Sadly, this will be an ever-increasing trend. We are reaching the point in time now where many older celebs are passing away, and the number of celebs in the media (and sometimes created by that very media) has been increasing each year.
I heard that Hayes was actually incapacitated during most of that South Park / Scientology fiasco, and it was his agents/handlers who raised most of the stink over it.
I heard the same thing re: Hayes/SP and the church basically forcing him to quit. Apparently a few days before the huge fuss, he was quoted as saying that it wasn't a big deal that they were making fun of his religion because they make fun of everyone and he didn't want to be hypocritical.
No disrespect meant to his work and influence. I'm going to stop there before this becomes a theological debate/rant on my views on people, but i stand by what i said.