Born: May 3, 1937 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Died: March, 1968 in New York, New York
Bobby Driscoll first appeared on screen in Lost Angel in 1944. Almost from the beginning, his Great Talent and screen presence was evident. He was the first child actor put under an exclusive contract to Disney, and he is known for such memorable performances as Johnny in "Song of the South, Jim Hawkins in Disney's Treasure Island (for which he received his star on the "Walk of Fame", and Tommy in "The Window" (for which he received a special Oscar).
The time came, however, when Bobby was dropped by the Disney studios. Despite his memorable performances, he found himself unable to get work. This was an eventuality that Bobby was not ready to deal with; he was unable to adjust to the loss of the fame that he had always taken for granted.
Bobby moved to New York to try stage work and turned to alcohol and drugs. At one point, he was reported to have told Jackie Cooper that he just wanted to prove to the world that he really was a legitimate actor. He just wanted to be remembered. The reality, of course, is that this young man didn't need to prove anything. His talent had been demonstrated to the world many times.
Even being remembered was to be denied him, however. In March, 1968, he was found dead in a tenement building in New York. No one knew who he was, and he was buried as a John Doe in a pauper's grave. This talented young man died completely alone and without friends.
It was a year later, due to a chance checking of fingerprints, that it was discovered that the John Doe they had buried was actually Bobby Driscoll.
Bobby's was an extreme case, but it is not the only case of its type. It must be realized that fame, especially early fame, can be psychologically addictive. The Industry needs to recognize this danger with children.
I urge SAG: start preparing the kids early with the knowledge that the fame may not last forever. Establish industry programs to support these children when / if their careers end.
I applaud such organizations as "A Minor Consideration" which stands ready at any time to assist and counsel children who have known early fame.
And to those in the public: When a favorite of yours has his / her career fade, consider writing them a note telling them that you haven't forgotten. This single act may mean much more than you realize.
A Minor Consideration
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For more information, contact Michael Satterwhite
Michael is a Houston, TX magician who performs birthday parties and other events"