Hollywood is often seen as a land of glamour, fame, and fortune, but beneath the glittering surface lies a darker reality.

Many legendary actors and entertainers have struggled with alcoholism, a battle that often destroyed their personal lives and careers.

The pressures of fame, personal demons, and relentless public scrutiny have driven some of the brightest stars into the grips of addiction.

This article explores the tragic stories of Hollywood’s worst alcoholics—stars who were drunk all the time, whose lives were marked by pain, struggle, and sometimes, early death.

 

Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff in 1946, was a French wrestler and actor known for his enormous size caused by acromegaly.

Standing 7’4” tall and weighing over 500 pounds, Andre was a beloved figure in wrestling and film, famously starring in *The Princess Bride*.

However, his massive frame also allowed him to consume staggering amounts of alcohol—reports say he drank over 100 beers in one sitting and sometimes 40 glasses of vodka and tonic in an evening.

His drinking was a way to cope with chronic pain from his condition, but it took a heavy toll.

Andre died at 46 from heart failure, with his health and drinking habits contributing to his early death.

Cary Grant, one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men, battled alcoholism quietly throughout his life.

Born Archibald Alexander Leach, Grant was known for his charm and smooth voice, starring in classics like *North by Northwest* and *Charade*.

Despite his public success, he struggled with heavy drinking.

In the 1950s, he underwent experimental LSD therapy to treat his addiction, which he credited with improving his life.

Unlike many, Grant managed to keep his career intact despite his struggles, passing away peacefully at 82 after suffering a stroke.

 

Joan Crawford was a powerhouse actress known for her dramatic roles and commanding presence in films like *Mildred Pierce* and *What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?* However, behind the scenes, Crawford battled alcoholism that affected her behavior and relationships.

She reportedly hid bottles of alcohol around her home and drank heavily while working.

Her adopted daughter, Christina Crawford, detailed Joan’s abusive and erratic behavior in her memoir *Mommy Dearest*.

Joan gave up drinking later in life and became deeply religious before passing away from cancer in 1977.

British actor Dennis Price, famous for *Kind Hearts and Coronets*, struggled deeply with alcoholism alongside depression and the societal pressures of hiding his homosexuality in mid-20th century England.

His drinking began early and worsened over time, leading to a suicide attempt in 1954.

Price often arrived on set intoxicated, and his career declined as his addiction took hold.

He died of liver cirrhosis at 58, spending his final years in obscurity despite his early acclaim.

 

Michael Landon, known for his roles in *Bonanza* and *Little House on the Prairie*, portrayed wholesome father figures but secretly struggled with alcohol and painkiller addiction.

He mixed whiskey in his coffee and vodka in his soda, habits hidden from most co-stars.

His adopted daughter Melissa Gilbert revealed his drinking influenced her own relationships.

Landon died of pancreatic cancer at 50, with his heavy drinking and smoking believed to have worsened his health.

 

Sir Anthony Hopkins, acclaimed for his role as Hannibal Lecter in *The Silence of the Lambs*, battled serious alcoholism in his younger years.

Drinking heavily through his 20s and 30s, Hopkins described having a “death wish” due to his excessive drinking.

In 1975, he sought help through Alcoholics Anonymous and has remained sober for decades.

His story is one of recovery and resilience, inspiring many struggling with addiction.

He continues to act and create well into his 80s.

 

Robert Shaw, known for *Jaws* and *From Russia with Love*, was a gifted actor whose career was marred by alcoholism.

His heavy drinking caused conflicts on set, notably clashing with co-star Richard Dreyfuss during *Jaws*.

Shaw’s behavior became unpredictable when intoxicated, and his health suffered.

He died at 51 from a heart attack, with his drinking and smoking contributing to his early demise.

Despite this, Shaw’s performances remain iconic.

Canadian-American actor Glenn Ford starred in classics like *Gilda* and *The Big Heat*, known for his strong and heroic roles.

However, his personal life was troubled by alcoholism, which strained relationships and impacted his health.

Ford was a daily drinker for years, resulting in heart disease and strokes.

He lived to 90 but his later years were marked by declining health linked to his addiction.

 

Drew Barrymore’s struggles with alcohol and drugs began shockingly young.

By age nine, she was drinking alcohol; by twelve, using cocaine.

Growing up in Hollywood’s party culture, Barrymore entered rehab at 14.

Despite a difficult childhood marked by addiction and self-harm, she overcame her demons to become a successful actress, producer, and talk show host.

Barrymore openly shares her journey to inspire others battling addiction.

 

Carrie Fisher, beloved for her role as Princess Leia in *Star Wars*, faced lifelong battles with alcohol and drug addiction.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she used substances to cope with mood swings and the pressures of fame.

Despite multiple rehab stays, Fisher struggled with addiction until her death in 2016 following a heart attack.

Her honesty about her struggles has left a lasting legacy of courage and advocacy.

 

Bernard Lee, famous as “M” in early James Bond films, struggled with alcoholism fueled by personal tragedies including the death of his wife in a fire and a violent robbery.

His drinking became so severe he had to be locked in his dressing room to prevent access to alcohol during filming.

Lee died from stomach cancer at 73, his health worsened by years of heavy drinking.

William Holden, star of *Sunset Boulevard* and *Stalag 17*, battled severe alcoholism that affected his career and personal life.

His addiction led to reckless behavior and isolation.

Holden died alone at 63 after a fall in his apartment, too intoxicated to seek help.

Despite his tragic end, Holden remains celebrated for his memorable performances.

 

Hungarian-American Bela Lugosi, famous for his portrayal of Dracula, struggled with morphine and alcohol addiction to manage chronic pain.

His substance abuse hurt his career and reputation, leading to isolation and poverty.

Lugosi died at 73 from a heart attack, largely forgotten at the time.

Today, he is remembered as a horror film legend.

Leonard Nimoy, beloved for playing Mr.

Spock in *Star Trek*, used alcohol to cope with stress and the pressures of fame.

His co-star William Shatner noted Nimoy’s drinking problem during filming.

Recognizing the need for help, Nimoy entered rehab and remained sober for the rest of his life.

He passed away at 83 from lung disease but left a lasting legacy as a science fiction icon.

 

Ava Gardner, known for her beauty and strong personality, struggled with heavy drinking throughout her life.

Her partying lifestyle and tumultuous marriage to Frank Sinatra were marked by alcohol and conflict.

Gardner’s health declined due to years of drinking and smoking, leading to her death at 67.

Despite her struggles, she remains an admired Hollywood legend.

Lon Chaney Jr., famous for playing the Wolfman, battled severe alcoholism that affected his health and career.

His drinking caused memory lapses on set and aggressive behavior.

Chaney’s addiction contributed to liver disease and heart failure, leading to his death at 67.

He is remembered as a horror icon despite his personal battles.

 

Mary Astor, a classic Hollywood star known for *The Maltese Falcon*, struggled with alcoholism triggered by stress and failed relationships.

Her addiction caused personal and professional turmoil, including a highly publicized custody battle.

Astor eventually sought rehab and overcame her addiction, later focusing on writing.

She passed away at 81, remembered for her talent and resilience.

 

Hollywood’s brightest stars have often hidden their darkest struggles behind the spotlight.

Their battles with alcoholism reveal the human vulnerability beneath fame’s glitter, reminding us that addiction spares no one.

While some succumbed to their demons, others fought back and inspired millions with their stories of recovery and hope.

The legacy of these stars is a complex mix of brilliance and tragedy—one that continues to fascinate and caution us today.

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