While plenty of kids grow up wanting to be movie stars, the reality of the job can sometimes be a double edged sword. There's a ton of pressure associated with working in show business, and the ebbs and flows of the industry can weigh heavily on an actor's psyche. Plenty of celebs have taken their own life, a grave warning about mental health issues and the price of fame. When Superman actress Margot Kidder passed away in May of this year, many wondered about the mysterious circumstances around her passing, especially with the actress' public struggle with bipolar disorder. Now details about Kidder's death have been revealed, the cause being ruled as suicide.
When Margot Kidder passed away months ago, things were kept purposefully ambiguous regarding the cause. Her manager claimed she died in her sleep at home, but there were no medical reasons released to the general public. Now the report has come out, via USA Today, revealing it was a purposeful combination of drugs and liquor that resulted in Kidder's fatal overdose. She was 69 years old when he passed on May 13.
The cause of Margot Kidder's death is sure to be shock for her generations of fans who have followed Kidder's career-- notably her tenure as Lois Lane in the Superman franchise. She ultimately appeared in four blockbusters as the Daily Planet reporter, cementing her in pop culture forever. Given that her co-star Christopher Reeves also passed away in 2004 due to complication from sepsis treatment, the Superman movies now carry added emotional weight.
Aside from her onscreen performances, Margot Kidder is also known for shedding a light on mental health issues, specifically bipolar disorder. She had a widely publicized manic episode in the 90's, and Kidder ended up going public about her struggles with mental health. The manic incident in 1996 lasted for days, and reportedly resulted in the actress being assaulted in the process. But after seeking treatment, Kidder maintained she had found stability and was free from manic episodes as a result of her disorder.
Margot Kidder's death is the latest in a string of high profile suicides that have dominated the news cycle in the past year. The most recent example is fashion icon Kate Spade, who took her life just a few months ago. Additionally, Swedish DJ Avicii also took his own life this past April. These three stars are from very different fields and backgrounds, but their harrowing deaths prove that success and fame is truly not enough to make someone happy-- especially when mental health issues are involved.
While Margot Kidder may have left this world in desperate and and dark circumstances, her legacy as an actress will live on forever. With Amy Adams taking on the role of Lois Lane in the DCEU, plenty of comparisons have already been made. And with Kidder no longer with us, that conversation will likely pick back up in the future.
Our thoughts are with Margot Kidder's loved ones during this difficult time. If you or someone you know has thoughts about suicide, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK, which is available 24/7 across the United States.
