The concept of fame has become many peoples longing desire. This is certainly relatable when we delve into the world of actors and actresses, who are seen like demigods, that seem to have conquered the public who worship them due to their presence on the big screen.
Sometimes, and it is becoming more and more common, the fame literally goes to the heads of these thoroughly talented human beings. Substance abuse and alcohol abuse are some of the many examples that these stars of the big screens resort to in an attempt to get away from the world full of cameras, bright lights and, of course, the media.
On numerous occasions, some of these celebrities have come forward and publicly confessed the damage fame has had on them and their lives. Eating disorders and psychological problems are two of many consequences of being the centre of attention pretty much all day everyday. We've gathered up some of the saddening examples of cinema stars who at some point in their life have been victims of Hollywood fame
1 Mischa Barton
Who could forget the legendary Marissa Cooper from 'The O.C.', played by of course, Mischa Barton. Throughout her career the London born actress has always had a busy schedule, especially considering she started so young. In 1997, she had her first lead role in 'Lawn Dogs' and we also saw her in two famous films at the end of the 90s in the form of 'Notting Hill' and 'The Sixth Sense'. As the popularity and success of 'The O.C.' grew season by season, the actress started her descend.
It all started in 2007 when alcohol consumption and substance abuse started to take over her life. On numerous occasions she was detained for drink driving as well as driving without a valid driving licence. In 2009 she was admitted to the psychiatric unit in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles. The industry and the fame continued to pull Barton apart, to the point where she couldn't cope anymore. Despite this, the actress is trying to wipe the slate clean by returning to the big screen.
2 Owen Wilson
If we are debating about the kings of American comedy, then there is no doubt Owen Wilson's name will be thrown into the mixer. The American has made a name for himself in films such as 'Zoolander' and 'Night at the Museum', among many others, and was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for his part in 'The Royal Tenenbaums'. He was also nominated for Best Actor in the 2012 Golden Globes for his role in 'Midnight in Paris'. In recent years he has had roles in films such as 'Zoolander 2' and 'Masterminds'. However, despite his colourful career, behind the camera he has had some struggles.
Constant pressure from the media and with such a successful career in his past, it all got a bit too much for Luke Wilson's brother who has been facing severe depression. It was in August of 2007 that was probably the darkest period of the actors life. Wilson attempted suicide by overdosing on pills and cutting his wrists. After being discovered by his brother, he was rushed to hospital and thankfully survived the ordeal. Since then we can see he is on the road to recovery, as he had a son with ex-girlfriend Jane Duell however the split later that year in 2011. Then in January 2014 he became a father for the second time as Caroline Lindqvist gave birth to his daughter, Finn Lyndqvist Wilson.
3 Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe doesn't need any introduction. Born as Jean Mortenson, she was a known as a pop icon and sex symbol throughout her career. She was one of the stars of Hollywoods Golden Age thanks to her appearance in films such as 'Some Like It Hot', 'The Prince and the Showgirl' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'. Although many claim that her name was made after her death, the reality is that Monroe was already one of the most famous actors in Hollywood at the time.
That status, of course, brings a bearing, and the actress is a great example of how being a victim of the Hollywood fame can affect someone. Despite her innocent personality, she knew exactly what the public were asking for and as a result she accustomed and changed herself to meet this. Her life was influenced by being in the spotlight as well as spending time with other big names such as president John F. Kennedy and her brother, Bobby. Bit by bit, the talented entertainer was turning into a woman with mental health problems as well as constant alcohol and substance abuse. The fame had taken over her life, yet there was still a heap of directors who wanted to work with her. A sad example of a woman that succumbed to the dangerous side of Hollywood fame.
4 Macaulay Culkin
26th August 1980 was the date one of the most beloved kids in cinema came into this world. Macaulay Culkin was born in Manhattan and immediately became a star despite his young age. The actor is known for his role as Kevin McAllister in 'Home Alone', as well as featuring in films such as 'My Girl' and 'Richie Rich'. However, as the boy wonder moved into adulthood his success slowed and he found himself in causing trouble. In 2004, he was arrested for possession of marihuana and two other substances, Alprazolam and Clonazepam, and only got himself out of a sticky situation after paying $4,000 fine. The bad boy behaviour and drug abuse meant his acting career took a turn for the worse and became a victim of fame at such a young age.
5 Amanda Bynes
Throughout 2006, there were a number of teenage superstars who had a very different ending to what many people would have thought. One of these was actress Amanda Bynes. She has appeared in films such as 'She's The Man' and 'Hairspray' which lead to her gaining and large and loyal fan base. She also hosted her own television show named 'The Amanda Show' which aired in 1999. Her last appearance on the big screen was in 'Easy A' where she played the role of Marianne Bryant.
In 2012, her problems started when she was caught driving under influence of alcohol and drugs. The pressure of being in the spotlight didn't stop her as she was arrested numerous times for being over the limit. Furthermore, in 2013 she went through a period of eratic behaviour where she would shave her hair, complain constantly on social media about the media, and have dieting problems. In 2014, Bynes was placed on psychiatric hold in Pasadena after accusing her father of abusing her when she was a child.
6 Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen has earned his high profile status over the years thanks to his work and his whirlwind lifestyle. Coming from a family of artists, including Martin Sheen and his brother Emilio Estevez, Sheen made a name for himself after his role as Chris Taylor in 'Platoon', although his real fame came from his part in 'Two and A Half Men'.
The case of Sheen is quite a complex one and has stretched over a number of years, with the case of Heidi Fleiss and her prostitute ring standing out illustrating the huge amounts of money the actor spent on prostitutes in just two years. His constant hectic lifestyle stained his acting career, leading to him being replaced by Ashton Kutcher in 'Two and a Half Men'. In 2015, one of his worst kept secrets was revealed: he has been HIV positive since 2011.
7 Lindsay Lohan
Another teenage superstars in the early 2000s was Lindsay Lohan. The actress got her name as a child prodigy thanks to her role in 'Parent Trap' where she played the twins Annie and Hallie Parker. After the Disney film she played lead roles in other teenage films such as 'Freaky Friday'. The high point came in 2004 where she played Cady Heron in 'Mean Girls'. Thanks to the film directed by Mark Waters, Lohan earned the name 'bad girl of Hollywood' as despite of the actresses with most potential in Hollywood, in the last few years she has taken part in a number of poor films.
United with fame and money, the American actress saw her career start to descend in 2007 which saw her get arrested numerous times, sent in and out of rehab, and even spent time in prison. Lohan soon turned into an example of what Hollywood fame can damage the personal life of an actor. She now lives in London with her current Russian boyfriend whilst keeping a lower profile than she used to in the Hollywood limelight.
8 Heath Ledger
In an interview in November 2007, Ledger confessed to having sleeping problems, partly down to his work in 'I'm Not There' and 'The Dark Knight' as he claimed at one point he would get just two hours sleep a night. The reality is that the pressure the actor put himself under and even the effects of his roles led to devastating effects. Ledger overdosed on prescription drugs he would take to control his sleeping problems, anxiety and depression. This would leave to him suffering a cardiac arrest. A hard loss for Hollywood and the rest of the world to take.
9 Elizabeth Taylor
One of the old icons of Hollywood, Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Her acting career was widespread, taking part in films ranging from 'Father of the Bride' and 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' to 'Suddenly Last Summer'. It was in her most well known role in 'Cleopatra' where she met one of her husbands, Richard Burton. Her natural acting talent was recognised when she was awarded with awarded with two Oscar awards. One in 1960 for her role in 'Butterfield 8' and one in 1966 for 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?'.
The reality is that Elizabeth Taylor had to bear the weight of the reputation of being one of the most wanted actresses during that period. Not only was she the gossip of the industry for her multiple weddings, but also for her physical changes over the years. As a result, alcohol was ever present in her life, forcing her into rehab on numerous occasions.
10 Robert Downey Jr.
The life and career of Robert Downey Jr. has taken a few twists and turns over the years. He has been in the industry for over 25 years, with appearances in over 50 productions. For the first time, in 1993, he was nominated for Best Actor for his role in 'Chaplin'. In 2009 he was also nominated for his role in 'Tropic Thunder'. In truth, the actor has gained huge popularity and respect throughout his career after appearing in productions such as 'The Judge', 'Sherlock Holmes' and his role as Iron Man.
As we know, sometime success and fame bring negative effects. The pressure that is put on actors like Downey Jr. to perform to a certain level means such actors resort to using substances or alcohol as a way of release from this pressure. Drugs have played a dark part in the actors life, as he was arrested for possession of heroin and cocaine in April 1996. His drug addiction ultimately ended his relationship with SaraH Jessica Parker, which started in 1984.
11 Tara Reid
Tara Reid is one of these actresses who seemed that it could have had quite a promising career, especially after appearing in movies such as 'The Big Lebowski' or 'Cruel Intentions', but it seems that the star of the 90s seemed satisfied with being one of the main protagonists of the 'American Pie' saga. After the new millenium came, Reid remained out of the spotlight and has only really appeared in the likes of the 'Sharkando' saga. Nevertheless, the fame she has gained has affected her in a different sense to many others.
Despite being a well known star in the 90s, her attempt to follow the Hollywood fame ended up in her going under the knife and having numerous plastic surgery operations that didn't really go well. Along with this, due to the absence of work, her alcohol consumption increased to the point where she was pictured looking like she had one too many at the 2009 Cannes Festival. In the last few years, the actress has somewhat recovered, although it seems for the time being she will continue to be appearing in lower quality films.
12 Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
The two twin sisters Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen grew up in front of a camera and despite being such a young age, they both turned out to be a huge success. Right from the start when they appeared in 'Full House', the Olsen twins gained great success throughout their careers. These two child prodigies were always united and the last film they did together was 'New York Minute'.
The young ages of the two and their rapid rise to success lead to the likes of the pressure from the media getting too much for the girls. Mary-Kate suffered from eating disorders and in 2004 it was revealed she was suffering from anorexia. In 2005 they were involved in a lawsuit against a magazine that had accused them of being in a drug scandal. Both actresses tried to clear their name, but the case was dismissed. Since moving away from the cameras, the actresses have resorted to fashion turning themselves into successful fashion designers.