Losing a celebrity is, in a way, equivalent to losing a family member. Many of us grew up watching or listening to a number of famous people who brought so much joy to our lives through the magic of radio, television, and movies. From Cary Grant and Jack Lemmon to beauties like Audrey Hepburn and Mae West, our sea of stars seems a little emptier without their presence. However, in many cases, we have lost these men and women too early thanks to a habit that was far too popular during the Golden Age of Hollywood: smoking cigarettes. In the end, this makes the situation even more frustrating, as we know they could’ve prevented these sicknesses, but, as we will see, some of them used their sickness to warn future generations. Let’s take a closer look at some celebrities who died from smoking-related illnesses.
Yul Brynner (1920-1985)
Renowned for his portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam in the Rogers and Hammerstein musical The King and I (which he would reprise 4,625 times on stage), Yul Brynner was an imposing man with a gift for bringing noble and villainous characters to life. Unfortunately, though, Brynner was a chain smoker who would demolish five packs a day. Only three months after his final performance on stage, he died at the age of 65, after filming a PSA warning people about the dangers of cigarettes.
Nat King Cole (1919-1965)
One of the real male songbirds of American history, Nat King Cole was a talented pianist and singer. At a young age, he had already hosted a television show and had produced countless hits, including “Mona Lisa,” “Ramblin’,” and “The Christmas Song,” which lives in the hearts of children to this day. However, Cole was an avid smoker, using cigarettes and pipes, and died at the age of 45, three weeks after undergoing surgery on his left lung.
Walt Disney (1901-1966)
Possibly one of the most iconic filmmakers of all time, and maybe the greatest storyteller, Walt Disney is the poster child for a man who fulfilled the American dream. From his creation of Mickey Mouse to the development of countless films, Disney pioneered a new era of 2D animation and created new methods for filmmaking altogether. Nevertheless, his habit of smoking eventually caught up with him, and, after preparing to have surgery on his lung, Disney died at the age of 65.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Remember that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
