obscure while alive. Then after their death they become famous and their art is sold for hundreds of millions. Van Gogh, Kafka, Poe, Dickinson, etc all made very little from their work, had day jobs, were shunned or unknown, etc. during their time but are legendary now.

[ROCSteady]

They should make a full out, pulls no punches, hyper stylized film of Vincent Van Gogh's life. Depicting his state of mind in the midst of his creation as well as his states of intense depression and his psyche as stated in his Letters to Brother Theo. It would be beautiful at times, with vivid pastel depictions of the surrounding world and also overwhelmingly hopelessness and filled with intense despair.

Who could tackle a bipolar project like that with a dichotomy of creative beauty and internal torment? Maybe someone like Aronofsky or Von Trier if they felt brave enough to be a period biographical film that had moments of extreme brightness and manic inspiration.

[ROCSteady]

Yea buddy, I was thinkin him too after I finished my post lol.

[RedBlackAttack]

Guys like Heath Ledger and James Dean who were already well known actors at the time of death are not the best examples of what I interpreted this thread to mean.

The first guy that comes to mind for me is Nick Drake.

Here's a guy that lived in his parents' home when he died. He had stopped performing live years earlier due to debilitating anxiety/depression and, even when he did play out, it was in barrooms where people would scream at him to play covers instead of his own brilliant material.

He died believing himself to be a complete failure who would surely never be remembered outside of his family and close friends.

Over three decades later, his songs appear in movies and commercials, his albums sell 1,000x better than they did when he was alive, and his style of guitar playing/fingerpicking is studied, appreciated and even celebrated by guitarists all over the world.

You may not recognize the name, but you surely would recognize the music.

VW commercial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIOW9fLT9eY)

Garden State (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2hqQ6q-EOY)

Serendipity (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYU-8L06rfI)

He was the 70s version of Kurt Cobain minus the fame and money.

[HardwoodLegend]

Guys like Heath Ledger and James Dean who were already well known actors at the time of death are not the best examples of what I interpreted this thread to mean.

The first guy that comes to mind for me is Nick Drake.

Here's a guy that lived in his parents' home when he died. He had stopped performing live years earlier due to debilitating anxiety/depression and, even when he did play out, it was in barrooms where people would scream at him to play covers instead of his own brilliant material.

He died believing himself to be a complete failure who would surely never be remembered outside of his family and close friends.

Over three decades later, his songs appear in movies and commercials, his albums sell 1,000x better than they did when he was alive, and his style of guitar playing/fingerpicking is studied, appreciated and even celebrated by guitarists all over the world.

You may not recognize the name, but you surely would recognize the music.

VW commercial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIOW9fLT9eY)

Garden State (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2hqQ6q-EOY)

Serendipity (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYU-8L06rfI)

He was the 70s version of Kurt Cobain minus the fame and money.

Excellent choice.

[Jackass18]

Heath Ledger and River Phoenix are considered legends? They may have their niche groups of cult worship, but they're not in the same class as James Dean or Marilyn Monroe with household name status and their likeness being depicted everywhere.

His role as The Joker is considered legendary. I've seen people go on to claim it as the greatest performance ever. Not that I agree with that.


River Phoenix got an Oscar nomination at the age of 18 back when the Oscars were more legit too, so a few people forecasting him as having potential to be "the next Brando" was somewhat justified.

When was that? The Oscars had some big ****ups in the '80s. Most notably Ordinary Movie winning over Raging Bull.


Ritchie Valens. He died at 17 and barely even had a musical career. He got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was part of the inspiration for the song American Pie, and had a movie made about him.

[HarryCallahan]

When was that? The Oscars had some big ****ups in the '80s. Most notably Ordinary Movie winning over Raging Bull.


Ritchie Valens. He died at 17 and barely even had a musical career. He got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was part of the inspiration for the song American Pie, and had a movie made about him.

Oscars have always been a farce. Paul Newman not winning best actor for Hud and The Verdict is downright shameful.

[HardwoodLegend]

His role as The Joker is considered legendary. I've seen people go on to claim it as the greatest performance ever. Not that I agree with that.

The role itself maybe, but his career as a whole didn't all of the sudden get a second look with previously thought mediocre roles becoming regarded as overlooked works of genius. Those select people calling it the G.O.A.T. performance are a niche group.




When was that? The Oscars had some big ****ups in the '80s. Most notably Ordinary Movie winning over Raging Bull.

*Ordinary People. A movie I haven't even seen, so I can't comment on it vs. Raging Bull.

True there were always decisions that drew a lot of criticism from time to time, but the Oscars have lost their luster over the years and are taken less seriously these days.

[BasedTom]

Can you imagine the reaction if Kanye died?

I think HOW you die matters a lot too in this equation.

[HardwoodLegend]

I would be first in line to herald Aaron Paul as a legend if he checked out with a meth/heroin overdose tomorrow.

Jesse Pinkman was one of the finest acting creations in history. Dat character evolution.

[PistonsFan#21]

Kim Kardashian after Ray J murdered that p*ssy on tape

[ImKobe]

2Pac by far. You think Kobe or Lebron have a lot of stans?

[Out_In_Utah]

One performance doesn't magically turn a mid-level Hollywood player into a legend. Besides, would he have been able to top that performance, judging by his resume almost certainly not. "Better to burn out, than to fade away"



Ledger consistently was an above average actor who showed flashes of brilliance. Joker may have remained his most iconic role, but he probably would have had better performances. Probably would have garnered quite a few Oscar nods.

My nomination is Chris Farley. Hilarious dude, but mostly 1-dimensional. Had he lived, his career could have easily fizzled and he could have gone the route of Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler.

[HarryCallahan]

Ledger consistently was an above average actor who showed flashes of brilliance. Joker may have remained his most iconic role, but he probably would have had better performances. Probably would have garnered quite a few Oscar nods.

:kobe:

Two Hands
10 Things
Dark Knight

Only above average performances in his career.

I've actually seen nearly everything he was in, only three above average performances in the lot.

[HarryCallahan]

One of the best teen films ever.

Agreed, but the best performances in that film came from JGL, David Krumholtz, Allison Janney and Larry Miller.

[miller-time]

:kobe:

Two Hands
10 Things
Dark Knight

Only above average performances in his career.

I've actually seen nearly everything he was in, only three above average performances in the lot.

Candy. Understated performance but definitely waaay above average.

[Out_In_Utah]

:kobe:

Two Hands
10 Things
Dark Knight

Only above average performances in his career.

I've actually seen nearly everything he was in, only three above average performances in the lot.

In addition to the ones you listed, he was above average in:
Candy
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Monster's Ball
Brokeback Mountain (Not just above average, but great. Nominated for Lead Actor Oscar)
Ned Kelly (nominated for 2 Australian awards)
I'm Not There

[Out_In_Utah]

Hell are you talking about? Ledger clearly made that film. :biggums:


Agreed. I was tempted to say that was above average as far as performances go in a chick-flick type movie.

[HarryCallahan]

Candy. Understated performance but definitely waaay above average.

Forgot about that. Add it in. The chick from Lost was pretty bad though.


In addition to the ones you listed, he was above average in:
Candy
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Monster's Ball
Brokeback Mountain (Not just above average, but great. Nominated for Lead Actor Oscar)
Ned Kelly (nominated for 2 Australian awards)
I'm Not There

I don't give a sh*t about awards. They NEVER go to the best deserving people/films.

Parnassus sucked.
Monsters Ball sucked
Brokeback Mountain sucked, mainly due to Gyllenhall, but still Ledger was meh. Quaid was the MVP of that film. Only reason people fawned over that movie is because it was about gay cowboys. There's 10 of those movies at sundance every year that people pretend they liked.
Ned Kelly sucked and Ledger got upstaged by Edgerton and Rush (Bloom was god awful)
I'm not there sucked and Ledger was upstaged by Blanchette.


Four good performances. Not exactly the stuff of legend.

[HarryCallahan]

Hell are you talking about? Ledger clearly made that film. :biggums:

Are you one of those JGL nuts that pollute the internet? He just did the everyman act. Nothing stood out from his performance.

:kobe:

Homie, the dialogue is what made that film. That movie is a straight chick flick without the loveable losers in JGL and Krumholtz. The perverted principal (Janney) and the excessively protective father (Miller) were without doubt the most entertaining characters... and the dude who played Bogey Lowenstein ("that must be Nigel with the brie...")

[HarryCallahan]

I need to watch it again. You're acting like JGL was Jonah Hill or Cera in Superbad. I don't remember that all.

inb4 you shit on based Superbad

Why would I do that? For the recod though Krumholtz>Cera.


Krumholtz da baws.

[HardwoodLegend]

I don't give a sh*t about awards. They NEVER go to the best deserving people/films.

He didn't bring up winning awards. He mentioned nominations, which generally do a good job of recognizing deserving performances in a year.

Either way, Ledger's name doesn't belong in this topic. His career overall isn't seen as legendary by enough people. He gets romanticized to some degree, because he left an illusion of a lot of unfulfilled. He was starting to make better decisions and wanted to take his career in a different direction.

[Draz]

Personally speaking from my perspective and on me only, MJ. I don't care what anyone says about my choice. Obviously in the world of music and the industry itself was as high as possible if not the highest. After his death he became an icon, as if he got even larger than what he already was.

His records sold even more. He went from being mocked in person, people saying he is a bad person even on shows like South Park making fun of him to a role model, an icon, etc.

I didn't know much about him at the time because I was young and didn't care for pop music or whatever he did. He became more recognized honestly for the younger audioence after his death. It shocked me how much people cared about him and looked at him as a fatherly figure. The public influenced us to believe otherwise up until his death.

[D-FENS]

Every painter ever

[clipps]

Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Mozart, Gershwin.:rockon:

[coolhandsteve]

Tupac's popularity increased ten-fold after his death. There's no doubt about that.

So much so there's still people convinced he's chillin on an island somewhere :facepalm

[Proctor]

Eva Cassidy