Each premature obituary featured is one that was reported by actual news sources, rather than internet death hoaxes that circulated via e-mail and message board. Actual years of life and (when applicable) death are featured below the details of the obituary.
The New York Sun published this showman's obituary two weeks before his death at his request; he always loved a media circus 1810 - 1891
This actor's obituary was published following a 1990 stroke; he later recovered and went on to star in 'Everybody Loves Raymond' 1935 - 2006
When CNN accidentally released several draft obituaries in 2003, this sitting Vice President was one of those released 1941 - Still Living
This poet and playwright was declared dead by newspapers in 1816 when a man who had committed suicide was found wearing a shirt stolen from him 1772 - 1834
Melody Maker magazine wrote a review of one of his concerts as an obituary fitting his style; fans took it far too seriously 1948 - Still Living
So many sources have repeatedly released reports of this singer's death; it doesn't really hit her like a wrecking ball any more 1992 - Still Living
NBC's text crawl reported this Yankee Clipper's death two months before it actually happened 1914 - 1999
Reports surfaced after Hurricane Katrina that this 'Blueberry Hill' singer died as a result of flooding; he was found alive a few days later 1928 - 2017
The Australian media reported this British royal figure dead in 1993 when an employee saw her funeral rehearsal 1900 - 2002
Gossip writer Liz Smith announced this 'When Harry Met Sally' writer dead hours before it actually happened 1941 - 2012
In 2014, a faked USA Today report claimed that this 'Incredible Hulk' star died in a car accident 1951 - Still Living
This Colombian-born author was reported as dead in Peruvian newspapers following a diagnosis of cancer 1927 - 2014
Variety reported this Monty Python actor and director's death in 2015; he responded by sarcastically confirming their reports 1940 - Still Living
CNN reported that this Australian indie rocker killed himself in 2012; he was not, in fact, somebody that we used to know 1980 - Still Living
The Associated Press published this long-lived actor's obituary in 1998, leading to his death being announced at the House of Representatives 1903 - 2003
The Pittsburgh Pirates play-by-play announcer erroneously reported this actor as dead when Martin Luther King's assassin had, in fact, died 1931 - Still Living
A magazine reported this author of 'The Jungle Book' as dead; he responded by asking to be removed from its subscriber list 1865 - 1936
Empire News reported this Hall of Fame football coach and broadcaster dead in 2014 1936 - 2021
The lead singer of the band Sugar Ray was deliberately reported as dead via gunshot to promote a show he was appearing in 1968 - Still Living
A reality star, talent show judge, and wife of metal legend, her obituary was leaked by ABC back in 2004 1952 - Still Living
This playwright (and director) was reported dead by Sky News in 2005 due to a faulty earpiece; the news was that he won the Nobel Prize 1930 - 2008
The leader of the Velvet Underground, he was reported dead in 2001 and appeared on Saturday Night Live to prove the rumors wrong 1942 - 2013
The Japanese press reported this British philosopher dead in 1920; some have suggested it was revenge for refusing to meet with them 1872 - 1970
Reuters accidentally published this billionaire's obituary prematurely in 2013, calling him a hypocrite for his financial policy 1930 - Still Living
The Washington Post released this college basketball coaching legend's obituary one day early 1910 - 2010
This singer-songwriter was accidentally reported dead by NBC when they accidentally entered his name instead of the first man to walk on the moon 1945 - Still Living
In order to create a playlist on Sporcle, you need to verify the email address you used during registration. Go to your Sporcle Settings to finish the process.
