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They Died in Their 30s Trivia Quiz

The world has lost many great and talented people who never made it to their 40th birthdays. This quiz pays homage to some of those who perished while still in their prime.

A multiple-choice quiz by iCaramba. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
iCaramba

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
303,993

Updated
Feb 20 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
3667

Awards
Top 10% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Guest 207 (8/10), Guest 207 (5/10), Guest 75 (10/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. It is hard to believe that this influential vocalist was only 30 when she died in a plane crash in 1963. Who is she? Hint

Patsy Cline

Janis Joplin

Billie Holiday

Edith Piaf

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. The mother of Saturday Night Live alumna Maya Rudolph, she died at age 31 of breast cancer. What is the name of this "Lovin' You" singer? Hint

Maria Muldaur

Tammi Terrell

Minnie Riperton

Nina Simone

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. Partially responsible for bringing to the world one of the greatest musical acts in history, who died at age 32 of a drug overdose in his London home? Hint

Cyril Davies

Brian Jones

Brian Epstein

Malcolm McLaren

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. He died at the early age of 33 in a famous hotel off of the Sunset Strip. Who was this hard-living comedian? Hint

Andy Kaufman

John Candy

John Belushi

Chris Farley

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. Following this legendary musician's death at age 34, graffiti started appearing around New York City that he "lives." What is the name of this saxophonist and icon of cool bebop culture? Hint

Miles Davis

Charlie "Bird" Parker

Thelonious Monk

John Coltrane

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. What prolific and beloved composer died in Vienna at the age of 35? Hint

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Felix Mendelssohn

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

George Gershwin

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. This American icon was born in Los Angeles, which is where she died 36 years later. What is the name of this famous blonde? Hint

Carole Lombard

Jayne Mansfield

Marilyn Monroe

Jean Harlow

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. Who completed "At Eternity's Gate" shortly before his death at age 37 just outside of Paris? Hint

Marcel Proust

Vincent van Gogh

Honor� de Balzac

Edouard Manet

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. Who was the 12-time Major League All Star who died at 38 when his emergency relief plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of Puerto Rico? Hint

Roberto Clemente

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Thurman Munson

Dennis Martinez

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Which human rights activist was assassinated at the age of 39 at a meeting of the Organization of Afro-American Unity in New York City? Hint

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

James L. Farmer, Jr.

Marcus Garvey

Malcolm X

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Most Recent Scores

Oct 16 2024 : Guest 207: 8/10
Oct 15 2024 : Guest 207: 5/10
Oct 11 2024 : Guest 75: 10/10
Oct 03 2024 : Guest 104: 7/10
Sep 27 2024 : Guest 162: 6/10
Sep 25 2024 : rupert774: 8/10
Sep 23 2024 : Guest 92: 7/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. It is hard to believe that this influential vocalist was only 30 when she died in a plane crash in 1963. Who is she?

Answer: Patsy Cline

Marianne Faithfull has said of Patsy Cline, "She made country cool." With a beautifully rich and emotional singing voice, Cline was at the height of a successful career at time of her shocking death.

2. The mother of Saturday Night Live alumna Maya Rudolph, she died at age 31 of breast cancer. What is the name of this "Lovin' You" singer?

Answer: Minnie Riperton

Riperton had a four-octave vocal range and was known for hitting those really high notes. President Jimmy Carter presented her with the American Cancer Society's Courage Award for her brave campaigning while suffering the effects of the terrible disease that took her life at such a young age.

3. Partially responsible for bringing to the world one of the greatest musical acts in history, who died at age 32 of a drug overdose in his London home?

Answer: Brian Epstein

Epstein was the manager of The Beatles from 1962 until his death in 1967. It is said that Epstein "cleaned up" the scruffy Liverpool lads by suggesting that they wear suits and ties and stop swearing on stage.

4. He died at the early age of 33 in a famous hotel off of the Sunset Strip. Who was this hard-living comedian?

Answer: John Belushi

Belushi died at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in West Hollywood after a night of partying with celebrity pals, including Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. He was the first of two Saturday Night Live alumni to die at 33 of a drug overdose (Chris Farley was the other).

5. Following this legendary musician's death at age 34, graffiti started appearing around New York City that he "lives." What is the name of this saxophonist and icon of cool bebop culture?

Answer: Charlie "Bird" Parker

"Bird lives" was written on a subway wall just hours after Parker's untimely death and it soon began appearing all over the city. He is considered one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time and a pioneer in the development of bebop.

6. What prolific and beloved composer died in Vienna at the age of 35?

Answer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart is known to have composed over 600 pieces of music during his short lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, he was not ignored by the public at the time of his death; in fact, many well-attended memorials were held and several publishers scrambled to earn the rights to his music.

7. This American icon was born in Los Angeles, which is where she died 36 years later. What is the name of this famous blonde?

Answer: Marilyn Monroe

Monroe died of a barbiturate overdose, although there is still debate about whether or not it was accidental. For 20 years after her death, second husband Joe DiMaggio sent a half-dozen red roses to her crypt three times each week.

8. Who completed "At Eternity's Gate" shortly before his death at age 37 just outside of Paris?

Answer: Vincent van Gogh

A long-time sufferer of depression, van Gogh shot himself with a revolver on July 27, 1890, and died two days later. Many believe that "At Eternity's Gate," one of his last paintings, reflects his state of mind at the time of his suicide.

9. Who was the 12-time Major League All Star who died at 38 when his emergency relief plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of Puerto Rico?

Answer: Roberto Clemente

Considered a hero in his native Puerto Rico, Clemente died as he was attempting to deliver emergency relief supplies to the victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. The Pittsburgh Pirates retired his jersey number (21) the season after his death.

10. Which human rights activist was assassinated at the age of 39 at a meeting of the Organization of Afro-American Unity in New York City?

Answer: Malcolm X

In February 1965, Malcolm X was shot 16 times as he began to deliver a speech in New York's Audubon Ballroom. Three members of the Nation of Islam were arrested, tried, and convicted of the murder; two of them contended their innocence even after being released from prison.

Source: Author iCaramba

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Snowman before going online.
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