Who Has Died Most Often On Screen? (Spoiler Alert!)
Posted on January 7, 2011 at 8:00 am
It’s a big moment in any movie when one of the main characters dies, whether in battle, by accident, foul play, or natural causes. The nice people at the information site ChaCha have done the math and figured out which actors have died most often in movies. They also point out some interesting patterns and coincidences — De Niro was killed by Pacino in “Heat” and then Pacino was then killed by De Niro in “Righteous Kill” and Bruce Willis had two movie deaths at the hand of his then-wife, Demi Moore.
It’s going back a bit (it’s still Alicia, but I’m using a new handle, Nell) but I recall Yul Brynner dying in almost every movie he was in for a while (except for “Anastasia”). He usually played tragic, doomed exotics who died when they couldn’t consummate their passion for the heroines (often played by Deborah Kerr).
You should flag this “spoiler alert”, because a character living or dying is often END of the movie.
Also, at least one error: Gary Oldman should be credited once more, for “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”.
Good points, Kevin, thanks!
Wasn’t Gary Oldman the one to die on (or more correctly, hanging out of) Air Force One? He belongs in the top ten!
Good point, Abby!
Gary Oldman also dies at the end of “Rosencranz and Guildenstern are Dead.”
Sean bean has died in over 21 movies he should be at the top of this list… such a shame peaople dont do their homework
I was looking this up because I figured Sean Bean would easily run away with this as he has over 20 onscreen deaths… but I think David Warner would be worth looking into for the lead as well.
Good point, Travis!
You should also include Gary Oldman’s role in Sid and Nancy, Hannibal, Lost in Space, JFK… Sean Bean is short about 20 roles… Poor infographic.
Doesn’t anyone here have a clue……Vincent Price by a long shot at 32. Learn to research people.
Bruce willis’s death toll is 13… He dies In Set up and Catch 44.
Thanks, Karl! Glad you’re keeping track.
I don’t really like films so I don’t know why I am on this website.
Welcome, Mr. Hoey, and you can find posts about other topics here as well.
ACTUALLY it’s 14, he dies in the cold light of day.
Thanks, Karl!
Whats ye point?
How about Sean Bean? He diead 21 times in his movies and series! Last he was beheaded in the Game of Thrones!
Don’t know when this list was made but Denzel is at 10. Book of Eli and Safe House aren’t on his list.
I think the title of this article needs to be changed to reflect the opening commentary, because if you read the commentary it’s which lead actor has died the most, but the title implies just an actor.
Here is a list of the actors that have died the most according to imdb.com
http://www.imdb.com/list/50ND9mHEZTQ/
Check out john hurt. He may well have surpassed them all.
Have you checked Paul Winfield and Michelle Rodriguez?
Excellent additions — two great actors, thanks!
I know for a fact Winfield has died at least three times I can cite and once am not sure the title of and that’s not including TV.
john hurt has around 40 films in which he meets death
I hadn’t thought of him. Don’t know really how many, but it’s got to be a lot.
Sean Bean, come on! He has at least 10 deaths, probably more!