7 actors who died amidst shooting a film

In Hollywood, a lot of movies have extensive filming routines and a lot depends on the actors who are cast to essay a role. While incidents of actors getting injured during filming are rife, there have also been times when they've succumbed to their injuries.

Navigating such tragic events can be difficult, also because it raises concerns about how the movie will be completed, with the millions of invested in the project. While some time actors are recasted, other times, production studios decide to finish the scenes by using his or her CGI.

Here are seven such times when famous actors and actresses unfortunately died during the midst of shooting a film.

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Marilyn Monroe, Heath Ledger, and other actors who died amid filming

1) Richard Harris

Still of Richard Harris (Image via Warner Bros. Pictures)

The veteran Irish actor was the original Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

But tragically, Richard Harris died while filming the third film and Michael Gambon was cast as his replacement, who essayed the role in the remaining films.

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2) Marilyn Monroe

Still of Marilyn Monroe (Image via 20th Century Fox)

One of Hollywood’s most famous actresses, Marilyn Monroe shocked the world when she died of an overdose of barbiturates while filming Something’s Got to Give. The movie had been dealing with problems since the start and at one point, Monroe was even fired.

But Dean Martin refused to work with another actress and she was rehired. Alas, she could not resume her role.

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3) Paul Walker

Still of Paul Walker (Image via Universal Pictures)

The world was shocked to hear that Paul Waler had died in a car accident while shooting Fast & Furious 7. Instead of recasting, the studio spent a massive amount in completing the film using CGI and stand-ins.

The movie’s production team also used archives of the actors voice. The actor’s death was a huge blow to his fans and people still remember him dearly.

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4) Aaliyah

Still of Aaliyah (Image via Instagram/@aaliyah)

The “Princess of R&B”, Aaliyah was originally set to portray Zee in The Matrix: Reloaded and even filmed a bit of the movie. Tragically, the young singer died in a plane crash and her role went to Nona Gaye, who is Marvin Gaye’s daughter.

Nona continued to portray the character in Reloaded and Revolutions.

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5) Heath Ledger

Still of Heath Ledger (Image via Infinity Pictures)

Actor Heath Ledger’s death was a shock to the world as he died while filming The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. The actor’s untimely death led to the film’s script being reworked and actors like Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell were brought in to complete the movie.

Ledger even received a posthumous Oscar for his dedicated performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight.

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6) River Phoenix

Still of River Phoenix (Image via Scala Productions)

River Phoenix was a young actor who had begun to taste success in Hollywood with critically-acclaimed roles. Tragically, the actor’s life was cut short due to a drug overdose.

He was near the end of filming Dark Blood and the film had to be cancelled because Phoenix’s presence was necessary to the film.

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7) Oliver Reed

Still of Reed (Image via George H. Brown Productions)

Actor Oliver Reed was allegedly a heavy drinker and had promised Ridley Scott that he would not drink on filming days of Gladiator. Still, the actor was found dead in a pub after he challenged a group of sailors to a drinking match.

Even though the actor had almost finished all his scenes in the movie, the production team used CGI on a stand-in to finish his scenes.

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Viewers are welcome to go through the list and note all the actors who unfortunately died while filming.