That 70's Show Star Lisa Kelly Dies in Rehab

Tragic news: 'That 70's Show' star Lisa Kelly dies in rehab. Uncover the events leading to her untimely passing and the impact on the cast.

Leora B.H. Staff

May 15, 2024

Lisa Robin Kelly's Tragic Passing

The entertainment industry was shocked by the tragic passing of Lisa Robin Kelly, best known for her portrayal of Laurie Forman on the hit TV show That '70s Show. Her untimely death occurred in 2013, highlighting the struggles she faced throughout her life.

Early Life and Career

Lisa Robin Kelly was born on March 5, 1970. She had a passion for acting from a young age and pursued her dreams in the entertainment industry. Kelly's career gained momentum with her role as Laurie Forman, the promiscuous older sister of Eric Forman, in That '70s Show. Her performance in the show garnered attention and recognition from fans and critics alike.

Struggles with Addiction

Despite her success in the acting world, Lisa Robin Kelly battled personal demons, primarily addiction issues. She openly admitted to having a drinking problem, leading her to take a step back from the spotlight. Unfortunately, her struggles continued even after returning to That '70s Show for its fifth season.

The challenges she faced with alcohol and substance abuse ultimately led to her departure from the series. Kelly's role as Laurie Forman was recast with Christina Moore starting from the sixth season. Her personal struggles and substance abuse issues took a toll on her career and personal life.

In an attempt to overcome her addiction, Lisa Robin Kelly voluntarily checked into a rehab facility. Her agent mentioned that she was optimistic about her recovery journey. However, tragically, she passed away in her sleep due to an accidental overdose.

The passing of Lisa Robin Kelly serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of addiction and the importance of seeking help and support. Her struggle with substance abuse highlights the challenges faced by many individuals in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Events Leading to Rehab

The events leading up to Lisa Robin Kelly's admission to rehab were marked by personal challenges and struggles with addiction. These factors ultimately led to her decision to seek professional help in overcoming her addiction issues.

Personal Challenges

Lisa Robin Kelly, known for her role as Laurie in That '70s Show, faced personal challenges that included alcohol and substance use. These struggles with addiction impacted her personal life and professional career. The challenges she faced with substance abuse affected her ability to continue her role in the show.

It's important to note that Lisa's departure from That '70s Show was preceded by Ashton Kutcher's exit from the series. The combination of personal challenges and changes within the show created a difficult environment for her to continue her role.

Rehab Admission

In an effort to overcome her addiction issues, Lisa Robin Kelly made the decision to check into a rehab facility. Her voluntary admission to rehab was seen as a positive step towards addressing her struggles with alcohol and substance addiction. According to her agent, she was optimistic about embarking on a recovery journey.

However, tragically, Lisa Robin Kelly passed away in her sleep due to an accidental overdose in 2013. Her death was a shocking and devastating outcome, highlighting the severity of the challenges she faced throughout her battle with addiction.

The events leading to Lisa's admission to rehab and her subsequent passing shed light on the struggles individuals face when dealing with addiction. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support when faced with such challenges. The impact of Lisa Robin Kelly's personal journey and tragic end continues to resonate within the entertainment industry and among her fans.

Lisa's Untimely Death

The passing of Lisa Robin Kelly, known for her role as Laurie Forman on That '70s Show, was a tragic event that left her fans and colleagues shocked and saddened. Her untimely death occurred shortly after she checked into a rehab center, raising questions and speculation about the circumstances surrounding her demise.

Suspicion Surrounding Death

At the time of writing, there were suspicions that Lisa Robin Kelly's death may be related to alcohol or other drugs. However, no official confirmation regarding the cause of her death was available. The uncertainty surrounding her passing added to the sense of tragedy and loss.

Autopsy Results

The autopsy results shed light on the cause of Lisa Robin Kelly's death. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner, her passing was ruled an accident, with the cause of death determined to be "multiple drug intoxication". The fatal injury was due to oral ingestion.

These findings revealed the devastating impact of drug addiction on Lisa Robin Kelly's life. Despite her efforts to overcome her struggles with substance abuse by seeking help at a rehab facility, she tragically succumbed to an accidental overdose. Her passing serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by individuals battling addiction and the need for continued support and resources to address this widespread issue.

The circumstances surrounding Lisa Robin Kelly's death were a profound loss for her family, friends, and fans. Her passing left an indelible mark on the That '70s Show cast, who mourned her untimely departure and paid tribute to her memory. The impact of her death led to changes within the show, including the recasting of her character, Laurie Forman.

Lisa Robin Kelly's tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing addiction and providing support to those in need. Her legacy highlights the need for compassion, understanding, and resources to combat the devastating effects of substance abuse. The loss of Lisa Robin Kelly continues to have an impact on the entertainment industry and serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against addiction.

Impact on That '70s Show Cast

The untimely passing of Lisa Robin Kelly, known for her role as Laurie Forman on That '70s Show, had a profound impact on the cast and crew of the beloved sitcom.

Cast Tributes

Following Lisa Robin Kelly's tragic death in 2013, her fellow cast members from That '70s Show expressed their condolences and paid tribute to her. Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde on the show, took to Twitter to share his sympathies and remember Kelly fondly. Kurtwood Smith, known for his role as Red Forman, remembered Kelly as a talented and lovely individual, highlighting the impact she had made during her time on the show.

The loss of Lisa Robin Kelly left a void not only in the hearts of her co-stars but also in the memories of the fans who had grown to appreciate her portrayal of Laurie Forman.

Recasting Laurie Forman

After Lisa Robin Kelly's departure from That '70s Show in 2003, the character of Laurie Forman was recast. Christina Moore stepped into the role during the show's sixth season and appeared in a total of six episodes. Despite the challenges that come with recasting a character, Moore's portrayal of Laurie helped breathe new life into the role and provided a seamless transition for the viewers.

While the recasting process may have presented its own difficulties, Christina Moore's appearance as Laurie Forman on That '70s Show proved to be a stepping stone in her career. It opened doors to other television opportunities, allowing her talent to shine beyond the confines of the show.

The impact of Lisa Robin Kelly's absence was deeply felt by the cast and crew of That '70s Show, but they navigated the challenges and continued to create a memorable television experience for their audience.

Legal Troubles and Lawsuit

Lisa Robin Kelly's life was marred by legal troubles and a subsequent lawsuit following her untimely death. These challenges further complicated the tragic circumstances surrounding her passing.

Arrests and Charges

In the years leading up to her death, Lisa Robin Kelly faced a series of legal issues. She had been arrested multiple times, with charges ranging from driving under the influence to spousal abuse and assault. These arrests shed light on the struggles she faced with addiction and the turbulent nature of her personal life.

Husband's Lawsuit

Following Lisa Robin Kelly's death, her estranged husband, Robert Gilliam, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Pax House rehabilitation center in Los Angeles. The lawsuit alleged that the facility and its owners were not adequately trained to care for patients like Lisa and failed to provide the necessary support and treatment [5]. The lawsuit sought unspecified damages related to the loss of love, affection, support, companionship, and other benefits resulting from Lisa's passing.

The lawsuit brought attention to the circumstances surrounding Lisa's overdose while in the rehab facility. Although her death certificate revealed that she had orally ingested unspecified drugs, it did not provide details on how she obtained the drugs while in the facility [4]. The lawsuit aimed to address these concerns and hold the rehab facility accountable for the tragic outcome.

The legal troubles and subsequent lawsuit surrounding Lisa Robin Kelly's death further highlighted the complexities and challenges she faced during her life. While her passing was undoubtedly tragic, it also brought attention to the importance of providing appropriate care and support for individuals battling addiction.

Aftermath and Speculations

The passing of Lisa Robin Kelly, known for her role as Laurie Forman on That '70s Show, left a lasting impact on both her fans and the entertainment industry. After her untimely death, there were speculations surrounding the cause of her passing and the outcome of subsequent legal proceedings.

Cause of Death Speculations

According to the Los Angeles County Coroner, Lisa Robin Kelly's cause of death was determined to be "multiple drug intoxication" due to oral ingestion. Her death certificate revealed that she had ingested unspecified drugs orally, but it did not provide details on how she obtained the drugs while inside the rehab facility [4].

Three days prior to her death, Lisa Robin Kelly had been hospitalized due to a near-fatal blood alcohol level of .34. Individuals with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding .35 are at risk of coma or death. The combination of substance abuse and alcohol addiction contributed to the tragic circumstances surrounding her passing.

Lawsuit Outcome

Following Lisa Robin Kelly's death, her estranged husband filed a lawsuit against the rehab facility where she had been receiving treatment. The lawsuit alleged that the facility had failed to provide adequate care and supervision, ultimately leading to her fatal overdose.

The outcome of the lawsuit is not provided in the available context, so it is unclear how the legal proceedings concluded. The lawsuit highlights the importance of proper care and supervision in rehab facilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and treatment for individuals struggling with addiction.

The tragic passing of Lisa Robin Kelly serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of addiction and the importance of seeking appropriate help and support. Her story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals battling substance abuse and the need for comprehensive addiction treatment programs.

Remembering Lisa Robin Kelly

Legacy and Contributions

Lisa Robin Kelly, best known for her portrayal of Laurie Forman on the popular TV show That '70s Show, left a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and her fans. Despite her untimely passing on August 15, 2013, her talent and contributions continue to be remembered.

Kelly's role as Laurie Forman showcased her versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of the rebellious and witty older sister of Eric Forman left a lasting impression on audiences. Her character brought humor and depth to the show, contributing to its success during its early seasons.

While her time on That '70s Show was cut short due to personal struggles, Kelly's performance remains an integral part of the show's legacy. Her character's absence during the later seasons led to the introduction of Christina Moore as Laurie Forman's replacement, but Kelly's impact on the show cannot be understated.

Lessons Learned

The tragic circumstances surrounding Lisa Robin Kelly's passing serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of substance abuse. Her struggle with drug addiction was well-documented, and her untimely death highlights the importance of seeking help and support for those battling addiction.

Kelly's passing also shed light on the challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry and the pressures they often encounter. It serves as a reminder of the need for increased awareness and resources for mental health and substance abuse issues within the industry.

The loss of Lisa Robin Kelly serves as a poignant reminder that addiction is a serious and complex issue that can impact anyone. Her story serves as a lesson about the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those facing similar challenges.

While her life was tragically cut short, Lisa Robin Kelly's legacy will live on through her work and the impact she had on fans of That '70s Show. Her memory serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to address addiction and mental health issues in society.