2008 Woodie Awards
Cause of death: Stardom
Christine Savoia
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: Opinion
It was with sad regret that we recently learned of the death of Hollywood hunk Heath Ledger, star of popular movies such as "10 Things I Hate About You," "The Patriot," and "Brokeback Mountain."
Although the initial autopsy performed on Ledger's body proved inconclusive, the presence of several prescription drugs found in the actor's home hint at the possibility of an intentional drug overdose. Even if this was not a case of suicide, why would someone so wildly popular and good-looking need to be taking anti-anxiety and sleeping pills?
It amazes me to hear how shocked people are in response to claims that the rich and famous aren't perfectly happy with their lives. The obvious reality lies beyond the glitz and the glitter of Hollywood; there are several possible influences that can leave celebrities less than pleased.
Granted, with the dramatic lack of privacy and increase of depression, drug usage, and suicide rates among younger celebrities, those who enter into the entertainment business would be dumb to ignore the imminent sacrifices they have to make.
Simply put, celebrities aren't normal people. They can't just throw on a pair of sweatpants, jump in the car, and go grocery shopping without a second thought. Singers and actors are constantly on the move, alone and away from family and friends. The paparazzi stalk them at home, on vacation, while bringing their kid shopping, etc. Stars like the Olsen twins, who began acting on "Full House" before they could talk, never got to experience a normal, healthy childhood.
And then, of course, there is Britney Spears. While I admit she's no angel, the amount of press coverage that rips apart every single aspect of her life is shameful and sickening. If the world gave its opinion that much about my personal life I think I'd go insane and try to hold onto my kids for dear life, too. I wonder how much more she ends up the same as Ledger.
Celebrities simply aren't treated like human beings, and it's disgraceful. Of course I don't condone the actions of Lindsay Lohan, for example, has used her "celeb" status in the past to flaunt her underage drinking, but maybe there's something legitimate in the claim that media abuse further drives celebrities into states of drug abuse and rehab, insanity, and even suicide.
Who is Keith Olbermann to make scathing remarks about the state of calamity the Spears' family is in? Why did Z100 need to try to turn an innocent picture of 15-year-old Miley Cyrus fooling around with her friend into something more scandalous? I don't understand why these people think they are superior enough to demean others as a means of entertainment.
It can be hard to define the line between when a celebrity is responsible for his or her actions and when the press is pathetically scrounging for their scapegoat of the week. There is no mercy for those who enter into the entertainment business, and until those who make a living out of tearing celebrities apart find something a bit more productive to do with their time, we may have to say goodbye to a few more of our favorite stars who finally buckle under the pressure.
Although the initial autopsy performed on Ledger's body proved inconclusive, the presence of several prescription drugs found in the actor's home hint at the possibility of an intentional drug overdose. Even if this was not a case of suicide, why would someone so wildly popular and good-looking need to be taking anti-anxiety and sleeping pills?
It amazes me to hear how shocked people are in response to claims that the rich and famous aren't perfectly happy with their lives. The obvious reality lies beyond the glitz and the glitter of Hollywood; there are several possible influences that can leave celebrities less than pleased.
Granted, with the dramatic lack of privacy and increase of depression, drug usage, and suicide rates among younger celebrities, those who enter into the entertainment business would be dumb to ignore the imminent sacrifices they have to make.
Simply put, celebrities aren't normal people. They can't just throw on a pair of sweatpants, jump in the car, and go grocery shopping without a second thought. Singers and actors are constantly on the move, alone and away from family and friends. The paparazzi stalk them at home, on vacation, while bringing their kid shopping, etc. Stars like the Olsen twins, who began acting on "Full House" before they could talk, never got to experience a normal, healthy childhood.
And then, of course, there is Britney Spears. While I admit she's no angel, the amount of press coverage that rips apart every single aspect of her life is shameful and sickening. If the world gave its opinion that much about my personal life I think I'd go insane and try to hold onto my kids for dear life, too. I wonder how much more she ends up the same as Ledger.
Celebrities simply aren't treated like human beings, and it's disgraceful. Of course I don't condone the actions of Lindsay Lohan, for example, has used her "celeb" status in the past to flaunt her underage drinking, but maybe there's something legitimate in the claim that media abuse further drives celebrities into states of drug abuse and rehab, insanity, and even suicide.
Who is Keith Olbermann to make scathing remarks about the state of calamity the Spears' family is in? Why did Z100 need to try to turn an innocent picture of 15-year-old Miley Cyrus fooling around with her friend into something more scandalous? I don't understand why these people think they are superior enough to demean others as a means of entertainment.
It can be hard to define the line between when a celebrity is responsible for his or her actions and when the press is pathetically scrounging for their scapegoat of the week. There is no mercy for those who enter into the entertainment business, and until those who make a living out of tearing celebrities apart find something a bit more productive to do with their time, we may have to say goodbye to a few more of our favorite stars who finally buckle under the pressure.
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