The autopsy report said the cause was an accidental overdose of fentanyl. Behind the scenes, her Hollywood story wasn’t what it seemed, as she alleged that the studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer supplied its young stars with amphetamines during the day actors that died from drugs to keep them active and gave them barbiturates at night to make them sleep. Coupled with frequent drinking and other drug use, Garland developed major problems later in her career. Though Garland rebounded after “A Star Is Born” and her star began to rise again, her career didn’t remain on the rise for long.
More From the Los Angeles Times
- Their fatal drug overdoses highlight the darker side of stardom and the vulnerability that comes with it.
- These stories of these immensely gifted musicians and actors underscore how addiction is an indiscriminate foe that can claim even the most extraordinary lives.
- King of Pop Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, following an acute propofol intoxication.
- The Chief Medical Examiner’s office confirmed to BBC News that it had determined his death was accidental.
Jackson’s tragic end not only left a void in the music industry but also spotlighted the extreme risks involved in using potent medications outside their intended medical applications. The cases of celebrity overdoses and struggles with addiction underline the pervasive nature of substance abuse issues and demolish the myth that success can act as a safeguard against them. If anything, these instances serve as cautionary tales that emphasize the urgent need for effective, evidence-based intervention strategies. Renfro had a hard youth, during which he was arrested several times — for buying Sober living house drugs and once attempting to steal a yacht (per BuzzFeed).
Thailand’s starring role in ‘The White Lotus’ is about to pay off
Ike Turner, a rock n’ roll pioneer who became infamous for his tumultuous marriage to Tina Turner, died of a cocaine overdose in 2008. At the time of his death, “Alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, PCP, fentanyl were not detected,” according to Perry’s autopsy. On June 16, a friend found Sanders unresponsive inside his locked apartment and called 911, a Los Angeles County Medical-Examiner Coroner’s report said.
Cory Monteith
- Acting legends Robert De Niro and Robin Williams had joined the final party at Belushi’s bungalow No. 3 at Chateau Marmont, which is where he died, per the book “The Castle on Sunset” (via The Hollywood Reporter).
- “An immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth.”
- For some, though, it’s that excess that attracts aspiring talent, drawn to the promise of the glitz and glamour, and the fame and fortune that a successful acting career can bring.
- But within just a few short years, Farley was on the outs, dumped from the cast alongside Sandler and others after the 1995 season.
His body was discovered at his apartment in Los Angeles by his girlfriend, per People. Tributes poured in from Hollywood, with Renfro’s first co-star Susan Sarandon calling him the “most incredibly gifted young actor.” Elisa Bridges is another personality featured on the notoriously ill-fated list of Playmates who died before reaching 40. The actor, who had credits in films “The Birdcage” and “Skippy,” was 28 years old when she passed away on February 7, 2002.
River Phoenix
- According to autopsy results, her death was attributed to an accidental overdose of several prescription drugs, primarily chloral hydrate (per The New York Times).
- However, it was the very earthly issue of opioid addiction that led to his accidental overdose on the painkiller fentanyl.
- The 2000s were looking to be a definitive decade for Ledger, now in his 20s, as he went on to star in Oscar-nominated films such as “The Patriot” and “Brokeback Mountain,” a title that garnered him a Best Actor nomination.
- Autopsy results showed several different prescription drugs in his system, per The Guardian.
- LOS ANGELES — Former “Eight is Enough” child star Adam Rich died of the effects of the drug fentanyl, the medical examiner’s office has ruled.
Plato was deep into alcoholism by the late 1980s, after the show ended. She notoriously robbed a store in Vegas in 1991, for which she was arrested, reported the LA Times. She later tried in vain to kickstart her failing career with B-movies in the ’90s. Belushi enjoyed spirited success through the 1970s, even as a persistent drug problem loomed in the background. Belushi “loved” what cocaine did to him, Aykroyd reportedly said.
Famous People Who Died of Drug Overdose
Monroe originally worked as a model and moved into acting by 1946, per the Hollywood Walk of Fame. By the mid-1950s, she was taking leading roles in box-office hits. She rose to prominence as a sex symbol, appearing in the inaugural issue of Playboy magazine in 1953 (per Business Insider) and rubbing shoulders with the likes of President Kennedy (per People). With critically acclaimed performances in “Stand By Me” and “My Own Private Idaho,” River Phoenix had established himself as a respected actor. Mathis stated that she found Phoenix convulsing on the pavement outside the club. The daughter of Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, Christina Onassis had an unhappy life.
But behind the laughter he generated was a man grappling with serious personal demons. Farley battled both obesity and addiction, issues that were often incorporated into his comedy. British songstress Amy Winehouse, known for her soulful voice and unique style, left us all too soon in 2011 due to alcohol poisoning. Her public battles with addiction were almost as famous as her chart-topping songs, painting a poignant picture of the struggle many endure when grappling with substance abuse. The legendary Michael Jackson’s life was cut short by an overdose of propofol in 2009. This potent anesthetic can be lethal when misused, as it may halt breathing.
Celebrities who have died from addiction
But what matters is the truth, and the truth is that she didn’t overdose. Supervising Medical Examiner Investigator Paul Parker told CNN at the time that high blood pressure and emphysema contributed to his passing. On January 22, 2008, Heath Ledger’s masseuse and housekeeper found him dead on the floor of his rented apartment in New York City.