A Year In Review

As we come to the end of the decade, it is astonishing to think about how many American celebrities either passed away or were caught doing something frowned upon in society. Whether it was athletes, actors or singers, I feel like 2009 was a curse for the rich and famous. In my opinion, I would currently consider the top 5 most famous or well-known Americans internationally to be Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods, Michael Jackson and Michael Phelps (though Michael Jordan could easily replace anyone in the top 5). Yes, there are specific actors, musicians or other celebrities that are extremely well-known, but there is no doubt in my mind that most, if not all of these people would be recognized by the majority of people in other nations.

Out of the five, three did not have great luck in 2009. Michael Jackson, the king of pop, and quite possibly the most famous person world-wide tragically passed away at the age of 50 as he was preparing for a comeback tour. Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer ever and one of the most famous people in the world first got into a car accident, then later admitted he was unfaithful in his marriage. Michael Phelps, who some consider the greatest Olympian of all time (at least in terms of gold medals won), was caught doing drugs at a party.

Other athletes/coaches who suffered (due to their own mistakes or not) in 2009 include: Michael Vick (football player who finished serving his prison sentence for dog fighting), Charlie Davies (soccer player who was injured badly in a fatal car accident), Rick Pitino (college basketball coach who had an affair then was almost extorted by the woman he cheated with), Alex Rodriguez (baseball player who was accused of and later admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs after previously denying it—on a side note, his Yankee teammate Andy Pettitte also admitted to using PED’s), Arturo Gatti (boxer who passed away in a Brazilian hotel at the age of 37), Chris Henry (football player who passed away after falling off a moving truck at the age of 26), Steve McNair (football player who was murdered by his girlfriend at the age of 36), and Chuck Daly (professional basketball coach who passed away at the age of 78).

In terms of actors and entertainers, the list of those who tragically passed away includes: Farrah Fawcett (62), Patrick Swayze (57), Walter Cronkite (92), Edward McMahon (86), Brittany Murphy (32), Billy Mays (50), Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein (36) and David Carradine (72). Though some seemed to live a full life, too many were taken at such an early age.

In addition, David Letterman had to deal with an extortion attempt in relation to a prior affair, rapper T.I. was sentenced on weapon charges and fellow rapper Lil’ Wayne was arrested on weapons charges in 2009. Of course this list does not include everyone, but it is fairly comprehensive and shows how much American celebrities are probably happy this year has come to an end.