October 2, 2024

8 Celebrities Who Died from Mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma
Asbestos
Cancer

Celebrities Who Died from Mesothelioma: A Stark Reminder of Asbestos Risks

Exposure to asbestos is a significant health risk that can lead to severe illnesses, including mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer. Not even celebrities are immune to the dangers of asbestos exposure, and each year, more names are added to the list of famous people who have succumbed to mesothelioma. Despite their fame, wealth, and access to top-tier medical care, these individuals were unable to escape the devastating effects of asbestos exposure.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, you don’t need to be a celebrity to seek expert legal representation. The attorneys at Serling & Abramson, P.C., located in Michigan, have over 50 years of experience advocating for victims of asbestos exposure. We work tirelessly to secure settlements that help provide financial stability and peace of mind for those affected.

Famous People Who Battled Mesothelioma

Below is a list of celebrities who fought against mesothelioma, how they were exposed to asbestos, and how their battles made a difference in raising awareness and advocating for those facing the same fate.

Steve McQueen Died from Mesothelioma

Steve McQueen, Actor

  • What He’s Known For: Steve McQueen was one of the most iconic actors of the 1960s and 1970s, known for films like “The Great Escape,” “Bullitt,” “The Towering Inferno,” and “The Magnificent Seven.” He was dubbed the “King of Cool” for his rebellious roles and rugged persona. McQueen died in 1980 at the age of 50.
  • How He Got Mesothelioma: Before his acting career, McQueen served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he believed his asbestos exposure occurred. During his time in the military, he stripped asbestos from pipes in the engine rooms of ships. His acting career also put him at risk; he worked around insulation on movie sets and wore fireproof racing suits that may have contained asbestos. Interestingly, Steve McQueen was once married to Ali McGraw. Ali is remembered for her role as Jenny Cavilleri in the 1970s film Love Story. The lead cameraman on this film, Lou Barlia also died of mesothelioma.
  • How His Death Made a Difference: Following his death, McQueen’s widow Barbara Minty became an advocate for asbestos awareness, collaborating with organizations like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). She once stated, “Steve would want me out there doing what I can to help other people.”

Warren Zevon Died from MesotheliomaWarren Zevon, Musician

  • What He’s Known For: Warren Zevon was a celebrated singer-songwriter and musician known for hits like “Werewolves of London.” His music, often covered by artists like Linda Ronstadt and Bob Dylan, cemented his place in rock history. Zevon passed away in 2003 from pleural mesothelioma.
  • How He Got Mesothelioma: The exact source of Zevon’s asbestos exposure remains unclear. Despite the uncertainty, his case has become a prominent example of mesothelioma’s devastating impact.
  • How His Death Made a Difference: Following Zevon’s death, his son Jordan Zevon became the national spokesperson for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). He has been a vocal advocate for asbestos awareness, stating, “I want to dispel the myths and reveal the truth about the asbestos epidemic.”

Merlin Olsen Died from MesotheliomaMerlin Olsen, Football Player/Announcer/Actor

  • What He’s Known For: Merlin Olsen was a celebrated defensive tackle in the NFL, playing for the Los Angeles Rams. He was the #1 overall draft pick in 1962, was selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times, and was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Outside of football, he gained fame as an actor, playing Jonathan Garvey on “Little House on the Prairie.” He died in 2010.
  • How He Got Mesothelioma: Olsen believed he was exposed to asbestos while working on construction sites from age 10 through college. His exposure to asbestos materials on building sites likely contributed to his mesothelioma diagnosis decades later.
  • How His Death Made a Difference: Olsen filed a mesothelioma lawsuit against 10 asbestos companies, leading to a confidential settlement. His case highlighted the dangers of asbestos exposure in the construction industry and the need for accountability.

Sean Sasser Dies From MesotheliomaSean Sasser, HIV Activist and Pastry Chef

  • What He’s Known For: Sean Sasser was an HIV/AIDS activist who gained national attention through his appearance on MTV’s “The Real World” in the 1990s. He was known for his relationship with cast member Pedro Zamora, which brought attention to HIV/AIDS issues. Sasser died in 2013 at the age of 44 from peritoneal mesothelioma.
  • How He Got Mesothelioma: Initially, Sasser had no known exposure to asbestos. However, his family, based in Michigan, contacted Serling & Abramson, P.C. Our attorneys uncovered that during his childhood, Sasser had been exposed to asbestos while remodeling old homes in Detroit with his mother’s significant other.
  • How His Death Made a Difference: Sasser’s legacy in HIV/AIDS activism continues through his husband, Michael Kaplan, who now works in public health. His case also underscores the importance of investigating the source of asbestos exposure, even when it’s not immediately apparent.

Other Notable Individuals Affected by Mesothelioma

While the above celebrities are some of the most recognized faces in the fight against mesothelioma, numerous other well-known individuals have been affected by this disease. This includes:

  • Paul Gleason: Known for his role as Richard Vernon in “The Breakfast Club,” Gleason succumbed to pleural mesothelioma in 2006. His death was attributed to asbestos exposure during his youth when he worked as an apprentice carpenter.
  • Christie Hennessy: The Irish folk singer-songwriter passed away from peritoneal mesothelioma in 2007. Hennessy’s illness was believed to have been caused by asbestos exposure from his earlier work as a painter and decorator.
  • Ron Cyrus: The father of singer Billy Ray Cyrus and grandfather to Miley Cyrus, Ron was diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of exposure to asbestos while working in the steel industry. He succumbed to this asbestos-related illness in 2006, bringing attention to the dangers of occupational asbestos exposure.
  • Ed Lauter: A prolific character actor known for roles in films like “The Longest Yard” and “Death Wish 3,” Lauter passed away from pleural mesothelioma in 2013. His exposure to asbestos occurred on movie sets where asbestos was used as a fireproofing material.

The Ubiquity of Asbestos Exposure

These cases underscore a common theme: asbestos exposure can happen to anyone, regardless of their walk of life. Construction workers, actors, musicians, and athletes have all been victims of asbestos exposure. This dangerous substance was used in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, automotive, and even cosmetics. For instance, many buildings constructed during the 20th century used asbestos-containing materials for insulation and fireproofing. As a result, thousands of people are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, decades after their initial exposure.

Understanding Mesothelioma: Types and Risks

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart. It has a long latency period, meaning symptoms often do not appear until 20-50 years after exposure to asbestos. This delay makes early diagnosis challenging and often results in a grim prognosis for patients. Common symptoms include chest pain, persistent cough, and fluid buildup in the lungs. Treatment options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can extend life expectancy, but there is currently no cure for this deadly cancer.

Finding the Source of Exposure and Seeking Justice

Identifying the source of asbestos exposure is crucial for pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit and securing compensation. Often, exposure occurs in workplaces such as construction sites, shipyards, and factories, but secondary exposure through contact with contaminated clothing is also possible. Legal action against companies responsible for asbestos exposure can provide much-needed financial support for medical treatments, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Serling & Abramson, P.C. specializes in representing mesothelioma patients and their families. We have the experience and resources needed to thoroughly investigate exposure sources, whether through occupational or secondary means. We work to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for the victims.

Celebrities’ Advocacy and Legacy

The stories of these famous individuals serve as powerful reminders of the dangers of asbestos. Their battles with mesothelioma have brought attention to the risks of asbestos exposure and the importance of seeking justice for those affected. Advocacy groups, often supported by the families of these celebrities, work tirelessly to raise awareness, promote asbestos regulation, and support mesothelioma patients. These efforts have helped to improve safety standards in industries where asbestos exposure is common and provide hope for those currently battling the disease.

Conclusion

Mesothelioma can affect anyone, even those in the spotlight. The battles fought by celebrities against this form of cancer highlight the pervasive risk of asbestos exposure and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their families. Despite the challenges, there is hope through legal representation, advocacy, and ongoing research into treatments. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Serling & Abramson, P.C. is here to help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation and support you need. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice and closure.