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Cory Monteith (1982-2013): The young and talented 'Glee' actor struggled with substance abuse for years. Monteith's accidental overdose brought attention to the difficulties of fame and addiction, leaving a void in the hearts of his fans.
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Prince (1958-2016): The music icon, known for his innovative sound and eclectic style, died from an accidental overdose of the opioid fentanyl. His death shed light on the opioid crisis and the dangers of prescription medications.
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Anna Nicole Smith (1967-2007): The former Playboy model and reality TV star struggled with substance abuse throughout her life. Smith's accidental overdose on a combination of prescription drugs highlighted the dangers of prescription medication misuse.
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Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014): Renowned for his powerful performances, Hoffman's career was cut short when he died of a heroin overdose. His passing shocked the film industry, leaving a void in the world of acting.
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Amy Winehouse (1983-2011): The British singer-songwriter, known for her soulful voice and troubled personal life, died from alcohol poisoning. Her struggles with addiction were widely publicized, making her death a tragic loss for music.
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Heath Ledger (1979-2008): The immensely talented actor, known for his iconic role as the "Joker" in 'The Dark Knight,' tragically succumbed to a lethal combination of prescription medications at the young age of 28.
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Whitney Houston (1963-2012): The Grammy-winning music legend faced a long battle with drug addiction before her untimely death. She was found submerged in a bathtub, with cocaine use cited as a contributing factor.
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Kurt Cobain (1967-1994): The grunge rock icon and frontman of Nirvana died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while under the influence of heroin. Cobain's tragic end shocked the music industry and left an indelible mark on rock culture.
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Janis Joplin (1943-1970): The influential rock singer, known for her soulful voice and electrifying performances, died from a heroin overdose. Joplin's death served as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of addiction in the music industry.
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Judy Garland (1922-1969): Renowned for her captivating performances in films like 'The Wizard of Oz,' Garland's life was plagued by personal struggles and addiction. Her overdose brought attention to the pressures faced by child stars and the perils of substance abuse.
Explore the somber reality of drug addiction and its devastating impact on celebrities throughout the decades. From the seemingly effortless accessibility of illicit substances that perpetuates their destructive habits, to the tragic ends met by these stars, the toll of addiction remains distressingly prevalent.
Click here to explore their tragic stories.