Showbiz can be a dangerous game where performers try to impress by performing devilish stunts.
Even just a run of the mill stage performance can end in horror. This week, an actor died on stage during a performance of A Christmas Carol.
In an age where we think we have seen it all, entertainers are doing all they can to make our experience as memorable as possible. For some, this means taking on some dangerous stunts that put their lives and the audience's lives at risk too.
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But for some artists, their determination to wow audiences comes at a cost, as many have caused their own death by attempting to perform for their fans. As a result, audiences are left with a memorable evening - but for the wrong reasons.
After the sad death of Julien Arnold, we take a look at other stars who have tragically died during a performance.
Tommy Cooper
A legend of stage and screen, Tommy Cooper was a golden name in British comedy during the 1970s and 1980s. Sporting his legendary red fez, the funnyman would regularly entertain millions on television with his slapstick comedy, always making himself the butt of the joke for yucks.
However, in 1984, things would come crashing down for Tommy when he suffered a heart attack live on stage during a performance that had aired on ITV. After collapsing onstage, the audience at Her Majesty's Theatre believed the fall to be a bit, but after he failed to recover, the show went to an unexpected break.
Tommy was eventually rushed to hospital as people rushed him backstage to try and resuscitate him. However, things would not end well for Tommy, who would eventually be pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital at the age of 63.
Fatman Scoop
Iconic hypeman and 90s hitmaker Fatman Scoop tragically passed away in August of 2024, while performing for a crowd. The star, who was best known for his track Be Faithful, had been rapping at an event in Connecticut when he collapsed midway through his set.
The singer was eventually rushed to hospital, according to a post uploaded by town mayor Lauren Garrett. However, hours later, Fatman Scoop's agency MN2S confirmed that the legendary artist has passed away.
"Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe," an agency spokesperson said. "His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry."
Anthony Wheeler
In 1997, English thespian Anthony Wheeler was performing in an adaptation of hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar, playing the role of Judas. The tour had reached the region of Chalkidiki in eastern Greece, as the show continued to draw in audiences from across the country.
Midway through the performance, Antony pretended to hang himself as part of the story. However, after failing to attach the rope to a safety harness that would kept the pressure from his neck, Anthony went on to hang himself.
However, Antony would die a slow and painful death as the noose he wrapped around himself was too tight, causing him to die of strangulation. This came despite the fact that Anthony had performed the stunt several times over the preceding three years without a hitch.
Tiny Tim
Music legend Tiny Tim was a recognisable name in the 1980s and 1990s, as he produced hit after hit. However, the lifestyle of fame started to get the better of him as he began to pile on the pounds, and was also diagnosed with heart issues.
On November 30, 1996, the star - real name Herbert Khaury - had been performing at the Women's Club of Minneapolis, despite initially telling his wife he was not feeling well before going on stage. In the midst of his performance, Tiny Tim suffered a heart attack on stage, before falling unconscious and never waking up.
He was quickly transferred to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. But despite resuscitation attempts, Tiny Tim was pronounced dead by doctors at 11:20pm.
Irma Blue
Indonesian pop star Irma Blue met her maker when she was bitten by a cobra in the middle of her concert in 2016. The singer had been performing to thousands of fans in the small village of Karawang in West Java when the incident occurred.
The star was known for holding snakes and keeping them around her while she performed, and as she performed the second song of her set, she was bitten by the cobra - which had not been defanged.
Irma would amazingly go on to perform for another 45 minutes before eventually collapsing in front of fans and requiring medical treatment. Despite paramedics' best efforts, Irma would be pronounced later that day.
Patrick Sherry
British rocker Patrick Sherry had been performing for fans at the Warehouse club in Leeds in July of 2005. Patrick, who was 29, was the lead singer of the rock band Bad Beat Revue and had been on a nationwide tour, filling clubs in the process.
During his set, Patrick climbed the lighting sets the band had installed ahead of the gig, before diving head-first into the crowd. The audience parted and Patrick would go on to hit the ground, fracturing his skull.
The rest of the gig was cancelled by the band and Patrick would eventually die as a result of his injuries. However, the Guinness Book of World Records announced that Patrick's death would be the first fatal stage dive in the world.
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