Stock Photo - Jan. 1, 1983 - Chateau d'oex, Switzerland - Funeral of DAVID NIVEN Behind the coffin - PRINCE RAINER OF MONACO. In 1982, Niven discovered he was suffering from a neurological illness commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which would prove fatal within a year. Courageously keeping up a front with his friends and the public, Niven continued making media appearances, although he was obviously deteriorating. While appearing in his last film, Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), the actor's speech became so slurred due to his illness that his lines were later dubbed by impressionist Rich Little. Refusing all artificial life-support systems, Niven died in his Switzerland home later that year. (Credit Image: © Keystone Press Agency/Keystone USA via ZUMAPRESS.com)