Diabetes is often described as a condition people manage or live with. However, for some, it’s the condition that kills them, slowly, after years of complications that were easy to overlook.
More than just a medical diagnosis; diabetes affects over 589 million people worldwide and occurs across all ages, professions, and backgrounds. While many individuals live long, healthy lives with appropriate treatment and monitoring, diabetes can become life-threatening when long-term complications develop, including heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, vision loss, amputations, and mental health struggles, making it a relentless adversary that’s capable of dimming even the brightest stars.
The following list of ten famous people who’ve died from diabetes-related complications serves as a powerful reminder of the disease’s reach and severity. In each case, diabetes or diabetes-related complications contributed to their death, offering real-world insight into how this disease can affect the body over time. Their stories inspire us to increase our awareness, support diabetes research, and act with urgency in taking care of our own health.
So, grab a (sugar-free) cappuccino, and let’s dive into the lives and legacies of these legends who struggled with diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by persistently elevated blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or insulin resistance (Type 2 diabetes). Over time, chronic hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg faced serious health challenges in the years leading up to her death, which was officially ruled as resulting from complications of diabetes mellitus by the New York City medical examiner. Public reports also noted that she had undergone a liver transplant prior to her passing. Diabetes can sometimes develop after organ transplants due to the stress placed on the body and the effects of anti-rejection medications.
Despite her health struggles, Trachtenberg built a career that spanned decades and made her one of the most recognizable millennial television stars. After beginning as a child actor in Nickelodeon productions including The Adventures of Pete & Pete, she broke out as the lead in Harriet the Spy at age 11 before later earning widespread acclaim as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the unforgettable Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. Her death at such a young age highlights how diabetes can quietly dim even the brightest stars.
Penny Marshall
A Hollywood icon, Penny Marshall delivered her unique blend of humor and heart in everything she touched. As Laverne DeFazio in the 1970s sitcom Laverne & Shirley, she brought blue-collar sass to millions. However, her work as a director revealed her talent for storytelling, demonstrated in film classics like A League of Their Own, Awakenings, and Riding in Cars with Boys, earning her a permanent place in cinematic history.
Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in her later years, Marshall grappled with complications that included kidney disease, heart issues, and chronic fatigue. Her trademark humor helped her cope with the condition for years, but diabetes-related heart failure ultimately led to her death in 2018.
Shelley Duvall
Shelley Duvall‘s unforgettable portrayal of Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining cemented her status as a truly unique and compelling actress. Beyond the big screen, her work on Faerie Tale Theatre captivated millions of children, showcasing a whimsical blend of eccentricity and heartfelt emotion that set her apart.
Diabetes cast a dark shadow on her life during her later years, compounded by mental health struggles that had removed her from the public eye. The emotional weight of managing a chronic illness, coupled with public scrutiny of her appearance, deepened her isolation, transforming her into a recluse, far from Hollywood’s glow. When Duvall died in 2024, diabetes complications were the silent culprit.
Biz Markie
Biz Markie, the “Clown Prince of Hip-Hop,” was a joyful performer whose 1989 anthem “Just a Friend” remains a charming, off-key karaoke classic. His infectious grin lit up Yo! MTV Raps, Men in Black II, and even SpongeBob SquarePants, while his beatboxing and playful rhymes made him a pioneer in hip-hop.
Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his 40s, Markie faced brutal complications, including kidney damage that required dialysis and frequent hospitalizations, resulting in severe weight loss that alarmed fans. Markie tackled the disease with his signature humor, but the disease was relentless, draining his energy and zest for performance. He passed in 2021, underscoring the reality that diabetes demands respect, or it’ll steal the mic and dim the lights forever.
Carroll O’Connor
Carroll O’Connor is best known for his role as Archie Bunker, the gruff, deeply flawed patriarch of All in the Family, whose performance sparked conversations about race, class, and family dynamics in the 1970s. In addition to his acting credits, he also contributed as a producer and director, helping shape television that challenged social norms and encouraged critical dialogue.
Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his 60s, O’Connor dealt with heart disease, poor circulation, and neuropathy in the final years of his life. The loss of his son, Hugh, to substance use disorder in 1995 added to the burden of managing his chronic illness. Heart problems linked to diabetes led to his 2001 death at age 76.
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, the “First Lady of Song,” redefined jazz with her six-decade career, thirteen Grammy Awards, and collaborations with legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Her unique, scat-style of singing and impeccable pitch made her a global sensation.
Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in her 60s, she faced severe complications, including leg amputations. Ella kept singing when she could, but diabetes limited her ability to perform, forcing her into retirement. Heart issues tied to diabetes were a contributing factor in her 1996 death. Her music lingers as a timeless melody in our hearts.
James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones‘ deep, resonating tone lent a powerful presence to all of the characters he portrayed, including Darth Vader’s menacing voice in Star Wars, Mufasa’s regal warmth in The Lion King, and his numerous stage roles in productions such as The Great White Hope and Othello. His EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status cemented his place as a Hollywood legend, demonstrated by his exceptional performances in films like Field of Dreams and Coming to America.
Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his 60s, Jones became an advocate in the fight against diabetes, sharing how his diet, regular exercise, and regular medication kept him performing. As he aged, complications like heart disease, fatigue, and kidney strain loomed, contributing to his death in 2024.
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash, known as The Man in Black, was country music’s rebel poet. With hits like “Ring of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “I Walk the Line,” he sang of pain, love, and redemption, performing in prisons and palaces alike. His raw baritone and outlaw image made him a legend, though early battles with addiction left scars.
Type 2 diabetes emerged later in his life, with neuropathy, making playing guitar and touring incredibly painful, along with vision issues that dimmed his stage presence. He faced diabetes with the grit that defined his music, but complications including heart issues, chronic fatigue, and respiratory problems piled on. He passed away in September 2003 at the age of 71.
Mary Tyler Moore
Mary Tyler Moore wasn’t just an actress; she was television royalty. She started her career as “America’s Sweetheart” in her role as Laura Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show. Then became a feminist role model in the 1970s with her role as Mary Richards in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, proving single women could thrive in a male-dominated world.
Mary Tyler Moore was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 33, a form of diabetes caused by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
She lived with diabetes for more than four decades and became a leading advocate for diabetes research and patient education. She dealt with insulin injections, vision loss, kidney issues, and the constant threat of hypoglycemia. Her death was associated with complications of long-standing diabetes, including cardiovascular and renal effects, which are common in individuals with prolonged hyperglycemia.
Moore didn’t just manage her condition; she crusaded, becoming a powerful spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, raising millions for research. She passed in 2010 due to health issues tied to diabetes. Her radiant smile and tireless activism inspired others to fight on with grace, purpose, and an unyielding spirit.
Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison reshaped the world with his relentless curiosity and drive, amassing an astounding 1,093 patents ranging from the incandescent light bulb and phonograph to electrical distribution systems and motion picture cameras. His work not only transformed everyday life, but also laid the foundation for modern technology, inspiring generations of inventors and entrepreneurs to push the boundaries of possibility.
In the pre-insulin era of the early 20th century, when both diagnosis and treatment of diabetes were minimal, it seems likely that Edison had Type 2. His later years brought fatigue, weight fluctuations, and suspected kidney and heart issues, which are all hallmarks of unmanaged diabetes. Driven by an insatiable mind, he kept tinkering, with diabetes-related issues likely the cause of his 1931 death. Edison’s story highlights how far we’ve come in treating diabetes, from near-helplessness to insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, improving countless lives through advances in medical technology. (We think he would approve.)
Diabetes Awareness, Research, and the Path Forward
According to the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas study, approximately 6.7 million people died in 2021 from conditions related to diabetes (that’s one death every five seconds), underscoring the disease’s longstanding, far-reaching impact. Each person’s story is more than just a memory; it’s an urgent call to action. By increasing overall awareness, supporting research, and promoting compassion, we can honor the legacies of these remarkable individuals and confront diabetes with the determination and resilience needed to fight this relentless disease.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes affects people across all ages and backgrounds.
- Early diagnosis and management are critical to prevent complications.
- Advances like insulin and glucose monitors improve quality of life.
- Awareness reduces stigma and promotes proactive health behaviors.
- Learning from past cases guides better diabetes care and research.
References
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/michelle-trachtenberg-diabetes-1.7512814
- https://www.villages-news.com/2018/12/23/penny-marshalls-death-by-diabetes/
- https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/diabetes/shelley-duvalls-legacy-and-diabetes-causes-symptoms-treatments
- https://www.healthdigest.com/468692/biz-markies-cause-of-death-explained/
- https://entertainmentnow.com/news/carroll-oconnor-death-cause/
- https://blackdoctor.org/black-health-history-ella-fitzgerald/
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/james-earl-jones-diabetes-death
- https://www.ranker.com/review/johnny-cash/1300391?l=524217
- https://www.biography.com/actors/a44007168/mary-tyler-moore-diabetes-diagnosis-and-advocacy
- https://www.onthisday.com/people/thomas-edison
- https://idf.org/about-diabetes/diabetes-facts-figures/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/michelle-trachtenberg-diabetes-1.7512814
- https://fortune.com/well/article/shelley-duval-what-are-diabetes-complications/
- https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0001167/
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data-research/research/young-people-diabetes-on-rise.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jul/17/biz-markie-obituary
- https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2018/09/12/johnny-cash-death-date-nashville-obituary-anniversary/1279962002/
- https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/16/nyregion/ella-fitzgerald-the-voice-of-jazz-dies-at-79.html
- https://www.biography.com/inventors/thomas-edison
- https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/40/6/732/36823/Mary-Tyler-Moore-1936-2017-Diabetes-Educator-and
- https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/james-earl-jones-reveals-diabetes-battle/ml4ykrg5a
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10264794/
Access your free trial and discover why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.
Leave a Reply