Many stars turn to alcoholism after becoming famous, whether as a result
of performance anxiety or some other issue that may or may not have anything to do with
success itself. Join Facts Verse as we take a look at celebrities who died from alcohol.
Barbara Payton
At the height of Barbara’s fame, she was a notable film star that could be seen socializing
with such superstars as Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck, and Frank Sinatra. Payton began her acting career
in the late 1940s and quickly gained attention for her striking looks and captivating on-screen
presence. However, her life took a downward turn when she became involved in a tumultuous and
highly publicized affair with actor Franchot Tone, who was married at the time. Payton's relationship
with Tone resulted in a significant decline in her career prospects. She struggled with
alcoholism and a reputation for being difficult to work with, which further hindered her chances
of landing significant roles. As her personal and professional life spiraled out of control,
Payton became entangled in a series of failed relationships and encounters with various men,
including a short-lived marriage to talent agent Don Ross. Unfortunately,
Payton's downward spiral continued, and she found herself in dire financial straits.
In 1967, she was discovered in a run-down apartment in Los Angeles, suffering from
malnutrition and alcohol-related health issues. She was destitute and had been working as
a barmaid and a prostitute to make ends meet. Tragically, on May 8, 1967, Barbara Payton passed
away at the age of 39 due to heart and liver failure caused by years of alcohol abuse.
Oliver Reed Oliver Reed
was a British actor known for his rugged charm, powerful performances, and notorious reputation
for his excessive drinking and alcohol-fueled escapades. Reed had a long and successful
acting career but was often overshadowed by his battles with alcoholism. Reed's introduction to
alcohol came during his teenage years, and he quickly developed a taste for heavy drinking.
As he entered the world of acting, his love for alcohol became intertwined with his public image,
earning him a reputation as a hard-drinking hellraiser. Reed's excessive drinking led to
a series of notorious incidents both on and off the screen. He was known for his
confrontational and unpredictable nature, which often caused disruptions on film sets and strained
relationships with colleagues. His penchant for heavy drinking was often glamorized in the media,
perpetuating the image of a wild, hard-drinking rebel. Tragically, Oliver Reed's battle with
alcoholism came to a tragic end on May 2, 1999, while he was in Malta filming the
movie "Gladiator." Reed, then 61 years old, spent the evening drinking with friends at
a local pub. Reports suggest that he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol,
including several bottles of rum. Later that night, Reed suffered a heart attack and died.
Veronica Lake Veronica Lake got to experience
legitimate Hollywood stardom over the course of her career. However, that doesn’t make her
eventual demise from alcoholism and schizophrenia much less tragic. During Veronica’s final years,
she was holed up in her home, believing that the government was spying on her. This came
after the actress’s iconic appearances in films such as This Gun for Hire and The Hour
Before Dawn. She had been one of the biggest names in Hollywood during the 1940s, but her
career suffered alongside her personal life in the 1950s. During the 1950s, Veronica began
suffering from schizophrenia. This schizophrenia was made worse by the fact that the actress was a
very heavy drinker. She died in 1973, at the age of only 50. She had only appeared in a
small handful of films since 1952 and had lived her final years in a state of alcohol addiction
and loneliness. After her death, Veronica's family financially struggled to bury her. Her
estranged son reportedly had to take out a loan to fly to where his mother's body was located,
and she was then cremated. Some claim that her ashes were sold to fans.
Hank Williams Hank Williams,
was a singer-songwriter and one of the most influential figures in country music history.
His soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics touched the hearts of millions, but his life was tragically
marked by a severe struggle with alcoholism that ultimately led to his untimely death.
Williams' addiction to alcohol began to take hold of his life in the late 1940s, as he rose to fame
with hit songs like "Lovesick Blues" and "Hey, Good Lookin'." Initially, alcohol provided an
escape from the pressures of his demanding career and personal troubles. However, his reliance on
alcohol grew increasingly destructive over time. Williams' struggles with alcoholism became more
apparent as his behavior grew increasingly erratic. He would often miss shows or arrive
on stage intoxicated, leading to a decline in his reputation and strained relationships with his
band members and business associates. His personal life also suffered as he went through a series of
failed marriages and turbulent relationships. On January 1, 1953, at the age of 29, Hank
Williams tragically passed away. The official cause of death was listed as heart failure,
but his struggle with alcoholism undoubtedly played a significant role.
Curly Howard Curly Howard,
was a member of the iconic comedy trio, The Three Stooges. However, behind the scenes,
Curly battled alcoholism, which greatly impacted his life and contributed to his
decline in health. Curly's struggle with alcohol began in the early 1930s, during the early days
of his career with The Three Stooges. As the group gained popularity, Curly found solace
in heavy drinking as a means to cope with the pressures of fame and personal challenges. His
alcohol consumption gradually increased over time, leading to significant physical and emotional
consequences. As Curly's alcoholism progressed, it took a toll on his health. He suffered weight
gain, high blood pressure, and other complications associated with heavy drinking. Additionally,
excessive alcohol consumption affected his mental and emotional well-being, leading to mood swings
and difficulties on set. Eventually, Curly's declining health forced him to retire from acting
in 1946, after more than a decade of comedic brilliance. He experienced a series of strokes
that further debilitated him and resulted in a significant decline in his physical and mental
faculties. On January 18, 1952, at the age of 48, Curly Howard passed away due to complications
from a cerebral hemorrhage, directly related to his long-standing battle with alcoholism.
Billie Holiday Hollywood actors and
actresses certainly have a propensity for becoming addicted to alcohol, but their counterparts in the
music industry often outdo them. One musician that could've likely out-drunk every one of her
contemporaries in Hollywood was jazz singer Billie Holiday. Billie was addicted to alcohol and sex,
as well as a variety of illicit substances. She used her success to fund her partying but tried
her best not to let her various habits affect her artistic output. Still, she couldn’t stop
the negative health effects that her many years of partying were taking on her body. Billie
had started out on the music scene as a nightclub singer before finding some success and dropping
out of high school. She started drinking at an early age and turned to opium after being
introduced by a partner. Billie ended up passing away in the late 1950s after being admitted to the
hospital with both liver and heart disease. Though the actress had been able to hold it together
for a good deal of her career, the final years of her life saw her on a downward spiral. The singer
had reportedly quit drinking soon before her death on the advice of her doctor, but it was too late.
Errol Flynn Errol Flynn was an actor known
for his charismatic presence and swashbuckling roles in films such as "The Adventures of Robin
Hood" and "Captain Blood." Flynn was known for his love of parties, heavy drinking,
and a hedonistic approach to life. Alcohol became a constant companion, providing a temporary
escape from personal and professional pressures. Throughout his career, Flynn's alcoholism began to
take a toll on his work. He developed a reputation for being unreliable on set, often arriving late
or not showing up at all due to the effects of his drinking. Despite his talent and leading man
status, his behavior became increasingly erratic, leading to strained relationships with directors,
producers, and co-stars. Flynn's personal life also suffered due to his alcoholism. He went
through a series of failed marriages and had a reputation for womanizing. His excessive drinking
contributed to a turbulent personal life, marked by broken relationships and legal troubles. As
Flynn's health deteriorated, he attempted to address his alcoholism and sought treatment in
various rehabilitation programs. However, relapses became a recurring pattern in his life. The
consequences of his addiction caught up with him in his later years. On October 14, 1959,
at the age of 50, Errol Flynn passed away. The official cause of death was listed as a heart
attack, but his chronic alcohol abuse undoubtedly played a significant role in his declining health.
Ron "Pigpen" McKernan Ron "Pigpen" McKernan was best known as a founding
member of the iconic rock band, the Grateful Dead. McKernan played a significant role in shaping
the band's sound. He was known for his bluesy vocals, exceptional harmonica skills, and his
ability to infuse the music with raw and gritty energy. However, behind the scenes, he struggled
with alcohol addiction that deeply impacted his life and career. McKernan's alcoholism
became increasingly apparent as the Grateful Dead gained popularity in the 1960s and '70s.
He was notorious for his heavy drinking, which often led to erratic behavior and
impaired performance. Despite his talent and musical contributions,
his addiction began to strain relationships within the band and affected the overall
dynamic of the group. Tragically, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan's life was cut short by his battle with
alcoholism. On March 8, 1973, at the age of 27, he passed away due to a gastrointestinal hemorrhage,
which was a complication related to his alcohol abuse. His death left a void in the Grateful Dead
and the music world, as his unique contributions and stage presence were deeply cherished by fans.
How it’s time to hear from you! Are you a fan of any of these celebs? Did you
know about their alcoholism? Let us know in the comments section below!