The 1990s gave us baggy neon tracksuits, slow dial-up internet and celebrities who genuinely seemed untouchable. For fans, everyone looked larger than life. And maybe that’s because Twitter trolls didn’t exist yet. Positivity was the default setting for everyone, which feels really odd by today’s standards. But time doesn’t care about nostalgia. As the calendar flipped to the 2000s, plenty of celebrity names quietly slipped from the spotlight. Some even died, and their passing barely registered in the news at the time. It feels unfair considering how these actors shaped our world. In this article, we remember these ‘90s icons who died and the world forgot and overlooked.
Christopher Pettiet
In the 90s, Christopher Pettiet was surfing through Point Break, stirring up trouble in Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, and saddling up as a young Jesse James in The Young Riders. In the cult comedy, he played Zach Crandell, Sue Ellen’s brother who thrived in mom’s absence, diving headfirst into the film’s chaotic teen freedom. Tragically, his life ended in 2000 from an accidental drug overdose, leaving fans to imagine the career that never had the chance to fully unfold.
Justin Pierce
Born in London in 1975 and raised in New York’s Marble Hill, Justin Pierce ditched school for skateboarding after his parents’ divorce. That choice led him to Washington Square Park, where director Larry Clark discovered him and cast him in Kids (1995). Roles in Next Friday, Malcolm in the Middle, and indie films followed. Tragically, on July 10, 2000, Pierce died by suicide at 25 in Las Vegas.
Marie Fredriksson
Between 1989 and 1991 Roxette was everywhere. Per Gessle handled the songwriting while Marie Fredriksson’s vocals carried hits like Listen to Your Heart and It Must Have Been Love. In 2002 Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor but retired from touring in 2016. In December 2019 the beloved singer passed away at 61.
Brittany Murphy
Brittany Murphy’s breakout as Tai in Clueless (1995) turned her into a ‘90s favorite but her career was far more than “whatever”. She shined in 8 Mile, Girl, Interrupted and Just Married and showed off her vocals in Happy Feet. For many she’ll always be Luanne from King of the Hill, a role she voiced in 254 episodes until her sudden death in 2009 at 32. The autopsy listed pneumonia, anemia and drug intoxication as factors.
Lee Thompson Young
Lee Thompson Young made history as Jett Jackson on Disney’s The Famous Jett Jackson, which ran from 1998 to 2001 and cemented him as a teen favorite. He didn’t fade after Disney either, landing parts in Friday Night Lights, The Hills Have Eyes 2, and even playing Victor Stone in Smallville. In 2010, he stepped into a bigger spotlight as Detective Barry Frost on Rizzoli & Isles. Tragically, Young died by suicide in 2013 at just 29.
Sawyer Sweeten
Everybody Loves Raymond wasn’t just about Ray and Debra’s daily squabbles. It was the kids who often stole scenes. Geoffrey and Michael Barone, played by real-life twins Sawyer and Sullivan Sweeten, brought warmth to the sitcom’s nine-season run from 1996 to 2005. Their sister, Madylin, rounded out the family as Ally. While Sullivan and Madylin continued to work, Sawyer stepped back from acting after the show ended. Tragically, in 2015, at only 19, he died by suicide.
OMC
OMC’s How Bizarre was the ultimate earworm of 1996, pulling in fans with that looping Spanish-guitar riff and Pauly Fuemana’s half-sung, half-rapped delivery about a carjacking gone wrong. The track hit charts across New Zealand, Europe, the U.S., and beyond, cementing OMC’s place in ‘90s pop history. The group’s name, “Otara Millionaires Club,” cheekily referenced Pauly’s South Auckland neighborhood. Behind the music were brothers Phil and Pauly Fuemana, both gone far too soon. Phil died of a heart attack in 2005 at 41, while Pauly passed away in 2010 at just 40 from progressive demyelinating polyneuropathy, a rare autoimmune disease.
Josh Ryan Evans
Between 1999 and 2008, Passions threw everything at viewers: witchcraft, curses, and even a doll brought to life as Timmy, played by Josh Ryan Evans. His performance turned him into a fan favorite, while his cameo as baby Grinch in 2000’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas cemented him in pop culture. Evans had also appeared in Ally McBeal, 7th Heaven, and Poltergeist: The Legacy. Tragically, NBC confirmed he died in 2002 from complications tied to a congenital heart condition. He was 20 and had already survived three heart surgeries, dreaming of working behind the camera.
Coolio
Coolio (born Artis Ivey) etched his name in ’90s hip hop history with tracks that went from party anthems to gritty storytelling. His 1994 single Fantastic Voyage went to #3 but it was Gangsta’s Paradise a year later (featured in Dangerous Minds) that defined a generation, went to #1 for 3 weeks and was 1995’s biggest single. Beyond music he was Kwanzaabot on Futurama and even had a cooking show. September 28, 2022 Coolio died at 59 from a drug overdose involving heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Jason David Frank
Jason David Frank wasn’t just another Power Ranger. He was THE Ranger. Introduced in the first season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as the Green Ranger, Tommy Oliver and his Dragon Dagger (yes, the flute-sword combo) instantly won fans over. He was supposed to be temporary, but his popularity brought him back as the team’s White Ranger and eventual leader. Frank embraced the role for decades, returning for cameos and fan conventions, while also creating his own martial arts style. In 2022, he died by suicide at 49.
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