Actress Natalie Wood was Hollywood’s hottest actress for a generation. She went from child star to A-list celebrity. She married screen legend Robert Wagner not once, but twice. And the couple enjoyed a spectacular lifestyle. But on November 29th 1981 during what was supposed to be a relaxed weekend sailing trip 43-year-old Natalie was found dead. The verdict never completely satisfied the press. Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s6e1: Natalie Wood, Channel 5 2016
‘She had Cyclizine in her system … her stomach had 0.14% alcohol in it … She has a prescription for Placidyl … Metahydrin … ’ ibid. pathologist
‘Natalie turned to sleeping pills to ease her anxiety.’ ibid.
‘She was in effect an anorexic.’ ibid. comment
Behind the scenes Natalie’s private life was crumbling. ibid.
‘Christopher Walken was the inflamatory element on the boat that night.’ ibid.
‘A dynamic that was deep and dark and very dangerous.’ ibid.
Her body was found at 7.30 the next morning dressed in a red down jacket. ibid.
‘That does not rule out suicide as a possible cause of death.’ ibid. pathologist
John Belushi was a comedy genius. The grossout characters he created in Animal House and The Blues Brothers were iconic. But on March 5th 1982 John Belushi was found dead. Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s6e2: John Beliushi
‘His obesity is a stresser on his heart … John Belushi has lung disease … an enlarged heart … ’ ibid. pathologist
John was in grave danger of cardiac arrest. ibid.
He wakes up coughing blood … Belushi is battling a serious cocaine habit. ibid.
A 4-day drug binge that would result in Belushi’s death. ibid.
‘Puncture wounds in both arms … He had a morphine level of 2.1 mg %.’ ibid. pathologist
As a child star, Corey Haim was the poster-boy for 1980s Hollywood starring in a string of hit movies that peaked with the cult horror comedy The Lost Boys. Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s7e2: Corey Haim
He lived his adult life on the fringes of Hollywood, bankupted and forgotten. But on the 10th of March 2010 he was admitted to Providence St Joseph Medical Centre in Burbank, California, under mysterious circumstances. And less than an hour later he died. His addition to drugs was well documented. But in the months leading up to his death friends and family say he was clean and sober. ibid.
Corey Haim was a smoker for the majority of his life, one of his many dependancies. ibid.
‘Prescriptions for no less than 533 different pills.’ ibid. pathologist
[TV news]: ‘The shocking death of popular Canadian actor Cory Monteith. Known to millions of fans around the world as Finn on the hit show Glee.’ Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s7e3: Cory Monteith
Cory Monteith was a global superstar. The cleancut all-American quarterback on Glee. Idolized by millions of teens around the world. Blessed with a talent for acting and genuine Mr Nice Guy charm. But at noon on July 13th 2013 Cory Monteith was found dead in his Vancouver hotel room. 2 days later an autopsy is carried out: when the results are inconclusive there’s wild speculation of a dangerous double life. ibid.
‘Cory Monteith did have an issue with alcohol abuse.’ ibid. pathologist
‘I burned a lot of bridges. I was out of control.’ ibid. Cory
‘Mr Monteith had a history of illicit drug use.’ ibid. medical report
‘In the last few weeks of his life Cory was fighting a deadly battle with his inner demons.’ ibid. pathologist
There was evidence that Cory was still using heroin. ibid.
[TV news]: ‘Steve McQueen died today, 50 years old.’ Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s7e5: Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen was a legendary actor. His remarkable performances won him millions of fans and millions of dollars. By the mid 1970s the king of cool was the world’s highest paid movie star. But the actor, probably best known for his roles in The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven & Bullitt died almost unrecognisable in a hospital bed in Mexico on November 7th 1980. His death fueled wild rumours, and there were allegations of conspiracy. ibid.
‘Despite reports of Steve looking unwell during the filming of The Hunter his medical records for the year before he died suggest he was in fairly good shape.’ ibid. pathologist
From a rough childhood to deafness Steve didn’t let anything stand in his way. ibid.
‘He had been suffering from a terrible cough that became progressively worse.’ ibid. pathologist
‘Steve’s cancer was a direct result of asbestos exposure.’ ibid.
Richard Pryor’s shockingly honest no-hold-barred routines revolutionised American comedy. But during the last part of his life a debilitating illness left Pryor paralysed and struggling to speak. And on December 10th 2005 Pryor dies from a cardiac arrest. Many believe Pryor’s hard living had finally caught up with him. Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s7e9: Richard Pryor
1977: Pryor is now spending a quarter of a million dollars’ of cocaine every year. ibid.
‘His drug use and drinking would have seriously weakened his heart over time.’ ibid. pathologist
‘Pryor suffered severe burns to 50% of his body.’ ibid.
Patrick Swayze was a legendary actor, dancer and singer … [He] died almost unrecognisable at home in California on 14th September 2009. But behind the scenes Patrick wasn’t always the golden boy he was thought to be. And years after his death the press reported wild rumours. Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s8e3: Patrick Swayze
He’s also been married to his wife Lisa for over 30 years. But at a New Years’ Eve party with friends Patrick suddenly feels unwell. He finds the champagne is burning his insides. Patrick has also been suffering from constipation and stomach cramps for the last few days. ibid.
‘His constipation, jaundice and weight loss are like to be connected.’ ibid. pathologist
‘Patrick Swayze is diagnosed with adenocarcinoma – a type of pancreatic cancer.’ ibid.
‘Alcohol abuse may lead to persistent inflamation within the pancreas.’ ibid.
‘He was a chronic smoker of 60 cigarettes a day.’ ibid.
‘But his cancer was spreading and he was becoming increasingly susceptible to infection.’ ibid.
Bernie Mac was one of the best-loved comedians of his generation. Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s8e5: Bernie Mac
He was hospitalised with pneumonia. After three weeks in intensive care he died at the age of fifty. ibid.
Diminuitive actor Gary Coleman was a worldwide superstar. In the 1980s his chubby cheeks, sharp wit, and trademark catchphrase captured the hearts of millions. But at the height of his fame he was plagued by health problems. And as his career stalled, he hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons … And on May 28th 2010 Gary Coleman died after an incident at his home in Utah. Autopsy: The Last Hours Of … s8e6: Gary Coleman
Gary is five years old. After two years of waiting, a doner kidney has finally been found. He undergoes a seven-hour operation for a transplant. ibid.
A years before his death, Garry was fitted with a catheter. ibid.
Gary is undergoing open-heart surgery. ibid.
This was not the first time Gary had tried to kill himself. ibid.
Evidence that Gary may have taken his own life. ibid.