In Memoriam 2024: Athletes, Musicians and Entertainers (Episode 149)

In the pantheon of music legends whose voices were silenced too soon, Selena Quintanilla's story stands out not just as a tragedy, but as an American dream interrupted. Born to a struggling family in Texas, Selena transformed from a child performer singing in her family's failing restaurant to the undisputed Queen of Tejano music – shattering records, breaking barriers, and creating a cultural phenomenon that transcended musical genres.What makes Selena's journey so compelling is how her extraordinary talent was matched by remarkable business acumen. By 23, she wasn't just dominating charts and winning Grammys – she was building a multi-million dollar empire spanning music, fashion, and beauty. Her boutiques "Selena Etc." were generating over $5 million, her concerts sold out stadiums, and she was on the cusp of a breakthrough English-language album that would have certainly catapulted her to global superstardom.The devastating irony of Selena's story lies in how her greatest strengths – her trust, loyalty, and generous spirit – created the circumstances for her downfall. Yolanda Saldivar, a seemingly devoted fan who became Selena's close friend and business associate, methodically exploited that trust. When confronted about embezzling nearly $30,000 from Selena's fan club and boutiques, Saldivar responded not with remorse but with violence, ending a brilliant life and career that had only begun to realize its potential.Looking back at what Selena accomplished in just 23 years, we can only imagine what her legacy might have become. Her posthumous crossover album "Dreaming of You" debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, confirming what those close to her already knew – Selena wasn't just going to cross over to mainstream success; she was poised to redefine it entirely. Her story reminds us how fragile life can be, how carefully we must guard our trust, and how a voice silenced too soon can still echo powerfully across generations.Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

The 1989 Oscars went so poorly not only did it kill the career of producer Allan Carr-- it killed HIM. Join hosts Kyle Ploof, Ben Kissel and Alejandro Dowling and tune in to an all new episode today!Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

The internet has transformed ordinary people into overnight celebrities, but sometimes the path to digital fame takes a deadly turn. In this gripping exploration of YouTube's darkest corners, we uncover the shocking stories of content creators whose online journeys ended in tragedy.Meet Tor Eckhoff, the quirky Norwegian known as "Apetor," whose ice-water stunts entertained millions before claiming his life. His videos—skating on dangerously thin ice and plunging into freezing waters while appearing to drink vodka—became his signature until that signature ultimately became his demise when he fell through ice during filming and couldn't be rescued in time.The episode takes an even more disturbing turn with Joseph Martinez, known to his followers as "Jupiter Joe." Behind his wholesome facade as a sidewalk astronomer bringing the wonders of the cosmos to Bronx residents lurked a horrific secret. DNA evidence eventually linked him to the 1999 murder of a 13-year-old girl, revealing how effectively online personas can conceal the darkest of pasts.We also delve into the chilling case of two South Korean streamers whose online rivalry escalated to real-world violence, culminating in a fatal stabbing outside a courthouse that was inadvertently broadcast to thousands of viewers. And the tragic story of competitive Madden gamer David Katz shows how the pressure of e-sports competition, combined with untreated mental health issues, led to a devastating mass shooting at a gaming tournament.These harrowing tales serve as powerful reminders that behind every channel, stream, and online persona exists a real person with complex motivations, personal demons, and sometimes dangerous capabilities. As we consume online content, perhaps we should consider not just what we're watching, but who we're allowing into our digital lives—and what darkness might lurk behind the subscribe button.Join us for this unsettling but essential journey into the troubling intersection of internet fame and real-world tragedy. Is the pursuit of digital celebrity worth the potential cost? The stories we share might make you think twice before hitting that like button.Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

Join us as we pay homage to the late, great Gene Hackman and search for answers today on Death in Entertainment.Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

Jerry Springer: The man that turned trash TV into a blood sport. The King of the paternity test reveal, the sultan of scandal-- and the guy that proved if you threw enough chairs-- someone's bound to get a career boost. But behind the chaos, there's a darker story: A man who built an empire on other people's misery. That's today on Death in Entertainment.Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

The David Lynch saga continues and ends...Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

Imagine growing up with a mother who banned coloring books to encourage creativity. In our latest episode, we embark on an eccentric journey into the life of the legendary filmmaker David Lynch, whose unique experiences shaped a mind capable of crafting surreal and unforgettable stories. From his playful childhood in Montana, where mud holes and moths sparked lifelong fascinations, to his profound realization that art could be a career, we explore what ignited his creative spirit.Transitioning through Lynch's life, we paint a vivid picture of his time in Philadelphia, where he embraced chaos and fear, fueling his concept of the "art life." You'll hear how his environment, from gritty streets to Los Angeles sunshine, played a pivotal role in his artistic development. We navigate the rollercoaster of Lynch's career, capturing his breakthrough with "Eraserhead" and his iconic television debut with "Twin Peaks," a show that forever changed the landscape of TV drama.Finally, we take a nostalgic look at the cultural phenomenon of "Twin Peaks," diving into the serendipitous creation of the sinister character Bob and the impact it had on actor Frank Silva's life. Listen as we reflect on the vibrant fandom that emerged around the show and the bittersweet stories of its cast and crew. Don't miss our lighthearted musings on what a Lynch-directed sitcom might look like, as we tease more mysteries and stories that lie ahead in future episodes.Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

Ever wondered if a TV psychic was the real deal or just a marketing genius? Join us as we take a hilarious yet insightful journey through the life of Miss Cleo, the unforgettable TV psychic whose commercials became late-night legends. From her start as Uri Del Harris in Los Angeles to becoming the voice of the Psychic Readers Network, we unravel the enigma of Miss Cleo. Was she truly clairvoyant, or did she master the art of 'fake-it-till-you-make-it'? Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through her colorful past, complete with humorous anecdotes and the fascinating backstory many never knew.Step into the realm where personal storytelling mingles with deception and reality blurs with performance. We draw curious connections between public personas like Miss Cleo and Anna Nicole Smith, exploring their motivations to create elaborate yet sometimes fictitious narratives. With lighthearted humor, we navigate the Seattle theater roots of Miss Cleo's journey, exposing how a character created for a play morphed into a cultural icon. Listen as we compare Miss Cleo's memorable role to the likes of Progressive's Flo and other iconic commercial figures, while pondering the comforting allure these personas provide amidst their ethical pitfalls.Relive the nostalgia of the 90s as we uncover the psychic industry's quirky charm and its darker underbelly. From the parody sketches that kept us laughing to the legal scandals that left us questioning, Miss Cleo's legacy is one of both laughter and controversy. Discover the truth behind the infamous Psychic Readers Network and the shady practices that left countless callers with skyrocketing phone bills. Despite the scandal, Miss Cleo remained a fascinating figure in pop culture, reflecting broader themes of identity and deception. Tune in for a ride filled with humor, insight, and a nod to the infamous world of TV psychics.Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

Our tribute to the entertainers we lost in 2024 continues. Join us for a special episode of laughs, tears and cheers!Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment

Well, it's that time of year again when we pay tribute to all the entertainers we lost in the last 12 months. A lot of big ones on the list! And unlike the Oscars, we don't snub! So without further ado, let's raise a glass and get into it. Oh, and Happy New Year, Deados!Send us a message!Persons of InterestFrom murderers to money launderers, thieves to thugs – police officers from the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showDeath in Entertainment is hosted by Kyle Ploof, Alejandro Dowling and Ben Kissel.New episodes every week!https://linktr.ee/deathinentertainment