Memorial Day For Hollywood Overdose
Anti-Drug Crusaders Linell and Robert ShapiroÂ
By Art Harris, (c), www.artharris.com, all rights reserved
LOS ANGELES, Ca.–Any other night, the boulevards of Beverly Hills near the A list, celebrity fundraiser might be almost as dangerous as the streets of Baghdad. No snipers or IEDs, just the next star DUI waiting to be caught, Hollywood’s young and restless with a buzz on, feeling bullet-proof behind Maseratis, Vipers, Mercedes, Bentleys, or some pricey exotica aimed down mountain curves off Mullholland Drive.
But the streets were safer on a recent Saturday night in LA, designated Sober Night, 2008, by Los Angeles attorney Robert Shapiro, and his wife, Linell, who three years ago cranked up a drug awareness foundation in memory of their son, Brent, dead at 24 from an accidental overdose…among some 250,000 victims a year taken out by the ruthless sniper of pop culture, addiction.
Now, with American troops remembered on Memorial Day, many overtaxed emotionally after two and three tours in Iraq, how many will join the casualties back home? While the VA is rallying its troops, there are civilians on patrol, too, parents like the Shapiros, who mourn losses on the homefront, and channel their grief in an attempt to save others.
Lisa Bloom, Braden Pollock, Gloria Allred
Photo by Art Harris, (c) artharris.com,
all rights reserved
At the Brent Shapiro Drug Awareness Foundation dinner, no alcohol was served, just designer water and energy drinks. But old friends Brent grew up with turned out, like Paris Hilton, and reality star Kim Kardashian, and his rehab sponsor, comedian and host Tom Arnold. They sashayed down a red carpet beneath the full moon at the $35 million estate of billionaire Jeff Greene, who loaned out his mansion overlooking the twinkling lights of the city of Angels.
Nearby, a ferris wheel beckoned the hip and bejeweled, and 500 guests grazed six buffet tables groaning under platters of tenderloin, chicken and pasta.
There was the ever tanned George Hamilton…Kris (Jenner) Kardashian, feminist attorney Gloria Allred and Court TV anchor daughter Lisa Bloom…and one table over, I spied Nicky and Paris with escort, Benji Madden, Paris eating salad badly…chomping with her mouth open, but, God Bless her, Not Drinking.
Ok, so maybe they yearned for a glass of Verve Cliquot, but no champagne corks were popped in memory of a friend on the mend, who partied too hard and crashed too young.
To hear his parents tell it, Brent struggled with drugs and alcohol for years, had been sober 18 months, got engaged to be married. He was putting life back on track at UCLA and aiming for law school to follow a father who once headed O.J.’s “Dream Team,” then dreamed up the online service, Legal Zoom. But two beers and half an ecstacy pill ended Brent’s dreams, a relapse that lead to a coma, then death, a tragic but familiar tale for thousands of families and future tragedies the Shapiro’s hope to prevent via education programs to de-stigmatize addiction.. Â
His parents say friends either didn’t recognize Brent’s distress or feared parental backlash, but whatever happened, “he was turning blue,” recalled his mother, when an ambulance finally raced their son to Cedars Sinai ER.
“I didn’t want to leave him,” she said, “but the doctors said his brain had died, and they were going to turn off the (life support) machine.”
The Shapiros stood atop sweeping steps at a Versailles-like mansion to tell of the loss of a child, with another son, Grant, and urged guests to scoop up and pass out cards detailing overdose symptoms that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
His mother told of a son “born with absolutely everything,” including a disease called addiction they aim to bring out of the closet, and make as acceptable to talk about as heart disease and cancer, two killers that barely rank ahead of drugs and alcohol as killers.Â
“He was so beautiful and smart and funny, charismatic, sensitive, loving, and everybody who knew Brent knows what a huge heart he had,” she said, choking back tears. “He had this kind of magic that just attracted people. They were drawn to him. He touched people and made a a difference in their lives.”
Via tough love and rehab, the Shapiros and friends like comedian Tom Arnold thought they had a made a difference in Brent’s.
Only Arnold, a recovering addict and alcoholic, told the crowd how he hadn’t heard from Brent in several months, a red flag that the alcoholic may be returning to their cave of isolation.
That was going through his mind hours before he got the call that Brent was in the ER, he said.
Paris ate her salad smiling, but somber, then quietly left. I got to catch up with Gloria Allred and Lisa Bloom, rocking out with Mom and her boyfriend, marketing man Braden Pollock, inside Greene’s 24 car garage, converted into a disco for the evening.
“You know I don’t drink,” Gloria reminded me, though she did plead guilty to a longing glance at the desert buffet of ice cream and rich, hot chocolate sauces.
“They didn’t serve ANY alcohol?” one Hollywood celeb asked me later, incredulous. “I can’t believe anyone had any fun.”
But indeed they did, and no one got belligerent with the valet parkers, despite waiting more than an hour for their wheels.
Then they drove safely down the mountain.
Art Harris w/ Gloria Allred
photo, (c)www.artharris.com
May 26th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Art, one thing stood out to me and that was when a celeb said to you: “They didn’t serve any alcohol? I can’t believe anyone had any fun”. What on earth is wrong with people, that they can’t have fun unless they are plastered? I just will never understand that. People like that won’t even know if they are having fun or not, much less remember it. I wouldn’t want to be with anyone who is not in complete control of themselves. I can’t stand to be around anyone who has been drinking more than one or two drinks. I can’t stand drunks. There is nothing funny about them. They are disgusting. My husband used to drink a bit too much at times, and after putting up with it for 15 years, I finally told him he would have to choose between that or me. He chose me and we’ve been married 44 years. I should have given him the ultimatim much sooner, lol.
It always amazes me that people seem to think you can’t have fun if you don’t drink. Well, I don’t drink and I have a ball anywhere I go and have people around me laughing, and what’s more, I am in complete control of myself, except when I’m hysterically laughing myself,lol. And what’s more I know I’m having fun and can remember it afterward too, lol. I have a very good sense of humor. Maybe that’s what’s lacking in these people, and they have to drink to obtain one. The sad thing is, that they probably think then they are funny, but are too out of control to know they aren’t funny at all.
It really is sad that some people have to drink or do drugs to have fun. Very sad. If they only realized they could have real fun, without any of that.
Just think how much more safe our roads would be for everyone, if no one drank and then got behind the wheel of a car. That’s what really gets to me. No one has a right to drive when they’ve been drinking, but they do it anyway and kill innocent people.
You would think that after all the young people who have died either from drugs or alcohol or both, people would learn from that, but they don’t. If they only knew how much more rewarding it is to be sober and how much more fun they really could have, but it seems like they think they have to do that in order to have fun.
What is so hard about telling your friends that you don’t want to drink or do drugs that you can have a good time without it and maybe they should try it? And then part ways with those friends, if need be. They aren’t real friends anyway.
It’s just so sad. I’m so glad that Mr. Shapiro and his wife are trying to help others and I wish them every success. I think Hollywood must be a horrible place. These so-called celebrities are so out of control. I’m sure there are a few good ones, but there are far too many like those we see in the news almost everyday. I would never want to be near any of them. I have higher standards than that.
As I said one time on this site: the only difference between one kind of trash and another, is how much money some trash has. Take away the money and you have the same kind of trash. Another thing: it seems that Paris Hilton never learned common table manners. Money can’t buy manners. That is something that has to be taught and learned.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Sad for this young man and more sad for his parents.How many like this man had the same ending? to much! I don’t count the dead with alcool and drugs.Sad for society suppost to be at the top of evoltion!I don’t know when the peoples will learn we can have fun widouth alcool and drug.When I go out I am the driver.It is funny to see all coming drunk,I have more fun looking at them!!Loking at them coming completely gaga and sick the next morning.Where is the fun? Humor can bring so much fun and driving safely home widouth any fear for the day after is funny !! Life iso short to lose head!
May 27th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I would like to know,WHY? have none of the hollywood crowd,ever thought of going into the service,Myself I am sick to death of reading about the( red carpet),I do not care what and where they do it,it turns my stomach,when it takes a arm and leg to take the kids to the movies,not that any of them are worth it.ELVIS ,AND EDDIE FISHER,SO MANY MORE,from my generation,stood up for the country,not words,I have to change the channel,when worthless hilton comes on.THEY SURE ARE OVER PAID,THE REAL TALENT IS GONE.
May 27th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I am so heartened to hear so many are joining in the drug awareness programs and telling about OD’S and how to be aware of signs and that sometimes actions taken can help.It is a very sad day when so many of our young people think it will never happen to them untill it does and is too late.I am sure these types of programs will help stem the tide of Drug use and what happens when drugs are mixed or too much taken
May 27th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
ART, I ENJOY READING ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING YOU WRITE. THANKS, I ENJOYED READING ABOUT THE FUNDRAISER FOR THE BRENT SHAPRIO DRUG AWARENESS FOUNDATION.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:10 am
Joni….. As usual,I enjoyed your comments. That statement “They didn’t serve any alcohol? I can’t believe anyone had any fun” was noticed by me as well. I fear that is the attitude of too many in our society today. I hope Mr. Shapiro and his BEAUTIFUL wife find much comfort in helping others. I am so sorry for their loss and the pain they must endure daily.
Art, great photo’s of you with Mr. Shapiro and Ms. Allred.
May 28th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Forgive me, when I feel great emotional pain I usually try to say something funny.
I just notice he’s bald.
You know if I were a man, I think I’d like to be bald, too!
On a serious note, I’d like to remind everyone here about ‘peer pressure’ and even as old as I am I still ‘feel it.’
On a funny note, I bet Paris is even beautiful chewing with her mouth open.
Was she the one in that video I watched, you know the one, when she was over there, where ‘it’s’ legal?
Amsterdam (sp?) sure is a liberal place, yet somehow I think pot may be better than cigarettes or alcohol or a lot of other stuff…yet none of ‘it’s’ good…of course.
What about that ‘air’ you breath?
Reminds me of Leo on the Titantic.
Most important though, is that peer pressure, and growing up.
Love Always,
Freida
May 28th, 2008 at 5:41 am
I will tell you all something,WE had drug awareness in the 1950—and up.The whole problem has gotten a thousand, times worse.WHAT WE NEED,WHEN WE SPEAK OF AWARENESS IS,More parents taking a interest in there children,INSTEAD OF THERE OWN INTEREST,DO NOT MAKE THESE SPOILED BRATS IN HOLLYWOOD,SO ADMIRED,IF we can get the parents to grow up,maybe,the young adults,would have a change,DRUGS ARE EVERYWHERE,What is offered to the kids for entertainment.movies with killing,and filthy talk,shows with back stabbing,BOY,HAVE WE COME A LONG WAY BABY.when the young adults want to go out,where do they go,BAR ROOMS and drinking parties,the tv is always glamorizing,PARTY TIME
May 28th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Hollywood of the 1940’s had alot of great americans. Many A list stars joined and refused special treatment. The women worked very hard doing bond tours and USO shows. Onw actor told of visting a young man in the hospital and when he go up to leave the dr told him to sit ant say. It seems the youn man hadn’t talked to anyone since he got to the hospital in over a month. The actor than said “I was a familiar face but still a nobody. Could you imagine when Bob Hope went thur?” One actress (a singer/comedine) when she was done with her USO shows would go to the hospital and work carring for the men.
Many studios where upset because their top stars where working for the war. The famous german actress MD. had a death warrent out for her by the germans but not only did she do USO tours for the soldiers at the front but while doing a movie with an actor dressed like Hitler she got so upset she slapped him. I don’t think any group of actors can compare to the one’s durig wwII.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:19 am
That was really good. You have such a flair with words!
I never knew that Shipiro’s son had OD’d. How heartbreaking for them. Not an alumni anyone wants to join. 2 beers and half a pill. I’m sure Brent thought he could handle it.
Went to a small local gov. meeting the other day. On the agenda was a proposal for a new rehab facility. Grant money and donations were there. The option to serve more patients than before with more beds. The only stickler was it was in a residential neighborhood. Of course there was the mantra ‘not in my backyard’. Even tho they proclaimed that the program was good and needed. Many showed up in support of the program. I sat next to a girl, fresh out of the program. She was tweaking. She could not sit still but knew that the program had saved her life. The testomanials of those that had loved ones that went thru rehab or those themselves, were heartwrenching. From kids, Moms, respected individuals, all laid it on the line. “You want to see what an addict looks like? I am one”. They work next to you, shop at your favorite haunt, drive the same roads as you, sit in the classroom with you.
How unfortunate that tragedy brings the problem to the forefront for the Shipiro’s but maybe with their status, people will listen.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Forgot to add! The upgrade to the program passed!! More people will be helped!
May 28th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Sorry I didn’t spell check until after I sent. That’s the thing I hate about this post, you can’t go back an edit. And as you can see I’m not the best typist or speller. Again sorry.
May 28th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
We walked away with a pocket full of Save A Life, drug overdose prevention cards that alert people to symptoms of a drug or alcohol overdose.
It’s in today’s post. Pls take a moment to print them out and hand out to whomever you think may encounter a party or young people going wild.
–art
May 28th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Beverly, you are so right on!
May 28th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Very sad when you hear the whole story of their beloved son. My hearts breaks for any parent close who has such a loss. I like the idea of more and more talk about these addictions and how powerful they can be with our youth. The more we talk, the more we can make change.
My hubby does not drink either. He does not have to drink to have fun. My oldest son gave up everything over a year ago and doing great. But I still keep a very close eye out for him always.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Joni:
I just popped in here and decided to read these comments. I find it impressive that your husband chose you over booze. Good for you.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Thanks Isabel. At the time, I didn't really care which he chose, I just knew it was going to be one or the other, he wasn't going to have us both, lol. I was one of those people who thought I could change his habits, and I guess I did in the end. That was the only way to do it. It worked!
May 29th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Freida
I agree with you, peer pressure is a powerful thing!!
I see what it is doing to my son and his friends, and pray to God they will wisen up soon enough.
I had my days of experimenting and it was good and it was wild and by the grace of God I am still alive.
But not everyone is that lucky. My son’s friend (over in Africa) ran over and killed 2 little children a month ago, he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
My 16 year old niece and her friend was ran over and killed by an 18-year old drunk driver few years ago.
I think of the young American girl in Italy that apparently killed her roommate last year after a day of heavy smoking, not sure if it was marijuana.
ONe thing I have seen is that even if people have ALL THE INFORMATION, it does not always change behaviour.
With all the information on the dangers of cigarette smoking, I am still amazed that everybody around me is still smoking like their lives depend on it.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
They lost their son shortly after that ‘trial’ didn’t they?
Did their son not understand?
This is bold, but I was thinking about how hard it must be to be an attorney.
Guess, it has more to do with sacrifice and forgiveness, and ethics than a lot of us are comfortable with.
I personally don’t think a career is worth it, but maybe something else is. Maybe there’s some special integrity, or strength, or guts, or more.
I know they must miss their son, and I know like most parents they must feel some guilt.
Hope is a good thing, I hope OJ was not protected and guilty.
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 am
Joy, that is so horrible what happened to your niece, her friend, and those two little children. It just makes me so furious when people get behind the wheel of a car after they’ve been drinking. That is just something I can’t abide by. I’ve never been tempted to smoke or drink and drugs were never around my neck of the woods back then, but I know I would never have been tempted to do drugs either. At a young age, I was so scared of anyone who drank too much and I don’t know if that helped in some way or not. I’m still scared of people who are out of control of themselves because you never know what they may do.
I’ve never been around anyone who was on drugs and hope never to be around anyone who is on them. I’m sure that would scare me. I’ve heard other people who have had so much trouble with their kids from drugs and alcohol and I feel so lucky not to have had to go through that with mine. So very lucky.
Joy, I will pray for your son and his friends.
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Thanks Joni.
I thought what happened to his friend would make him think, but no, they go on partying. He is a good kid, though, and I just hope the experimenting will soon loose its appeal.
June 13th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Dear Art,
What does Shapiro have to do with the military?
Call me naive, but really I just haven’t read enough.
It was sad to hear about Russert today, even though I know he’s in a better place.
July 7th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Greetings:
This evening was a magical event, and in reflection of a life torn apart by an unforeseeable addiction. The love generated at this event I will never forget. The table I was seated at included one of Brent’s closest frineds and many of the Shapario’s longtime friends of 20 years or more. Iwas blessed to atend this event and lsiten to Bob and Linel speak of their love for their son and Grant, his brother spoke lovingly abut his brother. I was moved and touched like I have never been moved and touched before. I cried when I walked across the red carpet and saw in the foyer large photogrpahs in rememberence of Brent Shapiro. Brent was larger than life, a full life taken much too soon. Bob and Linell’s cartoon and speech of their fondest of memories of Brent moved me to tears, and when I think about their speech, and I often do, I still cry. We ALL will never forget him, his life and his love of his family and life. When Linell stated “I loved him every day of his life for he was my son!” Rings true for all of us who have lost someone to them affliction.
Love and Affection, Mz. Tracy Green, Beverly Hills, CA
July 21st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Thank you, Art, for covering the 2008 Sober Night in Hollywood honoring Brent Shapiro. It was written beautifully and touched me in many ways. I’m sure you remember me as John Coggins’ mother – John was very close to your son and I am still heartbroken and continue to grieve deeply over John’s death from a drug overdose on October 24, 2005 – at age 17 1/2. John took ONE pill (100 mg morphine stolen from a relative’s prescription pill bottle) the night he died – he had not been drinking, he had no other drugs in his system and he’d been sober for five months. I live in Los Angeles now because I wanted to leave Georgia and the painful memories behind – at least for a while – in my search for recovery and healing from losing John. The Foundation the Shapiros have created for their son is so inspirational and gives me much hope that one day I can also stand and tell John’s story, and bring others to greater awareness of the devastation and destruction of addiction.
November 21st, 2008 at 9:55 pm
It’s greater than addiction it’s loss of faith in one’s self that they make no difference and are no good, and that their life is not worth living because nobody cares.
But Obama is gonna change “All That’ right? …amd make this world a better place…
Bah Humbug…
And Al Gore demonstrated, what was that a ‘football strategy’ a defensive line?
Meanwhile, guess he’s still guzzling fuel with his jets and mansions, just like the rest of those Democrats.
Not to mention Repulicans, too!!!
But really what has Al done?
Reminds me of OJ’s side-kick.
That’s pretty awful, isn’t it?
May 13th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Hi im Isabel from los angeles, ca. i fell the pain in every ones letters i aiso had a brother jo jo who was a addicit . it is sad, to loose a love one to a diease that we didnt know they had . i hope everyone that read yourblog finds the help we all need to get our life back on track like i did . I thank the people in my life who care enought for me ,to seek help. Yes! WE CAN HAVE FUN WITH OUT DRUGS AND DRINKING… GOD. BLESS EVERYONE AT THE Sober night in Hollywood Honoring “brent shapiro” tRULY iSABEL…