Music:
* Jimi Hendrix: Legendary guitarist, died from accidental drug overdose in 1970.
* Janis Joplin: Powerful rock and roll singer, died from a heroin overdose in 1970.
* Kurt Cobain: Lead singer of Nirvana, died by suicide in 1994.
* Amy Winehouse: Grammy-winning singer, died from alcohol poisoning in 2011.
Literature:
* William Shakespeare: Playwright, poet, and actor, died in 1616. The exact cause of his death is unknown, but theories include fever, plague, and poisoning.
* Edgar Allan Poe: Master of gothic horror and dark romanticism, died under mysterious circumstances in 1849. Alcoholism, rabies, and cholera are among the suggested causes.
Film and Television:
* Heath Ledger: Actor known for his role in "The Dark Knight," died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in 2008.
* Marilyn Monroe: Actress and cultural icon, died from a barbiturate overdose in 1962. The circumstances surrounding her death remain controversial.
Other:
* Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist and writer, died in 1895. He was 77 years old, but many sources incorrectly list his age as 42 at death.
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other famous individuals who passed away at age 42.
It is important to note that each of these individuals left a lasting impact on the world and continue to be remembered for their contributions to their respective fields.