Mindy joined the cast of TV’s Celebrity Rehab and suffered a seizure while filming. But the bottom truly fell out in 2013 when her boyfriend, record producer David Wilson, committed suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot. “It took me a long time to fundamentally, deeply, without a hint of doubt, admit to myself that I am an alcoholic,” he says. American NFL player, Vincent Jackson died on February 15th, 2021, from chronic alcohol use. Petty was also suffering from emphysema and coronary artery atherosclerosis at the time of his death.
Famous People and Celebrities With Depression
Popular singer Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 48 due to a drug overdose. In 2012, she was found dead in a bathtub with bottles of prescription medicines scattered in her hotel room. According to reports, Houston took a combination of drugs including Xanax, marijuana, Flexeril, and cocaine. The stories of famous alcoholics we’ve outlined in this article demonstrate the impact that addiction can have on individuals, regardless of their fame, success, or social status. Unfortunately, history has seen many brilliant minds lost to this disease so it’s up to the famous alcoholics who got sober to serve as an inspiration to others to seek help and prioritize their mental health.
Musicians Who Died of Alcoholism
After a diagnosis of cirrhosis, she gave up drinking—but it’s not always so simple. She fell off the wagon and was imprisoned for drug possession, dying in a New York hospital in 1959 at the age of 44. In 1969, after one last night of drinking rye, Kerouac complained of stomach pains. He passed the next day from a hemorrhage caused by cirrhosis, at the age of 47. The 20-time All-Star New York Yankee stated that his drinking hurt him both professionally and personally. Mantle received a liver transplant because of hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Famous Recovering Alcoholics
The autopsy report said the cause was an accidental overdose of fentanyl. In the 1980s, Margaux Hemingway was as hot a supermodel as there was. Parade Magazine once called “The Wizard of Oz” the “World’s Favorite Movie,” and there are good reasons why. Her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” made her an instant singing star too, and she quickly became one of Hollywood’s brightest entertainers even though she was barely 17 when the film was released. After a string of musical hits, she achieved more recognition when she led “A Star Is Born,” for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. Ellingson’s death came just months after his 35th birthday when he was living in a sober-living facility.
- Barbara Payton was once an aspiring actress whose promise was blighted by her problems with alcoholism and drug addiction.
- Phoenix was unresponsive when emergency personnel arrived and was declared dead when he arrived at the hospital.
- The beloved star of the “Harry Potter”movies has struggled, like many other child actors, growing up in show business.
- Before his drowning death in October 2023, the moneybags said he’d spent $7 million in his bid to make sobriety stick.
- Even being first lady of the United States doesn’t make you immune to alcoholism.
In a previous 2006 arrest, made on the basis of suspected drunk driving, the arresting officer claimed he made anti-Semitic remarks. In the past, Gibson sought professional help, and checked himself into rehab for his alcohol problem. In 2013, King opened up to The Guardianabout his former alcohol addiction, describing how he’s not ashamed of his past. He said, “There’s a thing in AA, something they read in a lot of meetings, “The Promises.” Most of those promises have come true in my life, We’ll come to know a new freedom and new happiness, that’s true. But it also says in there, “We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. I regret the necessity.” King’s not about to pretend he didn’t have struggles with alcohol, nor does he think he should hide it, either.
- In addition to suffering from epilepsy, Hemingway also dealt with mental health struggles that included bouts of severe depression as well as an eating disorder.
- Hopkins has been open about his journey in hopes of inspiring others to seek help and prioritize their own mental health.
- According to official reports, his death was caused by an accidental overdose of fentanyl.
- He retired in 2018 after having spent two years on reserve for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a weak knee.
The singer sadly passed away at the age of 56 on September 4, 2023. His dream of becoming a country music star turned to a nightmare when he got caught up in alcohol and drug abuse, including freebasing cocaine. Even after two stints in treatment — in 1998 and again in 2001 — he was never able to maintain his sobriety for long.
- Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as Harry Potter, is yet another one of the many celebrities who are recovering alcoholics.
- He suffered from anxiety and other possible mental health problems, self-medicating himself with alcohol and drugs.
‘We are devastated’: Family of veteran South African actor Sello Motloung announce his sudden death
He got sober at that point but the anti-rejection medications given to organ transfer patients increase the risk of developing cancer. He announced that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011, and in 2012, he ultimately died of acute myeloid leukemia. Payton’s battles with substance abuse got her in trouble for check fraud and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ prostitution, and were her ultimate cause of death. “We are devastated to inform you of the sudden passing of Ntate Sello Motloung on Sunday, 15 September. His family is in shock, and we ask that you give them space at this time,” read a statement. She died in January 2023 of a small bowel obstruction brought on by years of drug abuse.
The next morning, her bodyguard saw her lying in bed at 10 am, not unusual. Billie Holiday is widely considered one of the most influential celebrities who died of alcoholism female vocalists of the jazz and blues genres. He was driving himself and one passenger when he veered off the road and hit a tree.
Celebrities who Struggle with Alcohol Addiction
However, some celebrities have also been able to successfully overcome their addiction and achieve long-term recovery. Holden’s heavy drinking began impacting his professional and personal life, including a drunk driving incident where he killed another driver. In 1981, at the age of 61, Holden had a few too many one last time, and slipped and hit his head.
She quickly achieved mainstream success, but her career became blighted by legal troubles and substance abuse. He developed liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver in the 1990s due to decades of drinking, and underwent a life-saving liver transplant. Prince died of an accidental fentanyl overdose, the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office said Thursday. The 57-year-old musician joins a lengthy list of celebrities who have died as a result of substance addiction.