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15 Iconic Actors and Their Last On-Screen Roles

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Hollywood has given us countless stars whose unforgettable performances have shaped the course of film history. Some of these beloved actors captivated audiences until the end, delivering powerful, heartfelt, or thrilling performances. Let’s journey through the last films of some

Paul Walker, Furious 7 (2015)

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Furious 7 was a thrilling ride filled with high-octane stunts. Known for his charismatic role as Brian O’Conner in the Fast & Furious franchise, Paul Walker tragically passed away in a car accident prior to the film’s completion. His brothers stepped in to conclude the remaining scenes through CGI and body doubles.

John Wayne, The Shootist (1976)

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In The Shootist, a classic Western that captures the essence of a rugged hero, John Wayne plays J.B. Books, an aging gunfighter facing terminal cancer who wants to go out on his own terms. This character feels incredibly evocative because it mirrors the actor’s struggle with illness at the time.

John Candy, Wagons East (1994)

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A beloved figure in comedy, known for his larger-than-life personality and infectious laughter, John Candy’s last film, Wagons East, tells the story of a bumbling wagon master who leads a group of settlers back east after they decide they can’t handle frontier life. The film remains a bittersweet reminder of Candy’s comedic genius.

Robin Williams, Absolutely Anything (2015)

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A master of comedy and drama, famous for his ability to balance humor and emotion, Robin Williams’ final cinematic appearance was in Absolutely Anything. This quirky sci-fi features him as the voice of a magical dog named Dennis in a story about a man who gains the power to do anything he wishes.

Kirk Douglas, Illusion (2004)

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Kirk’s touching performance in Illusion marked his final act before passing in 2020. Kirk Douglas plays Donald Baines, a legendary film director reflecting on his life as he nears the end. Donald is visited by the ghost of his old editor, who shows him three visions of the son he abandoned years ago.

Jerry Stiller, Zoolander 2 (2016)

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In this sequel to the cult classic, Jerry Stiller brought his signature comedic flair to Zoolander 2. Before leaving the world in 2020, he played Maury Ballstein, the eccentric fashion mogul in this movie. Stiller’s character adds a hilarious touch as he guides the protagonists through the absurd world of high fashion.

Brittany Murphy, Something Wicked (2009)

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The film Something Wicked is a psychological thriller that explores the themes of love and betrayal. In this haunting tale, Murphy plays her final, completed role as a woman caught in a web of dark secrets surrounding her relationship with her boyfriend. Her untimely passing at 32 years old shocked fans worldwide.

Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

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Released posthumously after Boseman’s battle with colon cancer, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom covers the ideas of race, ambition, and artistic expression. Boseman delivers a powerful performance as Levee Green, a talented but troubled trumpet player navigating the challenges of the music industry in the 1920s.

Bruce Lee, Enter The Dragon (1973)

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In Enter the Dragon, Lee portrays the formidable martial artist Lee, who is sent to infiltrate a crime lord’s fortress. His magnetic presence on screen and ability to convey emotions through martial arts solidified him as a cultural icon. Tragically, Bruce Lee passed away two weeks prior to the film’s release.

Audrey Hepburn, Always (1989)

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Audrey Hepburn remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, known for her roles in classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s a romantic drama, directed by Steven Spielberg, in which Hepburn’s final act is as an angel who guides a firefighter and learns about love and sacrifice.

Max von Sydow, Game of Thrones (2016)

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Although he only appeared in a handful of episodes, Max von Sydow made a memorable appearance in Game of Thrones’s sixth season in 2016. He was the mysterious Three-Eyed Raven. This character, shrouded in wisdom, mentors Bran Stark and leads him on his journey to understand his powers.

Robert Forster, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019)

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Robert Forster was a star in El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019), reprising his role as Ed Galbraith, the “disappearer.” A calm yet authoritative presence marks his image as Ed. His scenes with Jesse are emotionally charged. Unfortunately, Forster passed away on the same day the film was released.

Doris Day, With Six You Get Eggroll (1968)

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Though her last film role came decades before her passing in 2019, Doris Day’s last scenes are in the comedy With Six You Get Eggroll. She was Abby McClure, a widowed mother who finds herself maneuvering the complexities of love and family when she falls for a man with children.

Bill Cobbs, Incandescent Love (2023)

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Incandescent Love is a 2023 T.V. miniseries that addresses the lives of the Ellsworth family, filled with mystery and accusations of past illegalities. Bill Cobbs, as Daddy-D Usher, enriches the story with his wisdom and experience. This role marks an emotional conclusion to Cobb’s illustrious career.

John Hurt, That Good Night (2017)

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In this film, Hurt plays Ralph, a terminally ill screenwriter reflecting on his life. His acting shows the complexity of a man seeking redemption and connection in his final days. Released shortly before his passing in 2017, That Good Night is a fitting tribute to Hurt’s legacy of communicating vulnerability and strength.

Written by Gabriel Rickles

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