The Price of Fame

Fame may be the motivator that drives wannabe stars to success - but it can also be a killer when it finally arrives. From Marilyn to Elvis to Tupac, a life at the top, devoutly sought after by millions of young'ns, comes with the kind of risks that would make most parents cringe. The toll of high-octane lifestyles pursued on a tide of popular acclaim is charted in research published today showing successful stars are twice as likely as the rest of us to die an early death. Alcohol, drugs, accidents and violence are the chief perils but as stars age, cancer and heart disease pose an increasing threat to abused bodies and shriveled livers. Stars can suffer high levels of stress in environments where alcohol and drugs are widely available, leading to health damaging risky behavior. However, their behavior can also influence wannabe stars and fans. One in 10 children aspire to become famous.