Heath Ledger (April 4, 1979 - Jan. 22, 2008, accidental overdose) The beloved Brokeback Mountain's unexpected death - and its mysterious circumstances - shocked family, friends and fans around the world.

Brad Renfro (July 25, 1982 - Jan. 15, 2008, unknown causes) Though it's still unclear what Renfro died from, he had struggled with drugs and alcohol after early success in movies like The Client.

Aaliyah (Jan. 16, 1979 - Aug. 25, 2001, plane crash) Only 22 when her charter plane crashed in the Bahamas, Aaliyah had already become an R&B sensation and received acclaim for two movie roles.

David Strickland (Oct. 14, 1969 - March 22, 1999, suicide) Best known for his role in Suddenly Susan, Strickland had been arrested for cocaine possession and was found to have been drinking when he killed himself.

River Phoenix (Aug. 23, 1970 - Oct. 31, 1993, drug overdose) Phoenix was perhaps the most promising actor of his generation; his death from a heroin and cocaine overdose inspired many tributes from fellow performers.

Brandon Lee (Feb. 1, 1965 - March 31, 1993, accidental gunshot wound) The son of Bruce Lee, who himself died young, Brandon was shot in the abdomen by a malfunctioning prop gun while filming The Crow.

Rebecca Schaeffer (Nov. 6, 1967 - July 18, 1989, homicide) California laws were changed significantly in response to the My Sister Sam star's death at the hands of her stalker.

Freddie Prinze (June 22, 1954 - Jan. 29, 1977, suicide) The young father and Chico and the Man star had a quaalude dependency and was being sued for divorce when he shot himself in the head.

Sharon Tate (Jan. 24, 1943 - Aug. 9, 1969, homicide) Along with four friends, Roman Polanski's beautiful, eight-and-a-half-months-pregnant wife was brutally murdered by members of Charles Manson's "family."

James Dean (Feb. 8, 1931 - Sept. 30, 1955, car accident) In Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden and Giant, Dean became a cultural icon; his love of racing fast cars led to his demise.