7 Famous Celebrities Whose Lives Were Cut Short by AIDS | World AIDS Day

Freddie Mercury — The legendary frontman of Queen kept his HIV diagnosis private for years; he publicly acknowledged it only days before his death in 1991.

Rock Hudson — One of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars of his time, Hudson was among the first major celebrities whose death (in 1985) brought widespread attention to AIDS.

Eazy‑E — The influential rapper and founding member of N.W.A died just a month after being diagnosed with AIDS in 1995 — his death shocked the music world.

Arthur Ashe — The tennis legend contracted HIV through a blood transfusion and publicly revealed his condition in 1992, helping raise global awareness around AIDS.

Magic Johnson — The NBA superstar shocked the world when he announced in 1991 that he was HIV positive; he then became a leading advocate for HIV awareness and prevention.

Greg Louganis — Famous Olympic diver diagnosed with HIV in 1988, Louganis faced stigma and depression, but later became an outspoken symbol of resilience for people living with HIV.

Anthony Perkins — The actor (known for his role in “Psycho”) secretly battled AIDS and died in 1992 — his story highlights how many suffered quietly due to stigma.