20 Reality Stars That Died Too Soon

Rest in peace! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at times when people who gained celebrity from reality TV shows sadly lost their lives far too young. Our countdown includes stars from shows “American Idol”, “16 and Pregnant”, “Hell’s Kitchen” and more! Which canceled reality show would you like to have back? “The Simple Life?” “Cutthroat Kitchen?” “My Super Sweet 16?” Or something else? Let us know below.
Check out these other reality TV videos:
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Top 10 Worst Reality TV Shows: • Top 10 Worst Reality T...
Top 20 Craziest Reality TV Show Meltdowns: • Top 20 Craziest Realit...
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#realitytv #gonetoosoon #tvshows #thevoice #americanidol #celebrities

[@WatchMojo]

Let's take a moment to remember these reality stars whose lives ended too soon. Share your thoughts and memories below as we honor their legacies.

[@devingiles6597]

None of them. No more reality shows, please!

[@juliadanzl4894]

I miss Cutthroat Kitchen, I was one of the more amusing and unusual cooking shows. Plus I think Alton had a blast hosting it.

[@whitleysdollhouse877]

Our family members love the show, "Cutthroat Kitchen"

[@Maree0810]

Fanatic

[@michaela4499]

traci braxton should have been included

[@mlynettepinky595]

Traci and Mandisa should have been on the list Mandisa was on American idol She died last month Her father said she had covid Also Whitney and Bobbie Kristen Whitney had a reality tv show with Bobby Brown.

[@shayjohnson1114]

Gabe also from The Braxtons.

[@bloodstone1058]

Who's that?

[@styxvxn4435]

​@shayjohnson1114 I FORGOT GABBBBE DIED... Oh my

[@styxvxn4435]

​@bloodstone1058 Who's who?

[@msoi215]

When Big Ang passed away, that hit so hard. Because she was just so lovable. #MobWives

[@DaleshasLife]

I agree!!!!!!!!

[@teep2056]

I liked her

[@stacyr4768]

I agree . That had me sad for days

[@latoniashrimplin8729]

Big Ang was my favorite, when she passed...that hurt for a few days.

[@stacyr4768]

@@latoniashrimplin8729 me too . My eyes filled with tears when she spoke about her diseases returning

[@spacepunk_nappy]

*Jael Strauss of American Top Model season 8 from Breast Cancer age 34 *Andre Montgomery Jr,Ms.Robbie's grandson of Sweetie Pies in 2016,age 21...

[@andrewbatts7678]

Poor Bam, that loss destroyed him

[@DukeHalliday-cv4fx]

Yup

[@SonicMania2099]

Michelle Thomas would be someone I would love to see live longer. Michelle played Myra Monkhouse on Family Matters but died of stomach cancer the year Family Matters had ended, 1996

[@allisonthomas995]

It actually ended in 1998

[@anthonyhill1332]

I feel you but not a REALITY SHOW star

[@SokMunkie]

Not a reality show

[@mlynettepinky595]

Michelle wasn't on a reality show Example would be Traci Braxton from Braxton Family Values She was Toni Braxton's sister, and she passed away from cancer

[@evelynperez6156]

Michelle died in December 1998, and Family Matters ended in July 1998. Jaleel White, to this day, cries every time he talks about her. Very sad.

[@brandonanderson2689]

If you or anyone you know are having suicidal thoughts please get help, we love you no matter what & we're here for you

[@CH0RUS]

Trying to get some likes? 😂😂😂 simp

[@LucyLioness100]

That’s a beautiful message. I’ve struggled with suicidal ideation (and always will I think), it’s never easy

[@WatchMojo]

@@LucyLioness100 Remember, you're not alone in your journey, and there are people who care about you and want to support you through difficult times. If you ever need someone to talk to, there are resources available. Take care of yourself, and know that there is hope and help out there.

[@NikoTheDunn]

Getting help doesn't always help, or make it better, but thanks. Peace, Love, and Blessings!✌🏾❤🙏🏽

[@kokainejane773]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@DillonColtMusic]

Big blacks passing still breaks my heart.

[@nicholasmahannah3623]

Rip every reality star on this list

[@EastsideZach_]

Man I actually shed a tear when Big Black died

[@Courtneybenson907]

They also didn’t include Jordan Cashmyer, who was also on 16 & Pregnant. She struggled with addiction and lost custody of her first daughter. She died about two years ago from an overdose and left her second child an orphan, as the father had died a few months prior due to addiction.

[@hannahlowe794]

That’s sad.

[@Avaa-vanilla995]

Those poor kids

[@brownsugar163]

So many unnecessary deaths involving young people. This is truly sad.😢

[@Courtneybenson907]

@@Avaa-vanilla995 Well she had lost custody of her first child, and apparently hadn’t been involved in her life for years.

[@LucyLioness100]

God that’s so sad for both her and her children. I hope her kids are doing okay

[@imher2462]

When Real passed away💔💔😢😢😢

[@jasminefuller8647]

In 2015, can’t remember the day or month tho

[@shayjohnson1114]

I miss Miss Minnie and Real!! I would love for Mob Wives and Little Women to come back!

[@zanishabrown3021]

I really thought they would mention Beth from Dog the Bounty Hunter. Don't like him much but she was a badass 💔

[@mrscrappz1063]

She had a ginormous chest. It definitely took a toll on her over the years

[@LucyLioness100]

That was truly sad. I never watched the show, but still sad she passed away so soon

[@hersheykiss6738]

Yes she was

[@briasworld8]

Racist they were.

[@larrybaldwin8325]

​@@briasworld8, Yeah, She truly was and a Bitch and KARMA is a vicious thing, she treated people Evil and Nasty and Allienated A Father from his Children!! Not 1 Ounce of Sympathy from that Thing!! Do feel bad for her Children though

[@novalove4790]

I loved Big Ang! "I like the wise guys"

[@OminousOnyx772]

I don't watch Reality TV but this still sucks. As in Lord of the Rings: "no parent should have to bury their child" No person should die so young. Rest In peace all.

[@LucyLioness100]

I don’t watch much reality TV either, but it’s still awful when someone from the shows or wherever dies. It’s a loss for the families and friends who cared about them

[@lovebratgoddess]

Nightbirde from AGT should have been included. Amazing voice, amazing attitude and just stunning all around. Still makes me cry when I hear her songs.

[@gigib3734]

Agree such a beautiful young lady with such beautiful voice. Rest in peace❤🙏

[@Lolli4Liberty]

Her song It’s Ok has gotten me through some really rough times. Thank you, Lady Jane. ❤

[@LucyLioness100]

I remember my dad telling me about Phil’s death on “Deadliest Catch”. He enjoyed that show; think it was part of why he eventually visited Alaska to see how beautiful it is And I remember when Anna’s death was the big news. It was awful she and Daniel both died due to substances. Her daughter has grown so beautifully into an almost mirror image of her mother & I’m glad her father has kept her out of the public eye to raise her and I hope tells her good things about Anna and that she loved her

[@user-sc9dv5ni7c]

RIP to all the reality stars

[@GIGATT73]

May They All rest in peace and my condolence to their family. 🙏🏿

[@jadepixie2719]

Nikki McKibbin from American Idol and Popstars should be on this list too.

[@jacobdrolet4262]

Amazing video Rebecca from watch mojo of reality stars that pass away to soon,fantastic job.

[@jayjanzee9059]

What about Traci Braxton of BFV and Jael from ANTM season 8, both from cancer

[@carameldiva5131]

I cried so hard when Pedro died 😢😢

[@dassinefaye]

Gosh, I just cried again watching this, broke my heart, he will always be remembered 😢

[@LucyLioness100]

Such a beautiful soul & he wasn’t shy about sharing he was HIV+ & of course his partner Shawn being there with him. I hope they are both together again in the afterlife

[@imher2462]

Yes I really liked him!💔😢

[@jadepixie2719]

Kesha Wizzart (22 October 1988 - 12 July 2007) a singer who appeared on the talent show “Star in your eyes” should be on this list too she along with her mother Beverly and her younger brother Fred were murdered by her Mother’s boyfriend

[@mlynettepinky595]

Yall missed several other people 1.Mandisa from American Idol pass away last month from covid 2. Traci Braxton who was Toni Braxton sister from Braxton Family Values Passed away from cancer 3. Whitney Houston had a reality tv show Being Boddy Brown 4. Bobbie Kristen Whitney's daughter

[@NiKiMa023]

*Bobbi Kristina

[@dassinefaye]

3&4 don’t need to be on this list. Whitney THE VOICE Houston wasn’t a reality star nor was her Daughter Bobbi.

[@LaurenKaminski]

@@dassinefayethey have Anna Nicole Smith on it!

[@user-et7ts5nq6n]

@@LaurenKaminskibut Whitney Houston’s was literally WHITNEY HOUSTON!!! can’t compare the two

[@LucyLioness100]

@@LaurenKaminski Anna did other projects and not just her short-lived TV series. Yes she’s not the same as Whitney and Bobbi, but it’s still tragic she died so soon

[@damonika09]

I remember being so sad about Real. Him and Chance were cool people.

[@emeraldeleven8197]

Me too. I cried like I knew him.

[@donaldkennedy9573]

Very cool.

[@nicolelylewis]

Garrison Brown - Sister Wives Mandisa - American Idol

[@DukeHalliday-cv4fx]

When Did Garrison Die

[@jadepixie2719]

Matt Cappotelli from Tough enough III should be on this list too.

[@felixmeow660]

I remember when Sahara Davenport died..it was heartbreaking..then Chichi.. both seemed like such sweet down to earth people..

[@LaurenKaminski]

Thanks for not forgetting Michael John’s, am one of his biggest fans & he was one of the nicest guys!😢❤❤❤

[@arhamsayeed319]

REST IN PEACE LEGENDS 💔

[@sarahramsey9454]

america's next top model contestants

[@gospelpopsoulman]

#20 @ 0:22 Mark Balelo, Storage Wars (Suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning) #19 @ 1:29 Sahara Davenport, RuPaul’s Drag Race (Heart failure) #18 @ 2:29 Simonne Kerr, Britain’s Got Talent (Homicide) #17 @ 3:31 Ashley ‘Minnie’ Ross, Little Women: Atlanta (Car crash) #16 @ 4:25 Ryan Knight, The Real World (Accidental overdose) #15 @ 5:22 Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin, Rob & Big (Heart attack) #14 @ 6:17 Ahmad ‘Real’ Givens, Real Chance Of Love (Colon cancer) #13 @ 7:13 Anna Nicole Smith, The Anna Nicole Show (Accidental overdose) #12 @ 8:16 Ryan Dunn, Jackass (Car crash, driving while drunk) #11 @ 9:16 Diem Brown, The Challenge (Ovarian cancer) #10 @ 10:17 Pedro Zamora, The Real World (AIDS) #9 @ 11:29 Rachel Brown, Hell’s Kitchen (Suicide) #8 @ 12:24 Valerie Fairman, 16 & Pregnant (Accidental overdose) #7 @ 13:14 Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola, Mob Wives (Lung cancer) #6 @ 14:05 Michael Johns, American Idol (Enlarged heart) #5 @ 14:54 Gia Allemand, The Bachelor (Suicide) #4 @ 15:35 Joey Kovar, The Real World (Opiate intoxication) #3 @ 16:20 Shain Gandee, Buckwild (Carbon monoxide poisoning) #2 @ 17:21 Christina Grimmie, The Voice (Homicide) #1 @ 18:31 Phil Harris, Deadliest Catch (Stroke)

[@zelcoleman4140]

Thank you!

[@t2delan1]

Just out of curiosity- what type of program would you classify Steve Irwin's shows as? Mr. Irwin was a scientist and doctor who brought unmeasurable education and understanding mixed with a lot of heart and it was not scripted so by definition isn't that reality? Just asking!

[@LucyLioness100]

I don’t think it would be reality. More like a learning program, but his death was a huge shock on our Labor Day camping trip

[@tylergoodman3560]

My sympathies for those who left us too soon. 😢🎉

[@jodialston6305]

Drinking and driving don’t mix

[@emeraldeleven8197]

Chi Chi was from my hometown. I remember when he worked at Brookshires and the next thing I noticed… he was on Ru Paul. I was so proud of him. Rest in peace hun!!

[@standupphilosopher7059]

Phil Harris I cried for him and his sons❤️‍🩹

[@Xenaga]

Disappointing to see Fatima Ali not included. She was a participant/star on Chopped, Chopped All Stars, and Top Chef. She was voted fan favorite on Top Chef. She definitely had the pedigree and deserved to be on this list. She died at 29 of cancer in 2019.

[@LucyLioness100]

I think there’s just too many to include. Maybe one day they’ll do a Top 30 one day to include more

[@Bfratman]

I remember Joey Kovar on The Real World Hollywood back in 2008. I was hoping he would find peace when he left the house but I only found out about his death when I watched this list. That’s sad.

[@LucyLioness100]

I sort of had heard of his famous segment & it’s just beautiful how he lived his life the way he wished. HIV may have taken him from us, but Joey will live on

[@felixmeow660]

Joey was also going on Celebrity Rehab..he died not long after that.. actually I think 5 people who were on there ended up dying

[@dhenderson1810]

Haven't watched the video yet, but is Christina Grimmie mentioned?

[@alexandria5955]

I didn't think #1 would br phil but ugh the cornelia marie will never be the same but they are making him damn proud that's for sure.

[@kendrickbell8525]

Unfortunately bam wasn't the same after ryan dunn passed.😞

[@zelcoleman4140]

Real's hair was unbelievable ❤

[@rosenrot234]

Man. Ryan Dunn being right at the start already got me sad. Heart still hurts for Bam since he hasn't been the same ever since

[@justinhillenburg9286]

Couple that with the death of Don Vito, his marriage falling apart, and substance abuse issues.

[@skytroop5667]

What New York City fireman Ángel Juarbe Jr winner of Murder in A Small Town who died on 9/11?

[@nicole577]

@skytroop5667 I always wondered if anyone remembered that Show or what happened to Angel. He died a true Hero and deserves to be on lists like these.

[@Pink_Ladybug]

When big ang passed I was sick .. that was my Bby.. I LOVE YOU BIG ANG…RIP❤

[@LeafsAndCars]

Condolences to their families.

[@blugreen123]

Mandisa and Michael Johns from American Idol. Pedro from The Real World. Christina Grimmie. Nightbirde.

[@debbiethompson14]

My daughter's cried when Zamora died. Rest in Power❤

[@Desi-zz4gb]

Omg I remember Christina. I always will. She instantly became my fav on the show after her first performance of wrecking ball. I hate what happened to her and hate that the coward got away with it easily by killing himself

[@LucyLioness100]

God that was absolutely awful to hear about. She had a beautiful voice

[@JordynDiorKnight]

Someone could have helped Anna Nicole the night of the"2004 MTV Awards ", she was clearly high - and it was if as they were like ," She's high , but , she can still go on the show ". And now , Anna Nicole's daughter has to only hear about her mother from other people and her father.

[@radiahmyrick6040]

It’s not enough time in a day to mention everyone who has passed

[@shan0997]

How do you do a list like this and exclude Nightbirde from AGT and Mandisa from AI?

[@antoniacosta6221]

I’m surprised that Brandon Rogers wasn’t mentioned, but maybe he doesn’t count since he was killed a month after his Got Talent audition and never actually got to compete

[@2007cgarza]

I very much appreciate that my 58th bday is in a couple of weeks.I've always remembered Pedro Z.

[@TheLizKirkland]

You forgot Grant Imahara and Mandisa. They're also died young too

[@LucyLioness100]

God I was so floored when Grant died. I loved seeing him on Mythbusters or his BTS on various film projects

[@LaurenKaminski]

Maybe they filmed this one before Mandisa passed,it has only been a few weeks.😢

[@robertacoleman784]

RIP TO THEM ALLLL! THEY HAD STARS IN THEIR EYES! AND WENT FOR THE GOLD, BUT UNFORTUNATELEY HOLLYWOOD CAN BE A CRUEL PLACE AND SUBSTAN CES, CIRCUMSTANCES, ILLNESSES OR BAD CHOICES CAN DERAIL YOUR HOPES.AND DREAMS! MY SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILIES 😢😢😢

[@scottbakanumba1heathen313]

Pedro from Real World.

[@felixmeow660]

I was 18 when Pedro died..it was so sad

[@jeffreypridemore100]

I always think about Josh Marks from the third season of MasterChef. Dude was super talented and had a really bright future ahead of him. Sadly, mental health issues are very real and he was another victim of society’s lack of understanding at that time

[@burnerbaby26]

RIP to Real 🕊️🐎

[@jetlay-fl6so]

We miss u msminnie and big ang❤😢

[@hajime9958]

They should have really just made a top 100 of reality stars who died instead of a top 20 because there are so many who are the a lot of lives due to illness, mental illness, addiction or unexplained tragedies WatchMojo do better please. yes I know it'll take hours but it's just they forgot to mention a lot of honorable mentions.

[@CyclopsWasRight616]

you are not an authority on who died too soon, who died on time and who died far too late. Maybe stick to lists of the top ten Gremlins knock off movies.

[@NiKiMa023]

Calm down. They’re not authorities on anything. ‘Died too soon’ often just means someone died young or before they truly made their marks

[@cakes3958]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@rdspam]

I have plenty of “reality stars who didn’t die soon enough” candidates.

[@dlmbs]

damn

[@donaldkennedy9573]

Ryan Jenkins is one of them.

[@PerfectlyImperfect93]

Rip Christina Grimmie 🕊️

[@DrewDbl07]

what song was she singing with the lights on her head?

[@user-ey6ys3xt4n]

Frankie should have been mentioned as number 21 .😔

[@jadepixie2719]

Miriam Rivera from the show “There’s something about Miriam.” Should be on this list too.

[@PromoCodeLady]

How can a little person drive a car? I have to look that up. So sad.

[@scraidywolf7081]

Rest in peace Franky Abernathy. I also have cystic fibrosis

[@NorthElevation]

You forgot Willie Spence from American Idol.

[@user-ey6ys3xt4n]

Traci Braxton should have been mentioned as number 22 at least. 😔

[@successfulOn3]

Wish they would have mentioned Simone Battle from X Factor....

[@COMPFUNK2]

This is one of those list where I think WatchMojo shouldn’t have assigned numbers to the entries.

[@who9105]

Minnie 🥺💔

[@ShadyRK9]

I STILL miss Ryan Dunn! 🥀

[@mimIsra1]

The Real World lost a few members

[@andrewbatts7678]

While I am not a fan of any kind of drag, Ru Paul's brand of drag was actually artistic and classy, most commonly emulating strong women. And not this overtly sexualized garbage that you also see aimed at children nowadays.

[@janedoeski9196]

I was convinced that chance and real were the same person...i was wrong

[@usuckthereturn]

Hell’s Kitchen had another death from that same season

[@dhenderson1810]

Probably Gordon Ramsay's abuse drove them to it.

[@BlenderStudy]

Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! They say only good die young.. May they rest in peace..

[@shermekathomas9822]

Super sweet 16

[@mexxicokitty]

Quite a few from My 600# Life also

[@cakes3958]

JADE GOODY?!

[@navega3997]

What about Cherry Valentine Drag Race UK?

[@whitleysdollhouse877]

🌺My prayers, my condolences go out to the family and friends of these Reality Stars 🌺🌺

[@DrewDbl07]

whats the name of the song Cristina was singing with the lights on her head?

[@redvince5627]

Scott Marshall from Ink Master? Anyone?

[@redacted2275]

Sticking to the topic, Yoji Harada from "Miami Ink".

[@disneycrazii]

Where's Traci Braxton?

[@moonmullen9992]

"stars"

[@rf4341]

None

[@Animeguy300]

May they rest in peace

[@desireehodge32]

How bout bad girls club cast members

[@divamh10]

I'm stunned that Pedro was number ten he is the only one to be mentioned in a presidential speech on this list

[@Baseds__Backup_Account_3]

Can't believe they didn't include Bernie Mac. He was a true comedic legend you know.

[@Pepespizzeria1]

Wasn't a reality star you predo

[@Baseds__Backup_Account_3]

@@Pepespizzeria1 What tfs a predo anyways lol.

[@Pepespizzeria1]

You really like kids

[@Baseds__Backup_Account_3]

@Pepespizzeria1 If you're calling me a pedophile, that's a very strong assumption over someone you met on the internet for the first time you know very little about, you know. I mean you have some nasty ass nerve you know that?

[@CandiceVidito]

@@Baseds__Backup_Account_3 I wouldn't respond to him just report his comment

[@briasworld8]

Sacrifices.

[@jeremywilliams5141]

Honorable mentions: 1. Mandisa (American Idol) 2. Keith Greene (Hell's Kitchen) 3. Sara Lee (Tough Enough)

[@LaurenKaminski]

Also Willie from American Idol.

[@cramerica13]

Pedro at 10?! Definitely should have been #1.

[@dietotaku]

i missed the word "reality" in the title and was starting to wonder how any of these people qualify as "stars"... we got too damn many reality TV shows.

[@LucyLioness100]

We’ve got such a glut of them anymore