22. A Scandalous Death That Wrecked a Star
Silent Film Era star Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle (1887 – 1933), better known as Fatty Arbuckle, was a comedian, director, screenwriter, and early Hollywood superstar. A movie giant of his era, Fatty Arbuckle saw his career crash and burn in spectacular fashion, because of a scandalous death.
Weighing about 300 pounds, Fatty Arbuckle incorporated his heft into his comedy, moving gracefully, tumbling, throwing pies, and being an all-around lovable and jolly fat guy. In addition to acting, Arbuckle was a Hollywood mover and shaker. He mentored Charlie Chaplain, with whom he formed a close personal friendship, and discovered and launched the careers of future stars such as Buster Keaton and Bob Hope. Then came the scandal that wrecked his public image beyond repair.