Twelve alumni from the VH1 reality show have died since the program premiered in 2008
Dr. Drew Pinsky launched Celebrity Rehab with the intent of combating tabloids’ portrayal of addiction, according to a 2009 New York Times article on the show’s set. Initially, Pinsky, 65, was resistant to the idea of televised treatment. After the show’s first season, the addiction medicine specialist revealed to PEOPLE the words of his friend, counselor Bob Forrest, that convinced him: “He said, ‘I am so sick of people talking about rehab who have no idea what they’re talking about. They don’t understand how addicted celebrities are and what they go through.’”
From 2008 to 2011, the VH1 series depicted a cast of celebrities working through their substance abuse issues with Pinsky at the Pasadena Recovery Center in California. Over the course of five seasons, Celebrity Rehab featured high-profile musicians, actors, athletes, TV personalities, models, and more. Unfortunately, twelve celebrities from the reality show have died since their appearances. Let’s take a closer look at their lives and how they shared 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 by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
Shifty Shellshock
Funny how life plays tricks on us, right? Crazy Town’s frontman, well-known for being crazy on stage and unfortunately in real life too, passed away at the age of 49 in June 2024. Throughout his career, Shifty was in and out of precarious situations – from comas to DUI charges. His struggle with cocaine and painkillers was heartbreakingly evident. He once told PEOPLE, “I was facing death if I kept at it. I want to stay sober.
Tom Sizemore
Tom Sizemore, the man who could keep you glued to the screen with his Golden Globe-nominated performances, left us on March 3, 2023. His battle with substance abuse was less entertaining and more tragic. His brother Paul expressed, “He was larger than life. He has influenced my life more than anyone I know. I am devastated he is gone and will miss him always.
Frankie Lons
Watching your own mother struggle with addiction and then succumb to it is every child’s nightmare. For Keyshia Cole’s mother, Frankie Lons, life was a tumultuous ride. Dying on her own birthday was nothing short of a tragic twist. The heartfelt Instagram post from her daughter Elite Noel said it all, “Worse pain ever…. to see my mama in a body bag on her birthday! My heart so f—ing broke.”
Tawny Kitaen
Actress and ‘80s icon Tawny Kitaen died peacefully in her Newport Beach home at the age of 59. Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, her daughters Wynter and Raine confirmed their heartbreak through a statement, “You gave her life every day. We miss her and love her and we know her legacy will live on forever.”
Nikki McKibbin
Remember Nikki McKibbin from American Idol’s first season? She passed away at 42 due to a brain aneurysm and was selfless enough to donate her organs. Her husband Craig poetically said, “Even at the end she is still giving.” A fitting tribute to a generous soul.
Jason Davis
The voice actor who brought to life a character in Disney’s Recess succumbed to fentanyl at 35. A season 4 participant, his mother recalled, “Jason had a true heart of gold with such a zest for life.”
Chyna
The powerhouse WWE star Chyna, departed this world on April 17, 2016. The cocktail of substances in her system was the unintended culprit. Her life was a testament to battling inner demons publicly, while holding onto hope.
Mindy McCready
The country singer with the golden voice, Mindy McCready, took her life tragically on Feb 17, 2013. Addressing addictions to painkillers and alcohol on the show, her end was shrouded in despair after her boyfriend’s suicide. A tragic chain reaction.
Joey Kovar
Reality star Joey Kovar from The Real World: Hollywood, faced an untimely death at 29. Opioid intoxication ended a life that seemed on a happier trajectory. His brother ruefully commented, “He had become such a happy person. I’m still very unsure of what exactly happened.”
Rodney King
The civil rights figure’s life ended on June 17, 2012, at 47. King’s battle with substance abuse was fueled by the trauma of his brutal 1991 beating by LAPD officers. He was found drowned in his pool, but alcohol, marijuana, PCP, and cocaine played a sinister role.
Jeff Conaway
Grease star Jeff Conaway’s familiar face masked hidden struggles. The man who lit up both small theaters and Broadway left us on May 27, 2011. He faced his addictions until the very end but found solace in his career and the people around him.
Mike Starr
To conclude this somber tribute, Mike Starr from Alice in Chains fell to a prescription drug overdose on March 8, 2011. His public memorial in Seattle gathered friends, family, and fans to celebrate a life that continues to inspire through music.
