Life Cut Short Trivia Quiz

Erik Weisz, better known as Harry Houdini, was an American escapologist. Born in what became Hungary, he started off as a magician and illusionist performing in vaudeville, but had little success until he focused on developing his handcuff escape routine.

His death appeared to stem from a dressing room incident when asked whether he would be hurt from being punched in the stomach. Lying on a couch with a broken ankle at the time, he was not given time to prepare himself before the questioner proceeded to hit him.

He was left in great pain and developed a high fever, but delayed seeking medical help until too late. He died at the age of 52.

American rock and roll pioneer Ritchie Valens died in an airplane crash along with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper (J P Richardson) in 1959. Born Richard Steven Valenzuela, he had made his breakthrough eight months earlier and was best known for such hit songs as "La Bamba" (1958).

In 1959, he was part of a five-act Winter Dance Party tour when he won a coin toss for a seat on a small plane chartered by Buddy Holly. It crashed shortly after take-off with no survivors.

1965 was the year in which Malcolm X was assassinated. The African American revolutionary, civil rights activist, and Muslim minister was once a spokesperson for the Nation of Islam before transitioning to Sunni Islam in 1964. He received many death threats as a result of his conflict with Nation of Islam, and ultimately three Nation of Islam members were jailed for their alleged parts in the assassination.

He was 61 years old.

American singer Janis Joplin joined the 27 Club in 1970, being one of a cluster of prominent musicians to die between 1969 and 1971 at the age of 27. Others included Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison. Joplin was known for her voice and stage presence.

Her second and final solo album "Pearl" was released posthumously and topped the "Billboard 200" for 9 weeks. She died of a heroin overdose.

Hong Kong martial artist Bruce Lee died at the age of 32. Cerebral oedema is a swelling of the brain often associated with contact sports such as boxing. In the case of Bruce Lee, it is unclear what caused the oedema, except that it was not from physical knocks to the head. The finger has been pointed at medication used to insufficient sodium in the blood or heat stroke. His son Brandon was also to die young at the age of 28 in 1993 on a film set from a gunshot wound.

American actress Natalie Wood drowned in 1981, having fallen off her husband's yacht at night. The circumstances around how she ended up in the water were unclear with revelations and claims being made decades later. According to her sister, she had not learned to swim. Her acting career encompassed awards in film, TV, and theatre including three Academy Award nominations.

American singer and songwriter Marvin Gaye was known for his R & B and soul music. He became a Motown cultural icon during the 60s and 70s with such hits as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1966) and albums like "What's Going On" (1971). A domestic incident between his parents that saw Marvin Gaye intervene resulted in Gaye being fatally shot by his father.

Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna da Silva was a three-time Formula One World Drivers' Championship winner between 1984 and 1994. He was leading the race when he crashed into a concrete barrier during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. A mechanical failure may have been the cause. This was the second death at that event and the first in a Formula One World Championship since 1982. It led to many driver-related safety changes being introduced. He received a state funeral.

American musician Jerry Garcia was most strongly associated with the rock band Grateful Dead for 35 years. He co-founded the band, played lead guitar, and was one of the vocalists and songwriters. The music life took its toll and he died at a rehabilitation clinic in 1995 from a heart attack. His diabetes, poor diet, heavy smoking, and drug problems are believed to have contributed.

The Australian cultural icon Steve Irwin made his name as a conservationist, environmentalist, and TV personality. He came to prominence through the nature TV series "The Crocodile Hunter" (1996-2004 in the US), which he hosted along with his wife Terri.

He was being filmed when the accident happened. While snorkeling in shallow water, he was struck by the barb from a stingray. The barb pierced his heart and he bled to death.