28. Scotty Beckett (Age 38)
Scotty Beckett was one of the most prolific child actors of the 1930s and 1940s. He starred in dozens ofOur Gangshorts, appeared alongside Shirley Temple inThe Blue Bird, and played major roles in films likeKing’s RowandThe Jolson Story.
Scotty’s adult life was plagued by arrests, health problems, and addiction. He died at 38 from complications of an apparent barbiturate and alcohol overdose. Once hailed as Hollywood’s “most successful child star,” his tragic fall serves as a cautionary tale of the pressures faced by young performers.
