Since the VH1 reality show’s 2008 debut, twelve of its alumni have passed away.
Celebrity Rehab was founded by Dr. Drew Pinsky to counter the tabloids’ depiction of addiction, according to a 2009 New York Times article on the set of the show. Pinsky, 65, was first opposed to the concept of receiving treatment on television. Following the premiere of the first season of the show, the addiction medicine expert told PEOPLE about his friend, counselor Bob Forrest, who persuaded him to get treatment: “He said, ‘I am so tired of people talking about rehab who have no idea what they’re talking about.’” They are unaware of the struggles and addictions that celebrities face.
The VH1 series, which ran from 2008 to 2011, featured a number of celebrities addressing their substance misuse problems in the Pasadena Recovery Center in California with Pinsky. Celebrity Rehab featured prominent artists, actresses, sports, TV celebrities, models, and more throughout the course of five seasons. Regretfully, following their performances on the reality show, twelve celebrities have passed away. Let’s examine their lives in more detail and how they openly discussed their difficulties in an effort to assist others.
If substance misuse is a problem for you or someone you know, please call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is thinking about taking their own life.
Dim-witted Shellshock
It’s funny how life tricks us, isn’t it? The frontman of Crazy Town, who was well-known for being insane both on stage and, regrettably, off, died in June 2024 at the age of 49. Shifty went in and out of dangerous circumstances during his career, including comas and DUI accusations. It was heartbreakingly obvious how much cocaine and medications affected him. “If I kept at it, I was going to die,” he once said to PEOPLE. My goal is to remain sober.
Tom Sizemore
On March 3, 2023, Tom Sizemore, the guy whose Golden Globe-nominated performances could have you riveted to the screen, passed away. His struggle with drug usage was more tragic than amusing. Paul, his brother, said, “He was bigger than life.” More than anyone I know, he has impacted my life. I am heartbroken by his passing and will always mourn him.
Frankie Lons
Every child’s worst dread is to watch their own mother battle addiction before giving in to it. Frankie Lons, the mother of Keyshia Cole, had a turbulent life. What a horrible irony it was that she died on her own birthday. The emotional Instagram post from Elite Noel, her daughter, stated it all: “My mother in a body bag on her birthday is the worst anguish I have ever experienced! My heart ached so much.
Kitaen Tawny
At the age of 59, actress and ’80s star Tawny Kitaen passed away quietly at her Newport Beach home. Her children Wynter and Raine verified their grief with a statement, “You gave her life every day,” following her diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy. We love and miss her, and we are aware that her legacy will endure forever.
McKibbin, Nikki
Do you recall Nikki McKibbin from the inaugural season of American Idol? She was generous enough to give her organs before she went away at the age of 42 from a brain aneurysm. Craig, her spouse, put it poetically: “Even in the end, she is still giving.” An appropriate homage to a giving person.
Jason Davis
At the age of 35, the voice actor that embodied a character in Disney’s Recess passed away from fentanyl overdose. His mother remembered him as a season 4 participant who “had a true heart of gold with such a zest for life.”
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Chyna
On April 17, 2016, Chyna, a formidable WWE performer, passed away. The mixture of drugs in her system was the accidental offender. Her life served as an example of publicly facing one’s inner problems while clinging to hope.
Mindy McCready
On February 17, 2013, Mindy McCready, a country music vocalist with a beautiful voice, suddenly passed away. She dealt with alcohol and opioid addictions on the show, and her end was clouded in sadness following the suicide of her boyfriend. A terrible domino effect.
Joey Kovar
Joey Kovar, a reality star from The Real World: Hollywood, passed away suddenly at the age of 29. A life that appeared to be headed toward happiness was ended by opioid abuse. With regret, his brother remarked, “He had turned into such a happy person.” I’m still not really clear what transpired.
Rodney King
On June 17, 2012, the civil rights activist passed away at the age of 47. King’s stress from the vicious assault he suffered in 1991 at the hands of LAPD cops drove him to battle substance usage. Alcohol, marijuana, PCP, and cocaine all had a nasty part in his death; he was discovered drowning in his swimming pool.
Jeff Conaway
The well-known face of Grease actor Jeff Conaway concealed personal troubles. On May 27, 2011, the man who lighted up Broadway and little theaters alike passed away. He battled his addictions all the way to the end, but his job and the people in his life gave him comfort.
Mike Starr
To wrap up this solemn homage, on March 8, 2011, Alice in Chains’ Mike Starr overdosed on prescription drugs. Friends, family, and fans came together for an open memorial service in Seattle to honor a life that inspires people via music.
Mia Robertson is overcome with emotion.
Mia Robertson, the actress Missy and actor Jase Robertson’s daughter from Duck Dynasty, lost a very dear person this week.
Her longtime doctor, Dr. David Genecov, was killed in a car crash. Missy Robertson informed her Instagram fans that Mia underwent surgery to repair her fractured palate and lip.
Since Dr. Genecov had been Mia’s doctor for a number of years prior to his passing, his passing has impacted her life.
He not only provided her with medical care, but he was also incredibly compassionate and supportive throughout. His passing has upset Mia and her family, who have loved their time together over the years.
Mia Robertson has been fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and compassionate pediatrician all of her childhood.
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She will always treasure her memories of him, even if his passing has left them all in disbelief and grief. Mia’s heart will always carry Dr. Genecov’s love as a continual reminder that he will never be forgotten.
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Missy Robertson talks about how she and her daughter, Mia Robertson, were affected by her husband’s kindness and unwavering support.
His loving demeanor brought them comfort, and his words of encouragement inspired them to take on any challenge. In July, Mia underwent her fourteenth surgery, which she believes to be the final one she will ever require.
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She established the “Mia Moo Fund” in order to provide healthcare to other kids and free them from having to cover up their smiles due to health issues. Thanks in part to the encouragement of their family and friends who have stood with them through thick and thin, Missy and Mia are more important than ever.
Missy’s husband was polite and helpful, which helped stabilize and bring tranquility to an otherwise chaotic situation. His presence gave Mia the support she needed to face an uncertain future, which enabled her undergo her fourteenth treatment in July without anxiety.
In addition, he helped them become stronger than either of them could have imagined before these difficulties; day by day, they felt more capable of facing any challenges that came their way with bravery and elegance.
As a result of this journey, Mia founded the “Mia Moo Fund,” a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids in need of medical attention by providing financial assistance so they won’t have to give up their smiles for want of funds.
Mia received the heartbreaking news from Missy Robertson. Dr. Genecov left a lasting legacy of elegance and beauty, as well as a passionate desire to involve his patients in decision-making, that those who knew him best will never forget.
Mia considers herself lucky to have connected with Dr. David Genecov. He made an unrivaled contribution to her experience with broken lip and palate, as well as numerous medical advancements that will benefit future generations.
Mia’s mother begged everyone to pray for people who were in agony as a result of this tragedy, saying that she could no longer remember life before her appointment with Dr. David.
The family will always be grateful for the doctor’s contributions to medical advancements that have improved lives all across the world, and they will always have a special place in their hearts for his work and kindness at this difficult time.
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