# 2024 SDMB Celebrity Death Pool **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** death-pool\ **Created:** [December 1, 2023, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940 "2023-12-01T06:01:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 34
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/662 "2024-03-01T04:09:54Z")
> **[Brian Mulroney, one of Canada's most consequential prime ministers, is dead...](https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7130287)** > > Brian Mulroney — who, as Canada's 18th prime minister, steered the country through a tumultuous period in national and world affairs — has died. He was 84. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/663 "2024-03-01T04:54:22Z")
| 1 | Registered at Last | 135 | 3 | 1 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2 | candide | 88 | 2 | 0 | | 2 | Captain Klutz | 88 | 2 | 0 | | 2 | critter 42 | 88 | 2 | 0 | | 2 | Kitten Mitten | 88 | 2 | 0 | | 6 | Happy Lendervedder | 85 | 2 | 0 | | 6 | phungi | 85 | 2 | 0 | | 8 | GIGObuster | 72 | 2 | 0 | | 9 | Loach | 51 | 1 | 1 | | 10 | Dung Beetle | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | Hoopy Frood | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | It’s Not Rocket Surgery | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | jeezums | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | Little Nemo | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | Lord Feldon | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | Mean Mr. Mustard | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | RobotDevilDog | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | RTFirefly | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 10 | Superdude | 50 | 1 | 0 | | 20 | J-P L | 38 | 1 | 0 | | 20 | xizor | 38 | 1 | 0 | | 22 | Pardel-Lux | 22 | 1 | 0 | | 23 | MarkF2004 | 20 | 1 | 1 | | 24 | Allecher | 12 | 1 | 1 | | 25 | Biotop | 8 | 1 | 1 | | 26 | Monstera delciosa | 1 | 1 | 1 | ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/664 "2024-03-01T10:01:24Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Newcastle, BTW, is about the same size as Newark or Lincoln NE or Saint Paul. Funnily enough I was thinking yesterday I should add [Ernie Chambers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Chambers) to next year’s list. Any other Nebraska State Senator would pretty much be a non-celebrity but Ernie is one of a kind. Civil rights firebrand, atheist, iconoclast, the “angriest black man in Nebraska”… I mean, he literally sued God at one point. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/665 "2024-03-01T14:03:10Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > > [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > > > Could be as simple as considering whether or not they have their own Wikipedia page? > > Obviously neither Baker nor anybody else has time to look at every entry on everybody’s list, but this criteria seems to be as fair as any. > > Newcastle, BTW, is about the same size as Newark or Lincoln NE or Saint Paul. I certainly wouldn’t consider a member of the city council of any of those cities a celebrity. YMMV. Agreed. I would not expect Baker or anyone else to verify every name. However, presence or absence of a dedicated Wikipedia page could be the defining criteria if an entry needed confirmation of eligibility. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/666 "2024-03-01T14:10:32Z")
OTOH everybody could create a Wikipage if they wanted. A mention of the death in some national newspaper (any nation relevant, not necessarily restricted to the USA) would be a corroboration. Only after the fact, of course, but that is when it becomes relevant. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/667 "2024-03-01T14:27:22Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > OTOH everybody could create a Wikipage if they wanted. You’re on to me. My plan was to create a list of obscure, terminally ill city council members and local theater performers and then create a Wikipedia page for each one. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/668 "2024-03-01T14:55:15Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > > [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > > > OTOH everybody could create a Wikipage if they wanted. > > You’re on to me. My plan was to create a list of obscure, terminally ill city council members and local theater performers and then create a Wikipedia page for each one. > > mmm Brilliant! ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/669 "2024-03-01T15:03:10Z")
I think a general honor code is the only thing we’ve done and it works fine. I think a simple explanation from someone on what makes someone a celebrity is enough challenge. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/670 "2024-03-01T16:48:37Z")
Quite a few nationally touring bands I like do not have Wikipedia pages. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/671 "2024-03-01T17:34:23Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Agreed. I would not expect Baker or anyone else to verify every name. However, presence or absence of a dedicated Wikipedia page could be the defining criteria if an entry needed confirmation of eligibility. That’s the criteria I use when picking someone. If they don’t have an existing wiki page, I look for someone else. ---
**Author:** ![Registered\_at\_Last](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bc79bd/32.png) [@Registered\_at\_Last](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Registered_at_Last)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/672 "2024-03-01T19:04:25Z")
Wikipedia works fine for American celebrities, but I find that people from other countries who are undoubtedly celebrities in their part of the world often do not have wiki pages. I think in the past someone whose death was reported in reputable media was generally considered celebrity “enough”. That is why I used the BBC link and not one of the local Newcastle newspaper links. I have definitely left folks off my list if they didn’t seem celebrity enough (or only famous for being sick) (and had them score for others). Personally I feel like city councilors, local media personalities, locally famous musicians etc. are famous enough. They are celebrities in their small part of the world. Having said that, if the community feels the rules have to change I will happily to adhere to them. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/673 "2024-03-01T19:43:52Z")
I think if there’s a newspaper article announcing their death (other than an obit) and perhaps if they have periodical articles in which they’re featured prior to their deaths, that aren’t just making them famous for being sick. [For instance Daniel Hersl.](https://www.google.com/search?q=daniel+hersl&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1047US1050&oq=daniel+hersl&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDAgAECMYJxiABBiKBTIMCAAQIxgnGIAEGIoFMgcIARAAGIAEMgcIAhAAGIAEMgcIAxAAGIAEMgcIBBAAGIAEMgcIBRAAGIAEMgwIBhAAGBQYhwIYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEAAYgAQyBwgJEAAYgATSAQg0MjY0ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) No wiki page, but even before he got the cancer, he had been in the news for being part of a group of crooked Baltimore cops. [Or Anna Cardwell](https://www.google.com/search?q=anna+cardwell&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1047US1050&oq=anna+cardwell&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYjwIyBwgAEAAYjwIyDAgBEC4YJxiABBiKBTIHCAIQABiABDIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIGCAcQRRg80gEIMTk4NGowajmoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8). She was “reality TV famous” even before she made the news for getting cancer and dying. I think RAL’s city councilman pick probably fits this standard. But of course, this is just MHO. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/674 "2024-03-01T22:02:24Z")
The only issue I have with the current system is that there’s no real way to dispute a selection. I mean, @Registered_at_Last waited until the end of the year to post their list. I see the strategy in that. But in waiting that long, there’s no real way of discussing someone on a list to determine if they qualify as a celebrity. If I could make a suggestion, it would be to give the deadline a week earlier, say December 26. With the stipulation that the only changes made to a list after that date is if someone on the list dies, or for some name to be replaced if the pick is determined to be “not a celebrity.” I have no dog in this particular fight, and it would help prevent a situation where a selection is disqualified after the fact. That doesn’t seem fair to me. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2024, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/675 "2024-03-01T23:42:45Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > I have no dog in this particular fight, and it would help prevent a situation where a selection is disqualified after the fact. That doesn’t seem fair to me. I don’t think it has ever happened. I think any discussion or change is more or less unnecessary. We’ve had no issues in the past. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2024, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/676 "2024-03-02T00:12:15Z")
I have to admit four of the people I picked this year don’t have Wikipedia pages. They’re all people who have appeared in movies and TV series. Is an IMDB listing an acceptable substitute for a Wikipedia page? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2024, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/677 "2024-03-02T00:24:52Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > I have no dog in this particular fight, and it would help prevent a situation where a selection is disqualified after the fact. That doesn’t seem fair to me. I believe if a selection is disqualified after January 1, the first listed alternative is automatically moved up to the main list. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2024, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/678 "2024-03-02T00:35:39Z")
At the risk of over-complicating this with yet another suggestion, how about this idea: If a discussion arises about the eligibility of a pick, post a limited-time poll to vote on the selection. Include a brief summary of the particulars, then let majority rule. A poll with two options only: allow or disallow. Only DP participants can vote. @Baker can act as tie-breaker, if necessary. Anyway, just a thought. I’m good with whatever is decided. mmm ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2024, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/679 "2024-03-02T00:37:44Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Is an IMDB listing an acceptable substitute for a Wikipedia page? “Oh, look, the assistant costumier on Porky’s III just gave up 47 points!” ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2024, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/680 "2024-03-02T00:45:56Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Is an IMDB listing an acceptable substitute for a Wikipedia page? I have an IMDb listing. I don’t think I count as famous enough for a celebrity death pool. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2024, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940/681 "2024-03-02T01:26:06Z")
Here’s another option for the future: people submit their lists to the DM by a set date earlier in December (say December 15) via email. That date becomes the new deadline, no changes once that date passes. Then the DM has a few weeks to set up the spreadsheet and determine eligibility of all names. Most names will either be repeated over multiple lists or relatively familiar so shouldn’t be a time-consuming problem. The handful of names that the DM doesn’t recognize can be investigated for actual famousness. Any names that don’t pass the DM’s muster are removed and an alternate is subbed in. More than three clunkers? Welp, you’re playing with less than a full deck that year. DM can post the lists whenever all celebrities are confirmed and spreadsheet is complete. This would also eliminate the fear of poaching. Would also create a buffer between the deadline and the kickoff. Just a thought… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940.md?page=33) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940.md?page=35)