Actors We Lost Too Young To Drug Overdoses
Lifestyle - News
By TANVI AKHAURI
River Phoenix
River Phoenix, brother of Joaquin Phoenix, got an Oscar nomination at the age of 18 for his role in "Running on Empty." He was 23 when he passed away from a cocaine and heroin overdose outside nightclub The Viper Room; there was talk of murder charges against the drug supplier.
Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his role as the Joker in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight." Ledger was found dead at 28 in his New York apartment after overdosing on several different prescription drugs, months before "Dark Knight" was even released.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe, one of the world's most influential cultural icons, experienced a troubled childhood in the foster care system, and emotional difficulties followed her throughout her career. The renowned star died at the age of 36 due to heavy usage of drugs and alcohol.
Cory Monteith
Cory Monteith, who played the role of Finn Hudson on the hit show "Glee," began abusing drugs as a young teenager. After a long battle with substance abuse and multiple rehab check-ins, the star passed away in 2013 at the age of 31 due to acute heroin and alcohol toxicity.
John Belushi
John Belushi, one of the original seven cast members of NBC's sketch comedy "Saturday Night Live," died from cocaine and heroin intoxication at 33. Singer Cathy Smith, who confessed to injecting Belushi with the lethal substances, was imprisoned for his death in 1986.