7 Screen Stars that Died of Drug Overdoses
The tragic death of Philip Seymour Hoffman of an apparent heroin overdose is the latest in an ugly trail of drug-related fatalities that has robbed the world of some of our most talented and popular actors. Here are seven giants of screens big and small who left us too early, no thanks to heroin, cocaine and sleeping pills.
The 31-year-old Glee star was found dead at the Vancouver Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel on July 13, 2013. Investigators found a spoon with drug residue and a used hypodermic needle, along with two empty champagne bottles and glasses in Cory's hotel room. The coroner ruled that Monteith died of an accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol.
Beloved Australian actor Heath Ledger was found naked and unconscious at his New York apartment 22 January 2008, with a variety of sleeping pills at his bedside. The 28-year-old, four months separated from partner Michelle Williams, had complained of trouble sleeping. His death was the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine.
This hard-partying comic died at the same age, 33, and the same cause as his hero, fellow SNL alumn John Belushi. The heavyset Farley, who battled weight and alcohol issues as well as drugs, died on December 18, 1997 from an accidental heroin and cocaine overdose in his apartment in Chicago.
On Halloween night, 1993, 23-year old heartthrob River Phoenix collapsed on the corner of Sunset and Larabee in Hollywood, after a night of partying at The Viper Room. The actor’s then 19-year-old brother, Joaquin, called 911. After paramedics’ efforts to revive River failed, he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where
Arguably the greatest comic actor of his generation, the Animal House and SNL star died from a drug overdose of a combination of cocaine and heroin, also known as a "speedball," on March 5, 1982 after a long night of partying. He was 33.
America’s ultimate pinup, Monroe was 36 when, on August 4 1962, the comely and comedic actress was found dead in her bed, from acute barbiturate (sleeping pill) poisoning. The coroner called the death a probable suicide.
A smooth operator up on screen, Shane star Alan Ladd’s final years were messy and depressed. In 1962, the hard drinking actor shot himself in an apparent suicide attempt. A year or so later, on January 29,1964, he died of an overdose of sedatives and alcohol. Given his previous attempt, his death was not ruled accidental.
1. Cory Monteith
The 31-year-old Glee star was found dead at the Vancouver Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel on July 13, 2013. Investigators found a spoon with drug residue and a used hypodermic needle, along with two empty champagne bottles and glasses in Cory's hotel room. The coroner ruled that Monteith died of an accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol.
2. Heath Ledger
Beloved Australian actor Heath Ledger was found naked and unconscious at his New York apartment 22 January 2008, with a variety of sleeping pills at his bedside. The 28-year-old, four months separated from partner Michelle Williams, had complained of trouble sleeping. His death was the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine.
3. Chris Farley
This hard-partying comic died at the same age, 33, and the same cause as his hero, fellow SNL alumn John Belushi. The heavyset Farley, who battled weight and alcohol issues as well as drugs, died on December 18, 1997 from an accidental heroin and cocaine overdose in his apartment in Chicago.
4. River Phoenix
On Halloween night, 1993, 23-year old heartthrob River Phoenix collapsed on the corner of Sunset and Larabee in Hollywood, after a night of partying at The Viper Room. The actor’s then 19-year-old brother, Joaquin, called 911. After paramedics’ efforts to revive River failed, he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where
5. John Belushi
Arguably the greatest comic actor of his generation, the Animal House and SNL star died from a drug overdose of a combination of cocaine and heroin, also known as a "speedball," on March 5, 1982 after a long night of partying. He was 33.
6. Marilyn Monroe
America’s ultimate pinup, Monroe was 36 when, on August 4 1962, the comely and comedic actress was found dead in her bed, from acute barbiturate (sleeping pill) poisoning. The coroner called the death a probable suicide.
7. Alan Ladd
A smooth operator up on screen, Shane star Alan Ladd’s final years were messy and depressed. In 1962, the hard drinking actor shot himself in an apparent suicide attempt. A year or so later, on January 29,1964, he died of an overdose of sedatives and alcohol. Given his previous attempt, his death was not ruled accidental.
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