Gone But Not Forgotten Beloved 90s Stars

The 1990s produced a wave of performers who defined music, film, and television for an entire generation. Some were just getting started, others were already household names, and all left a mark that never faded. Their work kept playing on radios, in living rooms, and on big screens long after the decade ended.

This list revisits twenty standout talents from that era who are no longer with us. You will find key roles, breakthrough moments, and the milestones that placed each name firmly in 90s culture. Dates and credits focus on what helps you remember exactly why each star mattered during that time.

River Phoenix

River Phoenix rose quickly with acclaimed performances in films such as ‘My Own Private Idaho’ and ‘Running on Empty’. He was known in the 90s for roles that bridged indie and mainstream projects, including ‘Sneakers’, while also performing music with his band Aleka’s Attic. His early career featured award recognition and steady collaboration with notable directors.

He died on October 31, 1993, in Los Angeles at age 23. Productions he left behind continued to surface, and his unfinished work on ‘Dark Blood’ later received limited release. His legacy includes a generation of actors who cite his approach to character work as formative.

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain became the face of 90s alternative music through Nirvana. The band’s breakthrough came with the album Nevermind, and the group’s live presence included high profile appearances that defined the era. Cobain’s songwriting and the band’s visual style shaped rock on television and in magazines throughout the decade.

He died on April 5, 1994, in Seattle at age 27. Posthumous releases and documentaries kept focus on the band’s 90s impact. Memorial concerts and exhibits underscored Nirvana’s lasting influence on new artists and on the sound of guitar driven music in that period.

Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur released a run of landmark hip hop records in the first half of the 90s. He also acted in films including ‘Juice’ and ‘Poetic Justice’, expanding his profile across music and cinema. Touring, music videos, and radio singles placed him at the center of 90s pop culture.

He died on September 13, 1996, in Las Vegas at age 25 after a shooting. Posthumous albums and archival projects continued to reach charts, and new generations discovered his 90s catalog through reissues. His influence on lyricism and social commentary remains closely tied to that decade.

The Notorious B.I.G.

Christopher Wallace, known as The Notorious B.I.G., emerged with a distinct flow that anchored 90s East Coast hip hop. His debut and follow up releases delivered singles that received heavy rotation on television and radio. Guest features and remixes expanded his presence across the decade.

He died on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles at age 24 after a shooting. Posthumous releases collected unreleased tracks and collaborations, introducing his 90s work to new listeners. Tributes and anniversary editions kept his influence central to discussions of that period in hip hop.

Chris Farley

Chris Farley became a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the early 90s. He headlined films such as ‘Tommy Boy’ and ‘Black Sheep’ and appeared in ‘Wayne’s World’ sketches and related projects that built a devoted fan base. His physical comedy and recurring characters were staples of 90s television.

He died on December 18, 1997, in Chicago at age 33. A number of projects were released after his passing, and cast retrospectives frequently highlighted his 90s sketches. He remains closely associated with a key era of ‘Saturday Night Live’ that shaped 90s comedy.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah entered the 90s R and B scene with hit albums and a sleek visual identity that influenced videos and fashion. She expanded into acting with roles in ‘Romeo Must Die’ and a major part in ‘Queen of the Damned’. Collaborations with producers and choreographers made her stage performances a 90s benchmark.

She died on August 25, 2001, in a plane crash in The Bahamas at age 22. Reissues and digital releases introduced her 90s catalog to new platforms. Fashion lines, tributes, and dance videos continued to reference her choreography and sound that began in that decade.

Selena Quintanilla

Selena Quintanilla rose to prominence in the early 90s with Tejano and pop crossover success. She toured widely and recorded albums that climbed charts in Spanish language markets and beyond. Her television appearances and award wins made her a central figure in 90s Latin music.

She died on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi at age 23. Posthumous releases and a biographical film, ‘Selena’, brought her 90s story to wider audiences. Museums, festivals, and commemorative events keep focus on her contributions to cross cultural pop in that era.

Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes

Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes became known in the 90s as a member of TLC. The group’s albums produced multiple hit singles that dominated video channels and radio. Lopes also wrote and produced, shaping the group’s sound and imagery through that decade.

She died on April 25, 2002, in a car accident in Honduras at age 30. Posthumous material and documentaries explored her creative work within TLC and solo projects connected to the 90s. Tributes often highlight her role in crafting visuals and verses that defined the group’s peak years.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy gained 90s recognition with roles in ‘Clueless’ and ‘Girl, Interrupted’. She transitioned into the 2000s with leading parts in films and voice work on ‘King of the Hill’. Her early career demonstrated range across comedy and drama in that late 90s window.

She died on December 20, 2009, in Los Angeles at age 32. Investigations and reports drew attention at the time, and retrospectives revisited her 90s filmography. Home media and streaming access kept her breakout roles visible to new viewers.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger’s 90s work included early roles in Australian television and film, leading to wider recognition with ’10 Things I Hate About You’ in 1999. He moved into larger projects in the 2000s and earned major awards for later performances. His path from teen films to complex characters began in that 90s period.

He died on January 22, 2008, in New York City at age 28. His role in ‘The Dark Knight’ was released later that year and received significant acclaim. Tributes and exhibitions examined his preparation methods and the early 90s steps that led to those achievements.

Paul Walker

Paul Walker appeared in 90s projects such as ‘Varsity Blues’ and ‘Pleasantville’. He gained global recognition in the 2000s with the ‘The Fast and the Furious’ series. Modeling and television work in the 90s built a foundation for his film career.

He died on November 30, 2013, in Valencia, California, at age 40 after a car crash. The ‘Fast’ series completed entries with support from family and technology to honor his role. Charitable efforts connected to his interests in marine biology and disaster relief continued his 90s spirit of outreach.

Brad Renfro

Brad Renfro became known in the 90s with ‘The Client’ and later appeared in ‘Apt Pupil’ and ‘Sleepers’. He entered the decade as a young lead and moved through a series of roles that kept him in high profile casts. His performances were frequently noted for maturity beyond his age.

He died on January 15, 2008, in Los Angeles at age 25. Memorials and career overviews often focus on his 90s work and the rapid start he experienced. Festivals and retrospectives have screened his early films to highlight that period.

Jonathan Brandis

Jonathan Brandis gained 90s visibility with ‘SeaQuest DSV’ and films like ‘Ladybugs’ and ‘The NeverEnding Story II’. He started as a child actor and transitioned to teen roles that maintained steady work through the mid 90s. Magazine features and fan clubs reflected his large young audience.

He died on November 12, 2003, in Los Angeles at age 27. Fans continue to revisit his 90s television and film appearances through home releases and streaming. Tributes often focus on his early promise and the recognizable roles that brought him fame in that decade.

Luke Perry

Luke Perry became an international television presence through ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. He acted in films and stage productions during the 90s while maintaining his television schedule. He later returned to television with roles that introduced him to a new generation.

He died on March 4, 2019, in Burbank, California, at age 52 after a stroke. Series tributes and special episodes honored his 90s work and his impact on teen drama. Public remembrances emphasized the longevity of his connection to fans who watched that show during its peak.

Dolores O’Riordan

Dolores O’Riordan led The Cranberries through 90s global success. The band released albums that produced multiple international hits and extensive touring. Her distinctive voice and writing anchored the group throughout the decade.

She died on January 15, 2018, in London at age 46. Posthumous releases and reissues presented new mixes and archival material from the 90s. A memorial in Limerick and various tributes affirmed her lasting place in 90s alternative music.

Coolio

Coolio reached 90s prominence with chart topping singles and soundtrack appearances. His music videos were mainstays on television and helped carry West Coast rap to international audiences. Collaborations and television appearances broadened his visibility outside music.

He died on September 28, 2022, in Los Angeles at age 59. Honors and tribute performances highlighted his 90s catalog. Licensing and anniversary collections kept his most recognized tracks in circulation for new listeners.

Keith Flint

Keith Flint fronted The Prodigy and helped bring electronic and rave culture to mainstream 90s audiences. The group’s albums and videos delivered a visual and sonic identity that crossed club scenes and popular media. Festival performances across Europe and beyond cemented their status during the decade.

He died on March 4, 2019, in Essex at age 49. Subsequent tours honored his contributions while the band paused and regrouped. Anniversary editions and documentaries revisited the group’s 90s evolution with Flint at the center.

Sinéad O’Connor

Sinéad O’Connor’s 90s profile included chart success and widely discussed television appearances. Her albums and live performances highlighted vocal range and songwriting that influenced peers across genres. Music videos and interviews kept her in the cultural conversation throughout the decade.

She died on July 26, 2023, in London at age 56. Tributes from artists and institutions emphasized the reach of her 90s work. Reissues and curated playlists introduced her catalog to new audiences while honoring that period.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry became globally known in the 90s through ‘Friends’. He also appeared in films and television projects that showcased his comedic timing and later explored dramatic roles. His 90s television schedule set a foundation for a long career on stage and screen.

He died on October 28, 2023, in Los Angeles at age 54. Memorial episodes and cast statements marked his contributions to television history. Viewership surges on streaming platforms brought renewed attention to his 90s work.

DMX

DMX arrived at the end of the 90s with back to back albums that topped charts. His raw delivery and energetic performances placed him at the forefront of late 90s hip hop. He also acted in films such as ‘Belly’ and appeared on soundtracks that expanded his profile.

He died on April 9, 2021, in White Plains, New York, at age 50. Tributes and posthumous releases highlighted his late 90s run and the momentum he carried into the 2000s. Music platforms and commemorations continue to spotlight the era that introduced him to the world.

Share your memories of these 90s stars in the comments and tell us which performances or songs still mean the most to you today.