Troy Donahue was a famous actor and singer in the 1950s and 1960s, known for his good looks and charm.
However, the pressure from his fame and fans weighed heavily on him throughout most of his life.
In the end, his story took an unexpected turn that no one saw coming…
Whenever I hear the song “Summer Place,” I think of Troy Donahue. I remember watching the movie as a kid and thinking he was so handsome!
In the 1950s and 60s, Troy Donahue was seen as the ideal American heartthrob: young, blond, blue-eyed, and very good-looking. He had many young female fans because of his appearance.
Even though Troy was only a Hollywood star for a few years, many people still recognize his name, even if they might not remember him well.
Even though Troy Donahue was famous, he didn’t make much money from his career. His life started to fall apart, and things only began to improve when he reconnected with his teenage son.
Troy was born Merle Johnson in New York City. He was inspired by his mother, who was a stage actress, and wanted to be an actor from a young age. In a 1984 interview with People magazine, he said:
“I always grew up around Broadway and theater people. I remember sitting with Gertrude Lawrence while she read her reviews for ‘The King and I.’”
Troy Donahue went to Columbia University to study journalism, but he kept acting in local theater productions on the side. When he started appearing in movies, he had a new name, an agent, and was working with studio executives.
He said, “At first, they wanted to name me Paris, like the lover of Helen of Troy. But they changed it because there was already a Paris, France, and Paris, Illinois.”
Troy made his film debut in *Man Afraid*. Just two years later, he signed with Warner Bros, who saw his potential.
He recalled, “They asked me to light a cigarette, and when I did, they were so surprised, they fell down.”
In 1959, Troy starred in *A Summer Place*, which made him a big star and a popular teen heartthrob. He often played the good guy alongside a beautiful blonde actress. Despite his fame, he didn’t make much money.
Troy Donahue admitted that he was living like a movie star but not getting paid like one. He said, “I lived way over my head and got into a lot of trouble.”
In the late 1950s, Troy and Sandra Dee were known as a romantic movie couple. Over his life, Troy was married four times: first to Suzanne Pleshette, then to Valerie Allen, Alma Sharpe, and Vicky Taylor. All of these marriages ended in divorce.
As his love life fell apart, Troy began struggling with substance abuse. His unhealthy habits made things worse for his acting career.
By the end of the 1960s, his life was in a mess. He said, “I was loaded all the time. I’d wake up around 6:30 in the morning, take three aspirins with codeine, drink half a pint of vodka, and then do four lines of cocaine.”
Despite his struggles, Troy claimed that his addiction never affected his work. He insisted he was never drunk or impaired while working and that his drinking problems were not caused by his career.
Troy Donahue immediately believed the news when he learned he had a son, Sean. He saw a lot of himself in the boy and was relieved to find they got along well. Sean’s mother did not ask for child support, and they set up visitations so Sean could get to know his father. Donahue had been kept away from Sean earlier because of his struggles with drugs and alcohol.
His addiction problems also affected his career. By this time, he was no longer getting big roles and was working in smaller films like “Cry-Baby,” “Bad Blood,” and “Assault of the Party Nerds.”
In 1998, Donahue mentioned in an interview that he was not worried about his career shift to B-films. He felt his career was nearing its end but still considered himself a talented actor despite the critics.
Sadly, Donahue passed away from a heart attack in 2001 at age 65. By then, he had cleaned up his life and built a strong relationship with his son.
Troy was known for his good looks and charm on screen. Although he faced many struggles, he left behind many memorable performances.
4 Morning Habits That Could Raise Your Stroke Risk
4 Morning Habits That Could Raise Your Risk of Stroke
Strokes are no longer a concern exclusive to older adults; younger individuals are increasingly at risk as well. Recognizing the importance of stroke prevention is crucial, as failing to address early warning signs can lead to severe consequences.
I recently came across a newspaper article highlighting certain morning habits that may unknowingly increase the risk of stroke. Here are some key insights shared by Dr. Nguyen Xuan Quang from the Military Medical Academy, along with advice on how to avoid these risky behaviors.
1. Jumping Out of Bed Too Quickly
It’s common for people to spring out of bed immediately after waking up, but health experts caution against this habit. During sleep, the parasympathetic nervous system keeps the heart rate and blood pressure low. Abruptly standing up activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure.
This rapid change can strain delicate blood vessels in the brain, increasing the likelihood of a hemorrhagic stroke.
Solution: Dr. Quang advises lying still for 1–2 minutes after waking up. Gentle massages of the face, head, eyes, and neck can help ease your body into wakefulness before you get out of bed.
2. Drinking Saltwater First Thing in the Morning
Some people start their day with a glass of diluted saltwater, believing it improves oral hygiene and promotes health. However, this habit can have adverse effects.
Excessive salt intake can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and kidney issues. Additionally, drinking saltwater on an empty stomach may irritate the stomach lining, potentially leading to inflammation or ulcers.
Solution: Opt for plain water instead of saltwater to hydrate your body after waking up.
3. Exercising Too Early in the Morning
While regular exercise is beneficial, working out before sunrise, especially in cold weather, can pose health risks. Cold temperatures may cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues, heart attacks, and strokes.
For individuals with pre-existing conditions, early-morning workouts can also lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue, further straining the body.
Solution: Schedule your exercise for a slightly later time in the morning when temperatures are more moderate.
4. Drinking Too Much Water at Once
Hydrating in the morning is essential, but consuming large amounts of water in one go can strain the heart. This is particularly risky for individuals with heart conditions, as it may cause rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, or even trigger a stroke.
Solution: Drink around 200–300ml of water after waking up, and sip slowly throughout the morning instead of consuming large amounts at once.
Final Thoughts
Stroke prevention begins with simple daily habits. Being mindful of how you start your day can have a significant impact on your long-term health. Share these insights with your loved ones to help promote a healthier, stroke-free lifestyle.
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