Did You Know…The Drunk’s Edition

When Betty Ford (1918-2011), wife of President Gerald Ford quit drinking in 1978, he, to lend support, stopped drinking too.

Bravely going public, siring the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California in 1982, Mrs. Ford became our truest advocate for overcoming addiction helping everyone from Joe Schmo to Elizabeth Taylor, the first celebrity to grace its doors, paving the way for singer Johnny Cash and actor, Peter Lawford admitting themselves a few days later.

Speaking of Liz, she also graced the cover of Life Magazine 14 times and had 8 husbands, one wed twice, who affectionately called her Tubby, since she so loved to eat and drink.

(1925-1984)

That Richard could have used a spin at Betty’s himself, dying at 58, his liver having the last say.

All I know, if a guy ever called me Tubby, well, let’s just say his shoes would no longer be under my bed, but that’s true love for you, and alas, though no longer together, Liz adored him right up to the day she died. (1932-2011) 

Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald at 44 (1896-1940), comedian W.C. Fields 66 (1880-1946), and Massachusetts Senator, Daniel Webster reaching 70 (1782-1852), all died courtesy of alcohol abuse.

You wonder why some are mortally affected and some are not, like Winston Churchill who drank so much, when visiting the White House, Eleanor Roosevelt finally had him moved to Blair House, coined the Little White House, since he’d roam the halls with his brandy bottle, yet still lived to be 90. (1874-2011)

One of my favorite Winnie lines…

Can you stay for a few whiskies? No wonder he was called a British bulldog.

I always thought it was because he resembled one, not for his cocktail capacity.

When the actor Errol Flynn (1909-1959) was told, he better stop drinking since his liver was about to explode, rather than listen, while on a film set, would slyly inject vodka into his oranges.

No wonder he checked out at 50, looking 95.

Jim Morrison (1943-1971), iconic front man for the rock band, The Doors, dying in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27, the French reported it as heart failure, but later revealed it was a heroin overdose accompanied by alcohol, alcoholism running rampant throughout his family.

I’ll end with the late, great Carrie Fisher (1956-2016), in and out of AA trying desperately to beat her demons, writing openly in her memoir…Wishful Drinking, lost her battle when her HUGE heart gave out on an airplane no less, leaving behind a legacy more of courage, than anything else, since she never stopped trying.

If you think you’ve got problem, reach out, because you’re not alone.

800-839-1986

SB