When celebrities pass, it's often as if the world has gone into mourning. But A-listers are just like anyone else and prioritise their nearest and dearest towards the end of their lives – particularly when there's a ticking clock. For that reason, Hollywood's finest have been known to conceal their health struggles in favour of private preparation and quality time with their loved ones.
From Chadwick Boseman to Robin Williams and Alan Rickman, read on to see which celebrities hid their major health struggles from the public…
© FilmMagicThe 'Black Panther' star kept his diagnosis out of the public eye
Chadwick Boseman
Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman found major fame in the Marvel hit as T'Challa, the king of Wakanda. Chadwick also starred in 42 (2013), 21 Bridges (2019) and Get On Up (2014).
The actor was tragically diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, sharing the diagnosis with a small circle of trusted friends and family. He died on 28 August 2020, at the age of 43.
© Getty ImagesGene Wilder kept his illness private to keep his joyful legacy alive in children's smiles
Gene Wilder
Gene Wilder will forever be remembered as the wacky chocolatier Willy Wonka, from 1971's Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. His career highlights also included star roles in Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.
The actor kept his battle with Alzheimer's private up until the notice of his death in 2016 at the age of 83. His nephew explained in a statement that the actor didn't want children's simple joy at spotting him to "travel to worry, disappointment or confusion" at an adult's reference to his illness. He added, "[Gene] simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world."
© Bettmann Archive via Getty ImagesRaúl Juliá will forever be remembered as the devoted Addams Family patriarch, Gomez
Raúl Juliá
Raúl Juliá brought an unparalleled intensity to the stage and screen, joining Meryl Streep in a stage adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew and starring as Gomez Addams opposite Anjelica Huston's Morticia in The Addams Family.
But behind the scenes, Raúl was battling stomach cancer and sadly passed from complications of a stroke at the age of 54 in 1994. He is survived by his two children, Raul and Benjamín, and wife Merel Poloway.
© WireImageDavid Bowie's death left the world shocked and heartbroken
David Bowie
The 'Starman' and 'Heroes' singer also turned his talent for performance to the acting world, appearing in Zoolander and The Prestige, as well as a memorable lead role in cult classic Labyrinth.
The world was plunged into mourning when the 69-year-old's death was announced in 2016, with the musician's passing coming as a shock after a private 18-month fight against liver cancer. He passed just days after the release of his final album, Black Star.
© Getty ImagesRobin Williams struggled with undiagnosed Lewy Body Dementia
Robin Williams
Robin Williams became a beloved figure of comic fun and heartrending drama, taking on leading roles in Good Will Hunting (1997), Dead Poets Society (1989) and Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).
Prior to his death, Robin struggled with undiagnosed Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), which caused intense neurodegeneration and led to severe depression. The actor tragically passed at the age of 63 in 2014.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesAlan Rickman passed from pancreatic cancer a decade after being diagnosed with prostate cancer
Alan Rickman
Whether you remember him best as the intimidating Professor Snape or the swoon-worthy Colonel Brandon, there's no doubt that Alan Rickman left an impact on cinema.
He had previously undergone surgery for prostate cancer in 2006, following his diagnosis in 2005, as revealed in his memoir Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman. The actor passed at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer on 14 January 2016, six months after his diagnosis.
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesNorm MacDonald passed in 2021 after a nearly decade-long battle with cancer
Norm MacDonald
Norm MacDonald was a favourite of Saturday night comedy, spending five seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and four of those as anchor of the Weekend Update.
He went on to star in comedy series Norm between 1999 and 2001, and had several film credits, including Dirty Work and Billy Madison. The comedian sadly died in 2021 at the age of 61, after a private nine-year battle with cancer.
