12 Movie Stars Who Died from Drug Overdoses

      Drug overdoses have resulted in the deaths of numerous individuals, including some of our most celebrated stars.

      Judy Garland

      Judy Garland in the trailer for The Wizard of Oz – Credit: C/O

      Judy Garland, born on June 10, 1922, and who passed away on June 22, 1969, at the age of 47, is regarded as one of the most significant movie stars in history and played a crucial role in shaping the film industry.

      She gained fame at a young age, but it came at a high price: Garland revealed that she and other young actors were given amphetamines to manage their hectic filming schedules and barbiturates to assist with sleep.

      Her battle with medication continued into adulthood and ultimately led to her death from an accidental barbiturate overdose.

      River Phoenix

      River Phoenix in The Thing Called Love – Credit: C/O

      River Phoenix was born on August 23, 1970, and died on October 31, 1993, at the tender age of 23.

      He was a standout Gen X actor, growing up in the spotlight and delivering memorable performances in movies like Stand By Me, Running on Empty, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and My Own Private Idaho.

      Phoenix succumbed to a heroin and cocaine overdose at The Viper Room, a club in West Hollywood.

      John Belushi

      Credit: C/O

      John Belushi, born on January 24, 1949, passed away on March 5, 1982, a decade before River Phoenix, and in a similar manner just a short distance up Sunset Boulevard.

      As one of the most cherished comedic actors of the 1970s and early '80s, he also became a somber representation of the perils of addiction.

      Famed for his roles in Animal House and The Blues Brothers, Belushi was 33 when he died from drug intoxication at the Chateau Marmont, after being administered a speedball.

      Chris Farley

      Chris Farley in Tommy Boy – Credit: C/O

      Born on February 15, 1964, Chris Farley idolized Belushi and died on December 18, 1997.

      A hilariously talented Saturday Night Live star of the early '90s, Farley was known for his dedication to his characters and comedic sketches, often going to great lengths, like crashing through walls and coffee tables to get a laugh.

      He died from an overdose involving cocaine and morphine in Chicago, as noted by the Cook County Medical Examiner.

      Like Belushi, he was only 33 at the time of his passing.

      Heath Ledger

      Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain – Credit: C/O

      Australian actor Heath Ledger was born on April 4, 1979, and died on January 22, 2008, at the age of 28.

      In his brief career, he established himself as one of the most remarkable actors of his generation, appearing in popular films such as 10 Things I Hate About You, The Patriot, and A Knight's Tale, before receiving an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 2005's Brokeback Mountain.

      Ledger was awarded a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight, which came out the summer following his accidental overdose.

      According to the New York City Medical Examiner in February 2008, “Mr. Heath Ledger died as a result of acute intoxication from the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine.”

      Philip Seymour Hoffman

      Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Master – Credit: C/O

      Philip Seymour Hoffman, another exceptional actor, was born on July 23, 1967, and passed away on February 2, 2014, at the age of 46.

      He was known for his deep commitment, nuance, and incredible versatility in roles such as The Talented Mr. Ripley, Mission: Impossible 3, the Hunger Games series, and Capote, for which he received the Best Actor Oscar in 2006.

      Hoffman struggled with heroin addiction early in life, managed to stay sober for many years, but ultimately relapsed. He died from a combination of drugs, including heroin and cocaine, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

      Brad Renfro

      Credit: C/O

      Brad Renfro, known for starring in The Client, Sleepers, Apt Pupil, and Ghost World, was born on July 25, 1982, and died on January 15, 2008, at just 25.

      Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Renfro entered Hollywood after a D.A.R.E. officer suggested him to a casting agent. The officer, Dennis Bowman, remarked to the Knoxville News Sentinel that Renfro was "street smart and wise beyond