Gone But Not Forgotten Beloved 90s Stars

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at celebrated stars of the 90s that we’ve lost, but who will always be cherished no matter how much time passes.

Phil Hartman

From his time on “Saturday Night Live,” “News Radio,” and “The Simpsons,” it was all too common to turn on your TV in the 1990s and hear the lovable booming voice of Phil Hartman. Of course, the late comedian also left his mark on the big screen - even co-writing major Hollywood screenplays like “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” His SNL impressions are even still considered some of the best in the show’s history! Unfortunately, a troubled home life led to Phil’s passing at the hands of his wife in May of 1998. Hartman’s absence in the industry was immediately felt, but his legacy continues to shine bright to this day.

Brad Renfro

If you were to ask any teenage girl in the 1990s about Brad Renfro, they would have no trouble rattling off his impressive filmography. The young actor, who starred in acclaimed films the likes of “Apt Pupil” and “The Client”had captured the hearts of many. His talent was undeniable, and he made every movie he was in all the better with his presence. Unfortunately, as the decade rolled on, Renfro found himself in various run-ins with the law. His struggles with addiction also became dire, with his drug abuse ultimately causing his death in January 2008.

James Avery

90s kids had 2 big reasons to love James Avery. One – his renowned turn as Uncle Phil opposite Will Smith on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” And two – his incredible voice work as Shredder on the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” cartoon program. Of course, his credits include many other great projects, but it was his time on “Fresh Prince” and “Ninja Turtles” that cemented him as a true pop culture icon. In fact, his Uncle Phil portrayal is often cited as one of the best father figures in TV history! Avery passed away in 2013 after what was believed to be complications from open-heart surgery. His loyal fans, however, continue to keep his memory alive in their own hearts.

Tupac Shakur

At just 25 years of age, prolific rapper Tupac Shakur had four acclaimed albums to his name. From his debut “2Pacalypse Now” to his diamond certified album “All Eyez on Me,” Tupac was the central figure in the 90’s West Coast hip hop scene! He even had a stint on the big screen opposite Janet Jackson in the 1993 Romance film, “Poetic Justice.” Shakur’s shocking murder following a 1996 Mike Tyson boxing match in Las Vegas is still marred in controversy and conspiracies. Regardless of if we ever receive the whole truth of what happened on that fateful night, thanks to his music, Tupac will never fade from the public’s consciousness!

Kirstie Alley

Starring opposite Ted Danson as Rebecca Howe on the smash hit NBC sitcom “Cheers” (replacing original star Shelley Long), Kirstie Alley racked up five Emmy Award nominations and one win – not to mention a legion of fans. She truly was a fan favorite, on both the small and big screen. Kirstie’s movie career was vast and included the likes of “It Takes Two” and the “Look Who’s Talking” films. And while she continued to work regularly right up until her passing from colon cancer in 2022, she never quite reached the career highs she had in the 90s. No matter, Kirstie Alley always gave us something to raise our glass to!

Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee’s passing at just 28 years of age in the early 90s is one of the most tragic tales in Hollywood history. The son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, Brandon was poised to be a breakout star. After starting his career with leading roles in Hong Kong action flicks, Lee hit the big time when he landed the lead part in the upcoming graphic novel adaptation of “The Crow.” Unthinkably, Lee’s life would come to an end during the final stages of filming the picture when he was fatally wounded on set by a prop gun. Posthumously, Brandon received praise for his performance. Fans and critics alike were in awe of his onscreen presence and were left mourning a true talent taken too soon.

Bob Saget

Thanks to his role as squeaky clean Danny Tanner on the mega popular sitcom “Full House,” Bob Saget became everyone’s favorite 90s TV dad. However, Saget’s off-screen persona was the polar opposite to the sitcom dad of three – and audiences loved him for it. His stand-up routine was notoriously filthy and downright crude. And, like a true talent, Bob Saget balanced these disparate sides of his act with ease. He continued his career throughout the next couple of decades with various film and TV projects. He even showed how much a good sport he was with a little Comedy Central roasting! And so, Bob’s fans were crushed when the comedian died unexpectedly in his sleep in January 2022.

Chris Farley

You can’t talk about people who made us laugh in the 90s without talking about the sheer comedic force that was Chris Farley! With his inhuman amount of energy, Farley made audiences double over in laughter with his over-the-top delivery and physical comedy antics. These were constantly on display on “Saturday Night Live,” where he was a cast member from 1990 to 1995. His string of 90s movies, including “Tommy Boy” opposite David Spade, were also great ways to release laughter. Sadly, Farley passed away in 1997 after struggles with substance abuse. However, there’s no denying he left an everlasting effect on everyone who witnessed his talent.

Kurt Cobain

Often considered one of the greatest frontmen in music history, Kurt Cobain was the 90s king of grunge. His impressive vocals were one thing, but his ground-breaking song writing was another. Described as personal and transgressive, Cobain combined a variety of rock subgenres, all leading to Nirvana being one of the most successful acts ever! Fans were also drawn to his openness and ultra-honest attitude. No frills? No problem – Cobain’s talent in front of the microphone said everything you needed to know. Unfortunately, his career was cut short at the young age of 27 when he took his life. Alongside Nirvana bandmates, Cobain was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Matthew Perry

Millions of people tuned in every Thursday night in the 1990s to watch NBC’s “Must See TV”, and with it, a little show called “Friends.” Of course, that show would make mega stars out of its cast – including one Matthew Perry. Perry had several acting roles prior to “Friends,” but his turn as the lovably sarcastic Chandler Bing launched him into superstardom. A series of movie roles followed as a result. And over 20 years after the cast of “Friends” took their final bow, people still watch repeats of the show with sheer delight. And so, when the world lost Matthew Perry suddenly in October 2023, it left a major hole in everyone’s collective hearts.

Is there a 90s star who left us that you remember fondly? Share your tributes in the comments below.