Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. While exposure is more common among trade workers, thousands of products contained asbestos, and multiple industries relied on asbestos-containing products.
Sadly, no one is immune to mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Famous people who died from mesothelioma include esteemed actor Steve McQueen, musician Warren Zevon, NFL athlete Merlin Olsen, and more.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, Sokolove Law is here to help. Our founder has famously been dubbed "the mesothelioma guy" because of how successful our firm has been with asbestos cases for so long.
Learn about some of the famous mesothelioma victims below, and know you are not alone in this fight.
1. Steve McQueen, Actor & U.S.Veteran
Steve McQueen (1930-1980) was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, known for his cool, anti-hero persona and starring in films like The Great Escape. By the 1970s, he was one of the highest-paid and most bankable stars in the world, often referred to as “The King of Cool.”
In 1979, Steve McQueen was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. His asbestos exposure is widely attributed to multiple sources earlier in life, most notably his military service. Before his rise to fame, McQueen served in the U.S. Marine Corps, an experience that shaped much of his later life and identity.
While in the U.S. Marines, McQueen worked in shipyards and around naval vessels where asbestos was heavily used in insulation, piping, and engine rooms. He may have also been exposed later as a civilian through racing, most likely through racing suits.
Following his diagnosis, McQueen traveled to Mexico for unconventional therapies, including nutritional regimens and experimental treatments, after surgery removed a large tumor but failed to stop the cancer’s spread.
On November 6, 1980, Steve McQueen died of mesothelioma at the age of 50, shortly after undergoing surgery.
2. Warren Zevon, Musician
Warren Zevon (1947-2003) was an acclaimed American singer-songwriter known for his sharp wit, dark humor, and genre-blending style that mixed rock, folk, and Americana. He rose to prominence in the 1970s with songs like “Werewolves of London” and “Lawyers, Guns, and Money."
While it isn't known exactly how Zevon got mesothelioma, it's possible that he might have been exposed while playing in the attic of his father's carpet store or through stage equipment.
In August 2002, Warren Zevon was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after complaining of shortness of breath. He declined treatments like chemotherapy, choosing instead to focus on quality of life and new music.
“You put more value on every minute,” said Warren Zevon during his last Late Night with David Letterman appearance. “You know I always kinda thought I did that. I really always enjoyed myself. But it’s more valuable now. You’re reminded to enjoy every sandwich and every minute.”
Despite his illness, Zevon recorded his album The Wind while he was undergoing treatment, which would later win two Grammy Awards.
On September 7, 2003, Warren Zevon died of mesothelioma at the age of 56. His son Jordan Zevon became an outspoken advocate for asbestos awareness and research, working with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).
3. Paul Gleason, Actor
Paul Gleason (1939-2006) was an American film and television actor best remembered for his roles in The Breakfast Club, Die Hard, Trading Places, and All My Children. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he appeared in over 60 films and numerous TV shows.
In April 2006, Paul Gleason was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. His illness was linked to asbestos exposure during his teenage years, when he worked on construction sites with his father — a common source of exposure.
On May 27, 2006, Paul Gleason died of mesothelioma at the age of 67, just weeks after his diagnosis.
4. Christie Hennessy, Singer-Songwriter
Christie Hennessy (1945-2007) was an Irish singer-songwriter best known for his heartfelt folk and soft-rock ballads like “The Reaper” and “Danny My Love." Hennessy’s music was known for its emotional depth and storytelling, earning him a devoted following in Ireland and beyond.
In April 2007, Christie Hennessy was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after months of a worsening cough. His illness was traced back to occupational asbestos exposure in Ireland while working on buildings as a decorator and rubbing down asbestos pipe covers before painting.
On December 11, 2007, Christie Hennessy died of mesothelioma at the age of 62, only about 7 months after his diagnosis. Although he had begun chemotherapy, he reacted poorly to treatment and was unable to continue.
5. Ed Lauter, Actor
Ed Lauter (1938-2013) was an esteemed character actor whose career spanned nearly 50 years, with more than 200 film and television appearances. He is best known for his roles in The Longest Yard and Family Plot, as well as popular TV dramas like NYPD Blue and Miami Vice.
In May 2013, Ed Lauter was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working around asbestos-containing materials for decades on movie and TV sets.
On October 16, 2013, Ed Lauter passed away from mesothelioma at the age of 74.
6. Merlin Olsen, NFL Athlete
Merlin Olsen (1940-2010) was an American professional football player, sports broadcaster, and actor. A Hall of Fame defensive tackle, he spent his entire 15‑year NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams and was a:
- Key member of the famed “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line
- 14‑time Pro Bowl selection, part of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All‑Time Team
- Broadcaster and TV actor, with notable roles on Little House on the Prairie
In July 2009, Merlin Olsen was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He claimed he was exposed both as a child and an adult on construction sites and through work environments where asbestos was present. This led him to file a mesothelioma lawsuit against several companies for that exposure.
On March 11, 2010, Merlin Olsen died of mesothelioma at age 69.
7. Michael Sarrazin, Actor
Michael Sarrazin (1940-2011) was a Canadian actor whose work in film and television spanned nearly five decades. He gained widespread recognition for his role opposite Jane Fonda in the acclaimed drama They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? and other hits.
While Sarrazin was diagnosed with mesothelioma, his family hasn't released any information on how he was exposed, though it could have been on set, similar to other famous asbestos cases.
On April 17, 2011, Michael Sarrazin passed away from mesothelioma at the age of 70. He was in Montreal, with his daughters by his side.
8. Leonard Bernstein, Composer
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was one of the most influential American conductors and composers of the 20th century, known for West Side Story and his tenure as music director of the New York Philharmonic.
Shortly before his retirement on October 10, 1990, Leonard Bernstein was diagnosed with progressive emphysema, a pleural tumor linked to mesothelioma, and multiple pulmonary infections.
On October 14, 1990, Leonard Bernstein died from mesothelioma complications at the age of 72, just days after he announced his retirement due to declining health. He had suffered a heart attack brought on by the aggressive cancer.
9. Trisha Noble, Actress
Trisha Noble (1944-2021) was an Australian actress and singer who rose to fame as a teenager in the late 1950s and early 1960s. She starred in several Australian films before moving to the United States, where she appeared in Star Wars and other Hollywood productions.
Around July 2019, Trisha Noble was diagnosed with mesothelioma and bravely fought the disease for 18 months. Following her diagnosis, Noble underwent medical treatment focused on managing the disease, but her health declined rapidly.
On January 23, 2021, Trisha Noble died of mesothelioma at the age of 76.
10. Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Former U.S. Chief of Naval Operations
Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr. (1920-2000) was a highly influential U.S. Navy officer who served as Chief of Naval Operations from 1970 to 1974, the youngest admiral to hold the post. He modernized the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era with sweeping reforms.
In 1999, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt was diagnosed with mesothelioma. His exposure occurred during his decades-long naval career, when asbestos was heavily used aboard ships in insulation, piping, boiler rooms, and engine spaces.
At the time, asbestos was considered essential to ship construction and fireproofing, and service members were routinely exposed without warnings or protective equipment. Veterans now make up over 33% of new mesothelioma diagnoses.
His son Lt. Cmdr. Elmo “Bud” Zumwalt III also died of cancer linked to wartime toxic exposure, prompting the admiral to become a vocal critic of preventable military health hazards.
On January 2, 2000, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt passed away from mesothelioma at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy not only of naval leadership but also of advocacy for service members harmed by toxic exposures.
11. Joe Sample, Jazz Musician
Joe Sample (1939-2014) was a pioneering jazz pianist, composer, and producer best known as a founding member of the influential jazz group The Crusaders. Over a career that spanned more than four decades, Sample helped shape modern jazz and enjoyed a successful solo career.
On September 12, 2014, Joe Sample died from mesothelioma at age 75. His death brought renewed attention to the far-reaching and often hidden risks of asbestos exposure, even among celebrities with mesothelioma whose careers were far removed from traditionally high-risk industries.
12. Terry McCann, Olympic Wrestler
Terry McCann (1932-2006) was an American wrestler best known for winning the gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1960 Rome Olympics in the bantamweight division. Beyond his athletic achievements, McCann was also a coach, mentor, and businessman.
In April 2005, Terry McCann was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after working at an oil refinery in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the late 1950s. Asbestos-containing materials like insulation, boilers, and fireproofing were commonly used then.
After his diagnosis, Terry McCann joined a class action lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers and fought against a proposal in Congress to limit litigation against them.
On June 7, 2006, Terry McCann died from mesothelioma at the age of 72.
13. Bruce Vento, U.S. Congressman
Bruce Frank Vento (1940-2000) was an American educator and Democratic‑Farmer‑Labor member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 until his death, representing Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District.
In February 2000, Bruce Vento was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and disclosed it as the reason he would not seek reelection. He underwent aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to remove one of his lungs.
After his diagnosis, Vento filed mesothelioma claims against 11 companies, alleging they had exposed him to asbestos on job sites in St. Paul where he worked as a laborer.
On October 10, 2000, Bruce Vento passed away from mesothelioma at the age of 60, just 8 months after his diagnosis.
14. Sean Sasser, AIDS Activist
AIDs activist Sean Sasser (1968-2013) was on the MTV reality show The Real World: San Francisco. His romantic relationship with cast member Pedro Zamora broke cultural ground. Their 1994 commitment ceremony was the first same-sex commitment ceremony ever shown on American television.
As an AIDS activist and reality television personality, Sasser used his platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, fighting stigma and advocating for education and prevention.
In July 2013, Sean Sasser was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma after experiencing symptoms like weight loss, exhaustion, and pain. After undergoing chemotherapy, he was placed on hospice.
On August 7, 2013, Sean Sasser died from mesothelioma at the age of 44.
15. Ron Cyrus, Politician
Ronald Ray “Ron” Cyrus (1935-2006) was an American politician, steelworker, and public servant who represented Greenup County in the Kentucky House of Representatives for 11 consecutive terms from 1976 until his retirement in 1996.
Beyond his long political career, Cyrus was known as the father of country music star Billy Ray Cyrus and grandfather to Miley Cyrus. His exposure has been linked to work he performed at a steel plant shoveling asbestos.
On February 28, 2006, Ron Cyrus passed away from mesothelioma at the age of 70. His family has honored his legacy through music and public remembrance, with songs like Miley Cyrus’s “I Miss You” and Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Hey Daddy.”
16. Malcom McLaren, Music Manager & Fashion Designer
Malcolm McLaren (1946-2010) was a British music manager, fashion designer, and cultural provocateur best known for managing the Sex Pistols and helping ignite the punk movement in the 1970s. McLaren reshaped music and fashion with an anti-establishment aesthetic.
In 2009, Malcolm McLaren was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after a routine chest scan had revealed pleural plaques. His partner said he was likely exposed to asbestos while breaking up the ceiling in his design shop.
On April 8, 2010, Malcolm McLaren died of mesothelioma at the age of 64. His death drew international attention and underscored the reality that asbestos-related diseases can affect anyone.
17. Hamilton Jordan, Politician
Hamilton Jordan (1944-2008) was an American political strategist and long-time adviser to President Jimmy Carter, serving as his White House Chief of Staff from 1979 to 1980. With his wife, he later founded Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with cancer.
Jordan’s health was marked by a multi-decade battle with cancer, beginning with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1985 and followed by skin cancer, prostate cancer, and peritoneal mesothelioma.
On May 20, 2008, Hamilton Jordan died of mesothelioma at the age of 63.
"If you don’t have the facts, and don’t know the truth, you won’t make good decisions. It takes courage to ask questions about statistics and your prognosis."
– Hamilton Jordan, Mesothelioma Victim
18. Lincoln Hall, Mountaineer
Lincoln Hall (1955-2012) was a renowned Australian mountaineer, author, and adventurer, best known for his high-altitude climbs in the Himalayas. He summited Mount Everest twice, including a widely publicized 2006 expedition in which he was left for dead near the summit and miraculously survived spending the night.
In August 2011, Lincoln Hall was diagnosed with mesothelioma and underwent months of chemotherapy. He was allegedly exposed to asbestos while working in construction in his 20s and helping his father build "two cubby houses of asbestos" when he was 10.
On March 20, 2012, Lincoln Hall died of mesothelioma at the age of 56.
19. Quincy Jones, Comedian
Not to be confused with the legendary music producer, Quincy Jones is an American stand-up comedian known for his relentless drive and upbeat stage presence. Performing since the mid-2000s, he built his reputation on the comedy club circuit in Seattle and Los Angeles.
In July 2015, Quincy Jones was diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal mesothelioma. He was initially given about a year to live. He began chemotherapy to manage the disease and maintained a rigorous performance schedule despite the often debilitating side effects.
Jones’s diagnosis and fight drew widespread attention after he appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Determined to leave a legacy in comedy, he raised funds to film a 1-hour stand-up special that aired on HBO.
“This special is not about me. This is bigger than me. The special is dedicated to anybody who has been through cancer, lost someone to cancer, or has cancer. This is literally about the disease.”
– Quincy Jones, Mesothelioma Survivor
Sokolove Law: Helping Mesothelioma Patients & Their Families Since 1979
At Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma lawyers are proud to help families of all walks of life get the justice and compensation they deserve. For over 45 years, our firm has fought for mesothelioma patients and their families.
"Because it's not your fault and it should never have happened to you, you have a right to make a claim against the folks who knew it was gonna happen to you and did nothing about it. The average worker did not know asbestos was dangerous."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney of Sokolove Law
Get a free case review now. Our team can walk you through your legal options, explain the process, and answer any questions you may have.
