Last Updated on April 4, 2025 by 2626robert
Gig Young, the American actor, died by suicide on October 19, 1978, at the age of 64. He fatally shot himself and his fifth wife, Kim Schmidt, in their New York City apartment. The incident occurred just three weeks after they were married. Authorities ruled it a murder-suicide, but the motive remains unclear.
Young had a successful Hollywood career, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969). However, he struggled with alcoholism and personal issues, which affected his career and personal life in his later years.
Substance Use Disorder (S.U.D.) is a condition that does not discriminate based on wealth, status, education, or background. It can affect anyone—whether they’re a celebrity, a successful professional, a student, or someone living in poverty. Addiction is rooted in complex interactions between biology, environment, and psychology, and no amount of fame, intelligence, or success can fully shield a person from those factors. In fact, high-functioning individuals may be more skilled at hiding their struggles, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
We often associate S.U.D. with visible suffering or social decline, but it frequently exists behind polished facades. Some of the world’s most celebrated artists, thinkers, and leaders have battled substance use, proving that intellect and talent offer no immunity. Similarly, people from loving families or stable upbringings can still develop S.U.D., showing that it’s not always about trauma or poor choices. By understanding S.U.D. as a medical condition rather than a moral failing, we can break the stigma and open the door to compassion and healing for everyone—regardless of who they are.