Why Do The Great Ones Die So Young?

    As of February 2nd, we lost another actor to apparent drug abuse. Philip Seymour Hoffman was an acclaimed actor of stage (Death of a Salesman, True West) and screen (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Master, Boogie Nights) and a Oscar winner for Best Actor (Capote in 2005). He was also a family man with three children. He was 46 years old. This untimely death leads us to the sad and sudden question: Why do actors under 50 sacrifice themselves to drugs and alcohol at the height of their fame?

    Last year, Glee's Cory Monteith took his life away (31 years old) in a hotel room with a mix of heroin and alcohol and the year before, Whitney Houston had cocaine in her body which contributed to drowning death at the age of 48. Before that, there was Heath Ledger (28 years old) and Brad Renfro (25 years old) in 2008, Chris Farley (33 years old) in 1997, River Phoenix (23 years old) in 1993, John Belushi (33 years old) in 1982, Elvis Presley (42 years old) in 1977, Judy Garland (47 years old) in 1969 and Marilyn Monroe (36 years old) in 1962.

    This is one reason why fame becomes too chaotic and serious at times. One day, you start in a small role. Then, you build up to a supporting role and soon, a big leading role. Next thing you know, you're in the tabloids and at the parties. But the parties becomes too much and overtake some of your life, due to the alcohol and drugs being served.

    This latest death should make this a lesson for the showbiz community to come together and to start a campaign to fight and stop drug abuse and to prevent more deaths like this. Drugs are still now a problem in this world and both Hollywood and Broadway need to warn its actors, crews, and the public to stop the chaos and to end drugs now. We need to finish the madness and bring peace. Because, if not right now, then when?

    Farewell, Mr. Hoffman. You will always be in our hearts.