Fame – a Suicidal Business

Being a star, whether due to talent or just plain old popularity, is an aspiration of many people today.  So then where has it went so wrong or just unbearable for some of our beloved stars to drive them into taking their own life? – We’re usually shocked because we don’t hear about what’s happened in their private lives where the paparazzi cameras don’t flash.

The recently deceased British fashion designer Alexander McQueen took his own life at his home in London by hanging himself, coming as a shock to all his family and adoring admirers and fans. Alexander McQueen was highly successful in his work and had a range outlandish and eye-catching creations, many popular amongst celebrities such as Björk to Lady Gaga (known for their own quirkiness and fashion sense), which have inspired designers and wearers right across the world of fashion and fame. His evolution from talented so-called English hooligan fashionista, for his daring and rebellious approach to the world of fabric, into the world renowned catwalk name makes us wonder then – why? Being about to engage on the Fashion Week shows across the world, behind the scenes but not entirely unknown, Alexander McQueen had lost his dearly close mother and was grieving for her. Posts on Twitter quoted him saying “RIP” to his mother and later “now i have to pull myself together”, a few days onwards his body was discovered on the 11th of February. It is clear that the grief of his mother’s death, having had such a strong relationship with her, was enough reason to drive him into taking his own life. Nevertheless Alexander McQueen’s mark will always be recognised in the world of fashion and his collections will continue to echo on in our world.

Next, flying back to the earlier decades of the 20th century, the superstar Marilyn Monroe dominated media. She had been recognised originally for her modelling but this led to roles in films and singing where she strove to break out from her typically “blonde” façade and proved her ability to play more dramatic and moving roles. Having played alongside many of the greats of her time, the movie Bus Stop was the marking point where the acting talent blossomed beyond any of her other talents and even received a Golden Globe for her performance in Some Like It Hot. Marilyn also received appraise for her talents when she got herself a place on Hollywood Boulevard beside many other great personalities. In Marilyn’s personally life it was clear that her main lover was Joe DiMaggio with whom she had an on-off relationship. Her love life was turbulent and arose as her only cause for unhappiness, although she acted professionally. Her death, which was a probable suicide, was brought about by an overdose, even though today it is debated what Marilyn’s motive may have been or whether there could have been a conspiracy behind it all. After her death on August 5th 1962, her celebrity status has become eternalised and she herself is viewed as a female sex symbol and talented individual having produced a broad spectrum of entertainment which is still commemorated today.