Top 5 Movie Curses

Superstitious or not, some of these rumored Hollywood Curses are creepy and make you question what is just coincidence and what could be more…

5. The ‘Dark Knight’ Curse
This one is a stretch, but it is still a rumored “curse” according to die-hard believers. Things started with the death of a crew member. A truck carrying the technician and a camera platform crashed into a tree while following a stunt vehicle. Heath Ledger’s death followed after filming had finished, but many blamed his insomnia and troubled mental state on delving too deep into his character. He mixed a lethal blend of sleep aids and pain killers and died before the film hit theaters. Christian Bale also faced some troubles just before the film’s London premiere. He went crazy and had a violent outburst that resulted in assault charges filed by his mother and sister. Morgan Freeman nearly died in a car crash. His vehicle flipped twice and he was said to be in serious condition, but survived.

4. Billy Bob Thornton Co-Star Curse
Billy Bob has 70 titles on his resume and hundreds of costars, but he has a list of co-stars who all died before they could order from the senior citizen’s menu. (As I approach 30…50-something is looking younger and younger.) It’s more like a sad version of 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon and has more to do with working with slew of great talent that was taken too soon, but some say it’s a curse.

1998 – ‘Slingblade’ – J.T. Walsh had a heart attack less than 2 years after co-starring with Billy.
2000 – ‘Daddy and Them’ – Jim Varney lost his battle with lung cancer before the film even hit theaters. (Obviously this death was a long time development, that started while he was filming, ‘Treehouse Hostage.’)
2003-’Bad Santa’ and ‘Slingblade’ – John Ritter was 55 and starring in a delightful tv show, ‘8 Simple Rules.’ An undetected heart defect claimed his life.
2003 – ‘Dirty Life and Times…’ –Warren Zevon and Billy Bob filmed a “slice of life” documentary that featured their efforts in making his record. Zevon succumbed to mesothelioma a year later.
2008 – ‘Monster Ball’ – Heath Ledger gave a performance that showed off his versatility as Billy Bob’s troubled son in 2001. In 2008 Heath died after mixing a toxic blend of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine.
2008 – ‘Bad Santa’ – Bernie Mac was also in Bad Santa with Thornton and Ritter. Mac had been battling sarcoidosis, but was said to have had it under control. Unfortunately, contrary to reports by reps that Bernie was going to make a full recovery…he died on August 8th.
2009 – ‘Waking Up in Reno’ – Natasha Richardson played Billy’s wife in ‘Waking Up in Reno.’ Sadly, she died in a tragic skiing accident after suffering an epidural hematoma.
2009 – ‘Waking Up in Reno’ – Patrick Swayze also starred in ‘Waking Up in Reno’ with Billy Bob in 2002. He passed away of pancreatic cancer despite a hopeful year long struggle.

3. The ‘Poltergeist’ Films Curse
This is what happens when you have a pool party with dead people. Actual skeletons were used to create the scene in which Diane Freeling (played by JoBeth Williams) is in a swimming pool with a bunch of dead bodies. The use of the real thing is where the curse began. Accidents, fires and other mishaps began to be a reoccurring issue on set. JoBeth even reported that pictures on her walls were always moved or askew after she came home from filming each day. Dominique Dunne was murdered by her boyfriend just after the movie was released. Heather O’Rourke, who played little Carol Ann, died after a freak infection (that was thought to be the flu) took its toll. Julian Beck was 60 years old and had stomach cancer, but curse believers blame the movies. Will Sampson died in 1987 after complications from a heart and lung transplant claimed his life.

2. The Exorcist Curse
This one is creepy thanks to the fact it was based on incident that occurred in Georgetwon involving a 13 year boy. After filming began the set burned down, a carpenter cut off his thumb, Linda Blair had a mental breakdown and nine deaths occurred while the film was in production. Linda’s grandpa died along with Jack McGowen, Max Von Sydow’s brother, a night watchman, a special effects expert, a cameraman’s newborn and the sequel’s original director (John Frankenhiemer). Other rumors state that fax machines would turn on by themselves and print out pages filled with the number 6.

1. The ‘Atuk’ Script Curse
Atuk’ is a script that is still out there, but never made it past day 1 of production. The script surfaced in the 80’s centering on the plot of a plus sized Eskimo fulfilling his dream of living in New York City. John Belushi was originally intended to star in the movie. He reportedly read the script and was “enthusiastic” about playing the part. Soon after, he was found dead of a drug overdose. Next, Sam Kinison accepted the role and even filmed a few scenes before he had a breakdown, locked himself in his dressing room and refused to continue filming unless the script underwent some rewrites. In 1992 he died in a car crash. Michael O’Donoghue had read the script and recommended it to Belushi and Kinison died of a cerebral hemorrhage. In 1994 the ‘Atuk’ script surfaced again in John Candy’s hands. The day before the 12th anniversary of Belushi’s death, Candy suffered a fatal heart attack. Finally Chris Farley was the last to read the script and was about to accept the role when he, like John, died of a drug overdose. It is also rumored that Chris showed the script to Phil Hartman and was encouraging him to take a co-starring role in the movie. Phil was shot and killed by his wife six months after Farley’s death. The film was then damned and shelved. A rumor circulated that it was up for auction on eBay, but it was never confirmed as legit.

Robert Pattinson’s Naked Chest and $20K Kisses

Tell me, who do I make my check out to? “Twilight” hunk Robert Pattinson auctioned off kisses for two people at $20,000 a piece in Cannes at last nights amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS event. The bidding became so high that Pattinson was split between two bidders, who each paid the massive donation for the chance to win a kiss on the cheek from Sparklepants.

The offer of a special screening of Quentin Tarantino’s World War II revenge movie “Inglourious Basterds” raised 60,000 for the charity. David Furnish, husband of Elton John, generously sold his own watch. Also up for grabs at the auction was one of those ridiculous Chanel-branded Segway scooters and a joking strip-tease from Josh Hartnett. Fortunately for him – and us -bidding never got high enough. Maybe they should have asked Robert Pattinson instead? Bill Clinton’s personal Alpine Alto saxophone, which was signed by the former president, went on to sell for an unbelievable $130K.

Per People:

“Everyone in this room is better off than 99.9 percent of people on this entire earth,” he told the gathering, which also included Marion Cotillard, Robin Wright Penn, Eva Herzigova and Paris Hilton.”

You mean Paris Hilton could actually quit sleezing around for one night for a good cause? I guess miracles do happen!

Sharon Stone hosted the 16th annual event Thursday night at the exclusive Hotel du Cap on the French Riviera. The evening also paid tribute to Liam Neeson’s late wife Natasha Richardson. A emotion-filled Sharon remembered the actress as “a passionate supporter and fund raiser” for the AIDS cause. Later, singer Annie Lennox performed a song in honor of the actress.

Its nice to see stars helping to give back to charities.

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Images Via: INF Daily, Lainey Gossip

Natasha Richardson Taken Off Life Support – UPDATED

At 1:30pm EST today, Natasha Richardson has been taken off life support according to NYC legendary columnist, Liz Smith. It appears to be certain that Richardson was left brain dead following the accident. The family has gathered around Natasha, but has not spoken directly to the public yet. A decision was made yesterday to fly her back to New York, where the couple live, so she can be with her family for what could be her final moments.

Per The Post Chronical:

“Liam is bringing her to New York to die – to spend one last day with her family.” says a family source.”

Natasha’s husband Liam Neeson has been by her side constantly, according to most reports. Her mother Vanessa Redgrave, aunt Lynn Redgrave, sister Joely Richardson and her two sons Michael and Daniel visited her last night at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Our hearts and our prayers are with them.

UPDATE – The Dame is sad to report that Liam Neeson and his family have released a statement confirming the death of Natasha Richardson.

Via TMZ:

“Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”

Image Via:Wenn

Natasha Richardson’s Skiing Accident May Be Fatal

We here at Hollywood Dame are very sad to report that Natasha Richardson has apparently indeed been declared brain dead after a traumatic head injury caused by a ski accident Monday in Canada. The “New York Post” is reporting the family gathered at her bedside last night to say their final goodbyes. The 45 year old actress’ condition has been described by doctors as a “leakage of blood between the brain and skull,” with Richardson’s family soon facing the decision on whether or not they should continue to administer medical assistance.

Via People:

“There is no chance,” said a family friend Tuesday night. “It is a fact that her heart is beating but she is brain dead. It’s not official yet, but they basically will detach her.”

As reported by TMZ, Richardson was unconscious, her pupils were non-reactive, and her skin was pale during her ambulance ride in New York to Lenox Hill Hospital. Her husband Liam Neeson held her hand and caressed her face the entire ride as he sat in silence. Their plane landed in New Jersey where medics on board told members of the ambulance team that Richardson was brain dead. Reps for the family have declined to comment, although her family is expected to release a statement today.

Heartbreaking. Our hearts and thoughts go out to her entire family at this tragic time.

Image Via:Reuters

Natasha Richardson Still Fighting for Her Life – UPDATED

Actress Natasha Richardson was hospitalized on Monday afternoon in Montreal following a skiing accident. Sources say that the star, 45, suffered a “traumatic head injury” that was not at first apparent. Earlier, a report surfaced that Richardson was brain dead and had passed away. “Time Out New York” posted the story online with a “RIP” headline claiming so. Although public reports had not confirmed it, sources close to Richardson’s family and friends said they have already been told that she did not survive the accident, according to the post.

Per Lindsay Kaplan via Time Out New York:

“EXCLUSIVE: Time Out New York learns of actress’s untimely death. She will be greatly missed. Last night it was reported that the actor Natasha Richardson had critically injured her head in a skiing accident at the Mont Tremblant resort outside of Montreal, Canada. Although public reports have not yet confirmed it, sources close to Richardson’s family and friends say they have already been told the awful news: She did not survived the accident.”

Since then, the post has been taken down but as of yet no retraction has been printed. Lindsay Kaplan has emailed fellow gossiper Perez Hilton about this matter after the original post was deleted, although it seems as if she is still sticking by her original story.

Per Perez Hilton:

“Okay — Sorry about the confusion. We spoke to source, who confirms “brain dead and will not survive”, and therefore, her friends and family are mourning her unofficial death. My apologies with the semantics issue. Please let me know if you have more questions — I have copied Michael Freidson, TONY’s editor in chief.”

Just what does she mean by “Semantic Issue?” Posted moments ago also on Perez Hiltons website is a from the magazine, standing by their earlier statement.

“Time Out New York sincerely apologizes for the confusion. We stand by our sources, and our friend of the family first confirmed “dead” and then called back to say “brain dead.” We find the situation incredibly tragic and obviously wish to only report the facts.

We stand by our new statement that she is brain dead and not expected to survive. Unfortunately, the article was not taken down — our website crashed from traffic. Time Out New York regrets the error.”

Updated at 1:37pm, long after “Time Out New York” reported Richardsons’ death, TMZ reported that she is being transported by ambulance from her hospital in Canada to Montreal-Trudeau Airport where she is expected to be flown to New York City by private jet. Reports are that she is accompanied by a medic team for the flight. Its common knowledge that if you were considered to be brain dead, you would not be flown to another hospital for treatment.

Updated moments ago at 2:00pm, the hospital tells TMZ that Richardson is sedated and suffering from brain swelling, but is not brain dead.

Richardson is the wife of Irish actor Liam Neeson. They have been married since 1994 and have two sons together , Micheal Richard Antonio age 13, and Daniel Jack age 12.

This to me seems like irresponsible journalism at its best. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Richardson/Neeson family.

UPDATE (From The Dame) – A rep for the family will be giving a statement tomorrow. This leads us to believe her condition is still up in the air. No matter what I wish and hope for the best for the friends and family of Natasha.

Via CBC News:

“A spokeswoman for Montreal’s Sacré-Coeur hospital said the actress was “no longer in the country,” but did not comment on where Richardson was transferred to, nor on the extent of her injuries. The spokeswoman did say, however, that a family representative will release a statement Wednesday.”

Image Via: Getty