If you’re typing is Joe Campbell still alive into a search bar, you’re likely looking for one of two very different men. One helped George Lucas build the foundations of the Star Wars universe through the power of myth. The other was a gritty NFL defensive end who helped the Oakland Raiders hoist a Super Bowl trophy.
The short answer for both is no.
It's a bit eerie how these namesakes, both "Joe" in their own circles, left behind legacies that feel so current that people assume they must still be walking among us. Joseph Campbell, the legendary mythologist, passed away decades ago. Joe Campbell, the professional football player, died much more recently.
The Mythologist: Joseph Campbell’s Lasting Ghost
Joseph Campbell didn't just write books; he basically mapped out the human soul. When people ask is Joe Campbell still alive regarding the author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, they’re often reacting to his "living" presence in pop culture.
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He died on October 30, 1987.
He was 83 years old. The cause was complications from esophageal cancer. He passed away at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii, just as his fame was about to explode into the mainstream.
Think about that timing for a second.
He finished filming his iconic interviews with Bill Moyers for The Power of Myth shortly before he died. When that series aired on PBS in 1988, he became a household name posthumously. To millions of viewers, he felt like a vibrant, grandfatherly figure who was very much alive and well.
His ideas? They definitely haven't died.
Every time you watch a Marvel movie or a Disney flick where a young protagonist leaves home, meets a mentor, and faces a "dragon," you’re seeing Joseph Campbell’s work in action. He called it the Monomyth. Honestly, it's the reason his name stays in the Google trends—his footprint is everywhere.
The Athlete: What Happened to Raiders Star Joe Campbell?
Then there's the "Joe" that sports fans remember. If you’re a member of the Raider Nation, this is the guy you’re thinking of.
Is Joe Campbell still alive in the context of the NFL? Sadly, he passed away on July 9, 2023.
It was sudden.
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Joe was only 68. According to reports from his brother, Patrick, Joe was out for a hike in Florida when he likely suffered a cardiac incident. It was a tragic end for a man who had already cheated death once before.
Back in 2007, Joe was in a horrific accident while riding his bicycle. He was hit by a pickup truck. The collision was brutal—fractured skull, brain damage, and a forearm that was nearly torn off. He spent six weeks in a coma. Doctors actually wanted to amputate his arm, but Joe fought them on it. He kept the arm.
He spent the next 16 years "enjoying life," as he told reporters in 2016, despite the lingering memory issues from the crash. He became an educator. He was a Delaware Sports Hall of Famer. When he died in 2023, it felt like a heavy blow to those who had watched him win Super Bowl XV.
Why the Confusion Persists
Honestly, the internet is a messy place for names.
Search engines often blur the lines between Joseph Campbell (the scholar) and Joe Campbell (the athlete). You might also run into Joe Campbell the professional golfer, who died very recently on November 27, 2024, at the age of 89. Or maybe the Joe Campbell who was a beloved pastor in Arkansas and passed in March 2025.
We live in an era where "Joe Campbell" is a common name, but the individuals behind it were anything but common.
The Joseph Campbell Influence in 2026
It’s 2026 now, and Joseph Campbell’s "Follow Your Bliss" mantra is practically a lifestyle brand. But there’s a nuance people miss. He didn't mean "go do whatever makes you happy today." He meant find that deep, resonant path that makes you feel most alive.
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The Joseph Campbell Foundation still keeps his archives active. They release "new" books based on his old lectures, which makes it feel like he’s still writing.
- The Power of Myth remains a top-tier recommendation for anyone feeling lost.
- The Hero's Journey is still taught in almost every screenwriting class in Los Angeles.
- Archival audio of his voice is frequently sampled in lo-fi beats and podcasts.
Because his voice is still so clear in digital media, it’s easy to see why someone would wonder if he’s still around.
Final Realities
To sum it up:
- Joseph Campbell (Mythologist): Died in 1987.
- Joe Campbell (NFL Player): Died in 2023.
- Joe Campbell (PGA Golfer): Died in 2024.
None of these men are still with us, but they all left very specific, very different marks on history.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the work of the mythologist, your best bet is to start with the Joseph Campbell Foundation website. They have a massive library of his "Collected Works." If you’re looking to honor the Raider legend, a quick look through the 1980 Oakland Raiders season highlights will show you exactly why he was a first-round pick and a champion.
The best way to keep their legacies alive is to engage with what they built. Read the books. Watch the games. Follow the bliss.
Check out the "Collected Works of Joseph Campbell" series for recently published transcripts of his never-before-seen lectures.