Virginia Rappe Died Attending Illegal Prohibition Party (1920)
We set the scene at a roaring, illegal party during the Prohibition era in a crazy drama that could only come from notorious Hollywood. Just starting, Virginia Rappe, a young actress, attended the party held by extremely famous humorous comedian Roscoe Arbuckle and ended up in the hospital a few days later. Virginia overdrank during the party, was foolishly (but not unusual at the time) morphine, and died 48 hours later in the hospital from a burst bladder. According to the myth, Arbuckle raped Virginia and ruptured her bladder, killing her (which has since been debunked). He was crucified in the court of public opinion, and his career never recovered.
Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher (1955)
Debbie Reynolds was very close to her daughter, Carrie Fisher, the future Princess Leia. Debbie died of sadness mere days after Carrie died of heart disease, demonstrating how close they were. However, Debbie’s face is filled with delight in this snapshot as she spends time with Carrie’s then-toddler daughter. Debbie’s primary priority was always Carrie, even when she was at her busiest in her job.
Fred Astaire, Joan Leslie – The Sky’s The Limit (1943)
Most people remember Fred Astaire for his dancing abilities, but most people don’t understand that he got his start in vaudeville entertainment. Fred and his sister had a 27-year-long vaudeville performance that even made it to Broadway! No one thought Fred had any skill when the couple separated when Fred’s sister married until Clark Gable placed him in a movie, and as we’ve seen, Fred became one of the biggest entertainment acts ever.
Omar Sharif in ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)
Peter O’Toole had possibly the most intoxicated stories of anybody in Hollywood, and this one about his Lawrence of Arabia co-star, Omar Sharif, did not disappoint. While there were many alcoholic charades on site, this one takes the prize. After too much whiskey and milk, Peter and Omar had the brilliant notion of tying themselves to the camels on set and riding through the desert to the coast. They made it, but Peter noticed that Omar was hanging upside down from his camel, unable to free himself as they arrived at the shore.