Founded by Dr. Drew Pinsky Celebrity Rehab According to a 2009 study, in an attempt to counter tabloid portrayals of addiction, The New York Times Article about the set of the show.
Initially, Pinsky, 65, resisted the idea of broadcasting his treatment on television. After the show's first season, the addiction treatment expert revealed to People magazine that he was persuaded by his friend and counselor, Bob Forrest. “He said, 'I'm so tired of people talking about rehab not knowing what they're talking about. They have no idea how addicted famous people are and what they go through.'”
From 2008 to 2011, the VH1 series followed celebrities as they dealt with substance abuse issues with Pinsky at a Pasadena, California, recovery center. It ran for five seasons. Celebrity Rehab Featuring famous musicians, actors, athletes, TV personalities, models and more.
Twelve celebrities who appeared on reality TV have died after appearing on the show. Let's take a look back at their lives and see how they chose to share their struggles publicly in hopes of helping others.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. You can also text the word “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Cunning Shellshock
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Crazy Town frontman Celebrity Rehab John F. Kennedy, producer of the TV series “FBI: Physical Limited,” for which he produced the first two seasons, died on June 24, 2024, at age 49. (The cause of death was not disclosed at the time.)
Binzer has had substance abuse problems throughout his career, and was hospitalized in 2012 after losing consciousness and going into a coma, but has since recovered. varietyHe was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in 2022 and got into an altercation with Crazy Town guitarist Bobby Reeves after a 2023 performance.
After Season 1 Celebrity RehabThe singer told People magazine that he “didn't do anything” about the incident, in which he was being treated for cocaine and painkillers. [the show] To be on TV.”
“If I continue this way I will face death,” he said at the time. “I want to stay sober.”
Tom Sizemore
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Tom Sizemore passed away on March 3, 2023 at the age of 61 after being hospitalized for a brain aneurysm. The Golden Globe-nominated actor Celebrity Rehab He was arrested 10 months prior to season 3 for drug addiction. He continued to struggle with substance abuse and was arrested for drug possession in 2019. The Hollywood Reporter.
Following Tom's death, his brother, Paul Sizemore, said in a statement, “He was a great man. He touched my life more than anyone I've ever known. He was talented, loving, generous, witty and endearing with his ability to tell stories. I am deeply saddened by his passing and will be forever missed.”
Frankie Rons
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Keyshia Cole's biological mother, Francine “Frankie” Lones, died of a drug overdose on July 18, 2021, her 61st birthday. Frankie and Neffe The star struggled with drug addiction for years. Celebrity Rehab Season 4 to cure it.
Cole's sister, Elite Noelle, posted about her mother's death on her Instagram Stories, writing: “This is the worst. [sic] “It was the most painful thing I've ever experienced… seeing my mum in a body bag on my birthday! It was heartbreaking.”
In the biopic “Lifetime” about Cole, Keyshia Cole: This is my storyThe 42-year-old singer-songwriter portrayed the ups and downs of her relationship with Ronald Reagan, and she told People magazine in 2023 that the film helped her “make peace” with the death of her mother.
In one scene, Frankie, played by actress Debbie Morgan, tells Cole, “There are two Frankies: the Frankie I want to be, and the Frankie I've always been.”
“We had those conversations all the time,” the “Love” singer said. “I tried my best not to criticize her. She was like, 'You've always done the right thing for me, you've never made me feel unloved because of my addiction.'”
Tawny Kitaen
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Actress and '80s music video icon Tawny Kitaen died at her home in Newport Beach, California, on May 7, 2021, at age 59, according to the Orange County Coroner's Office. Celebrity Rehab The season two alum died from dilated cardiomyopathy, a common type of heart disease.
Her daughters Winter and Rain confirmed her death, writing that they were “heartbroken and saddened” by the loss of their mother.
“We just want to thank all of our fans and friends for always showing her support and love,” Kitaen wrote in a statement shared on her social media. “You all gave her life every day. We miss her and we love her, and we know her legacy will live on forever.”
Nikki McKibbin
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American Idol Season 1 finalist Nikki McKibbin passed away on November 1, 2020 due to a brain aneurysm. Celebrity Rehab McKibbin, a Season 2 star, was 42. Her husband, Craig, said McKibbin had been on life support for several days in preparation for organ donation.
“It's no surprise to us, she kept giving until the end,” he wrote in a tribute to his wife on social media.
Jason Davis
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Jason Davis, a famous voice actor in the Disney animated series breakdied on February 16, 2020, from the effects of fentanyl at the age of 35. He appeared in the fourth season. Celebrity Rehab He was admitted to the hospital at age 25 for treatment of opiate and Xanax addiction.
Davis' mother, Nancy, released a statement: variety and The Hollywood Reporter “Jason was a truly kind-hearted person with a passion for life,” she said after news of her son's death broke. “He was a very caring person to all who knew him. He loved his friends and family more than anything.”
China
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Chyna was born Joanie Laurier and died on April 17, 2016 at the age of 46. The former WWE star Celebrity RehabThis is his first season working in treatment for alcoholism. Celebrity RehabShe told People magazine that the show has helped her cut down on her drinking.
“I'm living the life I should have been living years ago,” the pro wrestler said.
According to Chyna's former manager, Anthony Anzaldo, around the time of her death, Chyna was taking sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication because she was “emotionally stressed” ahead of a new documentary.
An autopsy by the Los Angeles Coroner's Office found that Chyna had multiple substances in her system at the time of her death, including ethanol, oxycodone, oxymorphone, nordiazepam, temazepam, zolpidem and marijuana. Anzaldo maintained that the overdose was accidental.
Mindy McCready
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Country singer Mindy McCready committed suicide on February 17, 2013. Celebrity Rehab The season 3 alum, who spoke about her addiction to painkillers and alcohol during her time on the show, was 37 when she took her own life on the front porch of her home, one month after her boyfriend, David Wilson, killed himself in the same location.
Joey Kovar
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Real World: Hollywood Star Joey Kovar Celebrity Rehab Season 3 producer John McGregor was 29 when he was found dead at a friend's home in the Chicago area on August 7, 2012. The Cook County coroner told TMZ that his official cause of death was “drug intoxication.”
“Joe's final days were peaceful,” his brother, David Kovar, told People magazine after Joey's death. “He became a much happier person. I never worried that he was using drugs again. I still don't know what exactly happened. I try not to think about it because it kills me alive.”
Rodney King
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Rodney King, who became a civil rights leader after his beating by Los Angeles Police Department officers was videotaped in 1991, died on June 17, 2012, at age 47. His partner, Cynthia Kelly, discovered him at the bottom of their swimming pool. Following an autopsy, the San Bernardino coroner ruled his drowning an accidental death, but traces of alcohol, marijuana, PCP and cocaine in his system contributed to the accident.
King is Celebrity Rehab In 2008, he spoke about how his beating by the LAPD and the resulting notoriety contributed to his lifelong drinking problem.
Jeff Conaway
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Grease Star Jeff Conaway Celebrity Rehab He was taken off life support at the request of his family on May 27, 2011, just three years before his death. He was 60 years old. The actor had been open about struggling with addiction to alcohol, cocaine and painkillers throughout his career, and prior to his death he was found unconscious and in critical condition and placed in a medically induced coma.
“We loved Jeff as a person and respected him and knew he had his own personal struggles,” his manager, Phil Block, told People magazine at the time. “He was a kind, gentle man who loved to be on stage, from small theatres to Broadway.”
Mike Starr
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The Alice in Chains bassist died on March 8, 2011, at the age of 44 from a prescription drug overdose. Celebrity Rehab Season 3. A memorial service for the star was held in Seattle on March 20, attended by friends, family, and Alice in Chains fans.
