Celebs Who Mistakenly Predicted They'd Be Dead By Now

The following article references suicide, addiction, and eating disorders.

An eerie number of celebs have correctly predicted their deaths. Take Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh, for instance. In 2011, he posted on Twitter that he would die in his sleep two weeks later and, tragically but surely enough, he did, as noted by NME. Similarly, Tupac frequently left lyrical clues in his songs that accurately prophesied his murder, one that continues to devastate his fans the world over. But not all celebrity death predictions come true.

In some instances, public figures have mistakenly predicted that they'd be dead by now. The reasons for these morbid suspicions are complex and manifold, but what all these stars have in common is that their predictions were wrong. As these famous individuals have discovered, no matter how gloomy the future may seem, there is always light awaiting at the end of darkness.

The old adage goes that growing old is a privilege denied to many, and these celebs know that all too well. Despite being once plagued by the spectre of an early death, the stars in this article have defied their fatalistic expectations and gone on to lead long, fulfilling, and happy lives. Here are some celebs who mistakenly predicted they'd be dead by now.

Demi Lovato has been open about their issues with addiction and mental illness, notably an eating disorder and self-harm. But at one point, Lovato was in such a dark place that they truly believed they would die in their early 20s. "I lived fast and I was going to die young," Lovato told American Way Magazine in 2016 (archived by E!). "I didn't think I would make it to 21." Lovato later spoke to Dr. Phil about the advice they would give to other young people who felt they had no choice but to die young. "I would say 'hold on,' because the longer you go without acting on an urge, the easier that it will be for you and the more resilient, the more strong that you'll become. And you'll be able to show that light to so many people... Every single person on this planet is worth life," Lovato declared in a heartfelt response. The "Warrior" star went on to emphasize that they are incredibly grateful to be alive.

In 2018, Lovato survived a near-fatal overdose. "I'm so proud of the person that I am today," they shared in "Dancing with the Devil" (via AP). "One of the main reasons I'm coming forward is so I never have to live that life again."

Lovato turned 29 in 2021, proving their younger self wrong. The singer's many loving fans and admirers are no doubt relieved that their premonition didn't come true.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

Without a doubt, rap superstar 50 Cent has overcome some life-changing and potentially life-threatening events. His first brush with death came when he was shot multiple times in 2000, leaving him in critical condition, as noted in a Rolling Stone interview. In that profile, 50 Cent said that he first prophesised he would either end up in jail or die young when he was 19. "It was comin'," he said. "Long as you stay there, you don't beat the odds."

But he did beat those odds and managed to go on to achieve colossal stardom in the 2000s. Nevertheless, 50 Cent's firm belief that he would meet an early death never dissipated. In 2012, he predicted that he didn't have long left. "Ill be honest I don't think I'm gonna live much longer," he tweeted at the time. The rapper went on to post a series of messages that suggested he believed his life was soon coming to an end, noting that he is "conscious that life is short." "I'm good if I die tonight. I've taken care of the people who took care of me when I couldn't take care myself," he continued (via NME). 

Of course, 50 Cent's prediction was not fulfilled. But almost a decade later, the issue continues to haunt him. In 2020, The Guardian asked Fifty if he's surprised he's still alive. "A lot of my friends growing up, they're not here," he replied. "It's easier to not think about those things."

Before enjoying romcom fame with her hit films "Never Been Kissed" and "The Wedding Singer," Drew Barrymore was a child actor. Most notably, her cherubic demeanor charmed audiences in "E.T." But her early years were a far cry from the youthful innocence depicted onscreen. Barrymore's childhood was blighted by addiction. As the actor explained in an interview with The Sun, she was addicted to cocaine by the age of 12 and acknowledged that she's blessed to have come out of the dark side. "I don't know how I ended up here but I will never lose sight of how lucky I am. Being blacklisted at 12, I appreciate every job I have," she explained.

Subsequently, Barrymore is stunned that she's in the fortunate position in which she now finds herself. Speaking with The Guardian, she shared, "When I was 13, that was probably the lowest," adding that her mother had her institutionalized for a year and a half. She was then asked whether her teenage self could fathom living her best life at 40. "Half no, in that I was so scared of not knowing where I was going. I really had a fear that I was going to die at 25," she admitted.

But she was wrong: Barrymore is thriving more than two decades later.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Having played morbid characters in "Six Feet Under" and "Dexter," death has always followed Michael C. Hall around. This sense of impending mortality was exacerbated by the loss of his father, who died of cancer just before he turned 40. In a cruel irony, Hall himself was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, just a year younger than his father was. Subsequently, Hall had long assumed that he might befall a fate similar to that of his dad, with the lead-up to his 39th birthday being a particularly significant moment in his life. "I think I've been preoccupied since I was 11, and my father died, with the idea of the age 39: would I live that long? What would that be like?" he pondered to The New York Times. 

Despite his fears, Hall made it to 39, and beyond. He later explained to The Daily Beast that he was amazed when he turned 47: "I found myself thinking, 'I'm not 35 anymore. No, wait, I'm 37. No, wait, I'm 47.'"

The actor has spoken about his friendship with David Bowie, which materialized at a time when the iconic musician, unbeknownst to Hall, was living with end-stage cancer himself. After realizing the actor's filmography happens to be full of, well, death, the rocker asked him about his whole deal with mortality. "He did say to me, 'So, what is it with you and death?'" he recounted to The Daily Beast. Cancer, Hall noted, was responsible for this obsession.

When Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor was at the height of his fame in the '90s, he was certain he was only heading in one direction. Opening up about the perils of celebrity, he told Spin in 2005, "It led me down a very dark and terrible path. At the end of it, which was close to four years ago, it was very clear to me that I was trying to kill myself. That was the path I chose. I was going to just drink myself or drug myself out of it." Eventually, Reznor decided to get sober. "I feel like I've reactivated myself," he continued. "But I also find I don't know how I got to be 39. I should be 26."

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Reznor spoke about his path towards sobriety. "Like getting sober for me. Incredibly unpleasant experience. Hardest thing I've ever done," he reflected. "But many benefits come from it, aside from not being dead. I sorted through a lot of s**t that I was carrying around. I'm very grateful that I had to go through that."

Reznor lives on, and continues to find success in the alt rock world as well as the movie world: The NIN frontman has won multiple Oscars for his contributions to film scores. "My chances of being alive a year from now are much greater than they were a couple of years ago," he told Spin in 2005. And he was more than right. Over fifteen years later, he's flourishing. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

It's difficult to fathom a world without Hollywood icon Jane Fonda. The acting legend is one of the most inspiring octogenarians in the industry, not least because of her unrelenting commitment to social causes (she was arrested yet again in 2019 for protesting climate change, as per The Hollywood Reporter). It's therefore sad to think that Fonda once thought she would die young.

"I never pictured 30," Fonda admitted to People in 2017. "I assumed I wouldn't live very long and that I would die lonely and an addict of some sort. I didn't think if I did live this long, that I would be vibrant and healthy and still working. I'm grateful."

The "Grace and Frankie" star went on to reveal that her initial bleak perspective on her future was largely shaped by the suicide of her mother when Fonda was just 12. In an interview with The Guardian, Fonda stated how she vowed to lead a good life in spite of the tragedy. "Living a whole, good life doesn't just happen — it requires intention," she said. "You have to decide: this thing has happened to me, am I going to be a victim of it? Because it's not what happens to you, it's what you do with it. If you can look back and see it with understanding and with an open heart, then you can forgive and you can understand."

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Machine Gun Kelly has caught a wave of critical and commercial success, while also being one half of Hollywood's hottest power couple with Megan Fox. But there was once a time when the content musician envisioned a far darker future for himself.

In an interview with GQ, MGK shared that he was ready to die before the age of 30. "It hurts my soul that I wasted 30 years of my life not having any desire. Dude, I was down to die. I was good," he divulged. But falling in love with Fox gave him a reason to live. Poignantly, he continued, "I've lost so many friends to suicide. Love gave me a reason to stay here."

Accordingly, he told NME that meeting Fox during the making of his album "Tickets to my Downfall" was a turning point in his life; at once, his defeatist expectations had waned. Initially, MGK's fifth album had the morbid title to reflect where he genuinely believed he was heading. "There was probably a crossroads in the middle of making this album where the title would have lived up to the reality," he admitted. "I think the universe caught on to me wanting to make a change. It was like: 'Maybe we won't make this a reality; maybe we'll make this ironic.' Instead of the downfall, go ahead and have the biggest rise of your f***ing life."

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Glam rockers Mötley Crüe were typified by excess in the '80s. Their hit songs "Girls, Girls, Girls" and "Kickstart My Heart" were testament to their commitment to debauchery. But of all the band members, drummer Tommy Lee is perhaps best known for his penchant for the excesses of a rock n roll lifestyle. As a result, Lee is pretty shocked that he didn't pass on years ago.

In an interview with GQ, Lee stated that he's absolutely incredulous that he isn't dead considering his hard partying ways. "Honestly, I pinch myself on a daily basis," he mused. "I'm like, how am I still alive?" After joking about having a "lucky horseshoe stuck in my a**," he said, "Watch... I'll walk out of my house now and get hit by a truck!"

In an interview with Yahoo, Lee discussed his addiction issues and how he became aware of his own mortality. "I was drinking two gallons — not pints, not quarts, but gallons, the big-handles — a day [in 2019]. That's f***ing crazy," he shared. "I just realized, 'Whoa dude, you're drinking enough to like, you could probably die.' And it wasn't even fazing me... I just became sort of immune to it," he divulged. He decided to seek help and attended rehab. Now approaching 60, Lee is undoubtedly in a position his younger self could never have dreamed of.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

During a "60 Minutes" interview, Angelina Jolie disclosed that she's surprised she's lived as long as she has. "I went through heavy darker times and I survived them. I didn't die young, so I'm very lucky," she said. "There are other artists and people that didn't survive certain things. ... I think people can imagine that I did the most dangerous and I did the worst, and for many reasons I shouldn't be here."

In an interview with The Guardian, Jolie elaborated on those "dangerous things," citing heroin use, alcohol, and self-harm. However, she explained that having overcome such turmoil has shaped her current work as a U.N. ambassador and advocate for children. "It took me a good while to feel I could be of use to anyone because I felt for a long time that I was a little crazy, that I was a little unhinged, and not settled," she said. "If you would have asked me as a teenager if I could have been anybody's mom, or of any use to the UN or write a book, I would have said absolutely not."

But Jolie overcame the worst to become those very things: a mom to six children, an activist, and an acclaimed actor and filmmaker. She has used the pain of her past experiences to empower others, something that the fatalistic teen Jolie would no doubt be immeasurably proud of.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

Ozzy Osbourne has become a much fabled figure of rock n roll folklore. Many are surprised that he has managed to live as long as he has, with Discover Magazine positing that the rocker's death-defying ways are down to a genetic mutation. But no one is quite as surprised by his longevity as Ozzy himself.

Speaking with Metal Hammer, Osbourne said he had previously predicted he wouldn't see his fourth decade. "If you'd said to me years ago, 'How long do you think you'll last?' I would've said, 'I'll be dead by 40!'" he declared. He went on to joke about his longevity, remarking, "I've fallen out of life shafts and windows. I broke my neck on a quad bike. There was one time when I died twice on the way to hospital. I might be unsinkable!"

In an interview with The Sun, Osbourne revealed that, at one point, he was certain that he was dying after suffering a fall: "Sharon was saying, 'You've got to get out of bed.' I would say, 'What's the point, I'm dying.' There were many times I thought, 'I'm done'. I was scared. I thought that was it." Reflecting on his previous near-death experiences, Osbourne noted, "I overdosed on drugs many times so I am lucky to be here anyway. I've had so many brushes with death that I'm the Comeback Kid. If I was a cat I'd have 33 lives."

Billie Eilish may be one of the biggest artists on the planet, but there once was a time when she believed she wouldn't get to see adulthood. Speaking on "The Gayle King Grammy Special," Eilish shared that she thought she would die before the age of 17. "I don't want to be too dark, but I genuinely didn't think I'd make it to 17," the "Bad Guy" singer reflected. "I was alone in my hotel, and I remember there was a window right there... I remember crying because I was thinking about how... the way that I was gonna die was that I was gonna do it."

Not only did she see 17 despite her expectations, in December 2021, she'll reach another milestone, her 20th birthday, which is something her younger self likely never thought possible.

In an interview with Vogue, she elaborated on her recovery. "When people ask me what I'd say to somebody looking for advice on mental health, the only thing I can say is patience. I had patience with myself. I didn't take that last step. I waited. Things fade," Eilish said. She explained how the perils of fame, particularly at such a young age, contributed to her morbid ideation: "In my dark places I've worried that I was going to become the stereotype that everybody thinks every young artist becomes, because how can they not?"

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

Before his majestic comeback thanks to "The Wrestler," Mickey Rourke was grappling with every aspect of his existence. "I lost everything, the wife, the house, my friends, my name in the business. I was paying $500 a month for an apartment with my dogs... A friend used to give me a couple of hundred of dollars a month to buy something to eat," he painfully recounted to The Guardian. To live was simply too much for Rourke, and he had resigned himself to the prospect of an early death.

In an interview with GQ, the actor expressed his disbelief that he's still alive. "Sure, I probably shouldn't be here," he stated, before sharing that he "would have seen it through" if it weren't for his Catholicism. "I kept thinking if I made it look like an accident then it couldn't be a sin, right?" he ruminated.

However, Rourke told The Guardian that his dogs have saved him. "Beau Jack [his dog], is probably responsible for keeping me here. I remember sitting in the closet one day, and thinking, I'm not going through this any more, and I looked down and [Beau Jack] went like this. He looked at me and it meant who's going to take care of him, if I'm not here... I mean, I'm very fortunate to be here." Rourke has been through it all, but he's a survivor.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

The "27 Club" comprises myriad musicians who died at that tender age, from rock legend Jimi Hendrix to chanteuse Amy Winehouse. Thus, the significance of a 27th birthday was not lost on singing superstar Miley Cyrus, who conceded that she could very well have befallen a similar fate to the icons who preceded her.

Opening up to Zane Lowe for an Apple Music interview, Cyrus explained that her looming 27th birthday was a turning point in her life, one which spurred her to seek help for her addictions. Discussing the so-called "27 Club," she told Lowe, "27 to me was a year that I really had to protect myself. That actually really made me want to get sober because we've lost so many icons at 27."

She further addressed the importance of this number in an interview with Rolling Stone, acknowledging that she could have died at that age had she not gotten sober. "Actually, one of the reasons I got sober was I had just turned 26, and I said, 'I got to pull my s*** together before I'm 27, because 27 is the time you cross over that threshold into living or dying a legend,'" she revealed. "I didn't want to not make it through being 27. I didn't want to join that club. Probably about halfway into 26, I got sober. Then by 27, [November 2019] I was pretty much fully sober."

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

"I wanted to disappear," Porti de Rossi told SFGate in 2010. "Once I realized that starving would lead to sickness and possibly even death, I thought I could disappear."

In her memoir, "Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain," de Rossi wrote candidly about her anorexia diagnosis, explaining that as the illness consumed her she cared less and less about whether she died. "I had always wanted to get old so I didn't have to care anymore, but I began to think that it would be best just to skip the getting older part and just die," she wrote. She went on to recount that her mother, noting her frame, burst into tears and pleaded with her, "If you don't eat something, you're going to die." Yet, de Rossi was not fazed by her mother's tears, partly due to her reluctance to accept that her daughter was gay, which de Rossi says exacerbated her eating disorder.

However, she recovered and also came out as gay. Living her truth has been fundamental to de Rossi's newfound lust for life. "I've gotten to a place in my life where I see the value of honesty and the value of sharing your experiences... I've just been living my life in a more honest and open way," she told Bust.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).