Photo: Chris Christoforou/Redferns (Getty)
More than 60 famous musicians, actors and other popular celebrities are listed in the ever-growing club you don’t want to join, the 27 Club. From Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison to Amy Winehouse and Anton Yelchin, we have some of the oldest and newest members of the 27 Club, the group of famous creatives who have passed at the early age of 27.
Whether it’s a coincidence or not is subjective, but it’s unlikely a planned activity in our opinions. From alcohol and substance abuse to depression and suicide, we have 10 of the most popular members of the club with a little backstory. Some of the stories are fascinating, but mostly it’s just depressing. Just imagine how great they would’ve been if they’d gotten out of their 20s.
Now do us a favor and exercise your artistic muscle, just as these greats did, but do us another favor, don’t the drugs and depression get you into this club, either. Start your own club, the ‘118, why can’t I just die already’ club.
The Ongoing Curse of the 27 Club: Celebrities Kicking It Coincidentally At The Early Age Of 27
On an uplifting note: 10 Living Musicians We Want Music From Again
27 Club
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Jim Morrison (1943-71)
Morrison was said to have died of heart failure, perhaps due to excessive drinking, drugs and weight gain. He died in a Paris apartment in the bathtub after having lost the extra weight and shaving his beard. No autopsy was performed.
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Amy Winehouse (1983-2011)
Winehouse struggled with substance abuse, mental illness and weight loss, as she was frequently known for popping in and out of rehab, which humorously inspired songs about quitting. She died of alcohol intoxication.
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Jimi Hendrix (1942-70)
The Seattle-born guitarist still stands as one of the greatest of all time despite the short-lived four-year mainstream career. He died of asphyxia of vomit from overdose of barbiturates.
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Kurt Cobain (1967-94)
The king of the Washington grunge scene, Cobain was a pioneer of early '90s music that would redefine the decade and rock music overall. He, like many talented people, battled depression and substance abuse until the bitter end.
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Kristen Pfaff (1967-94)
Born in the same year and dying in the same place as Cobain, Pfaff is another shining example of Courtney Love rubbing off in a bad way. The Hole bassist passed in '94 from opiate overdose.
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Brian Jones (1942-69)
Most people don't know Brian Jones was the original rollin' stone, the guy who started it all and brought Mick and Keith together. He was also in a battle with substance and was found dead floating in a swimming pool.
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Janis Joplin (1943-70)
The sunshine singer of California gave us some of our favorite music to be blue to. She died of a supposed accidental overdose on heroin right before the release of her fourth album, Pearl.
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Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-88)
The penniless NYC graffiti artist turned high-dollar painter died early in his fame after joining the Warhol crowd in Los Angeles, where he passed in his studio from heroin. His paintings go for millions of dollar today.
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Jonathan Brandis (1976-2003)
The TV stud of the '90s petered out after his quest in the deep sea quest and his days as a Ladybug ended. One of his final projects, Hart's War, alongside Bruce Willis failed to revive him, which led to his hanging in Los Angeles in 2003.
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Anton Yelchin (1989-2016)
Your first look at the boyish, aspiring actor was likely Alpha Dog, but Yelchin would go on to great projects like the new "Star Trek" movies and ending with Green Room just before his death. He was trapped by his vehicle against the gate of his home in 2016. The Jeep was recalled one week later.
