42. The Rise and Fall of Veronica Lake
Veronica Lake, originally Constance Ockelman, became a 1940s icon through roles in ‘Sullivan’s Travels’ and film noir. Her glamorous life was tainted by personal struggles, including broken marriages and addiction, leading to her obscurity and financial ruin.
Despite her hardships, Lake’s last years saw her working as a barmaid, moving to Miami and England, and acting in minor productions. She died in 1973 from acute hepatitis, a tragic end to the once-celebrated star’s tumultuous life.