You might not recognize Lisa Robin Kelly’s name, but if you’re a fan of That ’70s Show, you’d certainly recognize her. The beautiful blonde actor is best known for playing Laurie Forman. During her rise to fame, she had all the opportunities in front of her. Unfortunately, she’s now one of the most well-known stories about substance abuse consequences.

Lisa Robin Kelly’s Rise to Fame

Lisa Robin earned a bachelor of fine arts in acting from The Theatre School at Depaul University. Her break into acting came in 1993 when she appeared on an episode of Married… with Children. After that, she appeared in several television shows, including Silk Stalkings, X-Files and Charmed. Lisa Robin was also in a few direct-to-video and television films, including Jawbreaker, Amityville Dollhouse and Late Last Night.

It wasn’t until she landed her permanent role as Laurie Forman, Eric Forman’s sister, on That ’70s Show that she “made it.” The show was incredibly popular and could have been Lisa Robin’s chance to boost her career to the next level. Other actors on the show, such as Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace, went on to see tremendous success.

Unfortunately, Lisa Robin abruptly left the show halfway through season three. The explanation in the show was that her character, Laurie Forman, was attending beauty school. The actress was able to return two seasons later, but her stint was short-lived. Season five was her last time acting on the show.

Struggle and Tragedy: Substance Abuse Consequences

Often, an actor leaves a show due to challenges with the director, writers or other actors. This wasn’t the case with Lisa Robin. She later publicly admitted that she had to leave due to her addiction issues.

Her life began to unravel while she was on the show. In 2010, Lisa Robin was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Her mug shot was splashed across tabloid headlines. She pleaded guilty and served 12 months probation.

In reflecting on this time, she shared, “I had lost a baby. As a result of that, I lost it. I lost everything, and I was abusing alcohol.”

She left the show and took a break before coming back. Sadly, her return and attempt to regain control wouldn’t last. Her return to the hit television show only lasted a few episodes in season five before another actress replaced her.

Lisa Robin recalls the experience, saying, “With That ’70s Show, I was guilty of a drinking problem. And I ran.”

In March 2012, Lisa Robin made headlines again. This time, she was arrested for domestic violence against her ex-boyfriend, John Michas. Her shocking appearance in her mug shot made people speculate that she was struggling with drug abuse. But the actress denied using substances and the domestic abuse charges, saying she was the victim.

“Absolutely not,” she said. “There is nothing I was on or abusing at the time.”

When asked in a 2012 interview about her drug issues, the actress shared that she was 3 months sober and turning her life around. “I am not running from this,” she stated. “I have paid my dues, and if I can make it through this, I can make it through anything.”

However, just a few months later, there was another arrest. In November 2012, police were called to Lisa Robin’s home for a domestic dispute. The actress and her husband, Robert Joseph Gilliam, were arrested for assault. Later, Lisa Robin filed a restraining order against Gilliam and divorced him.

Fast-forward a few months to June 2013 and the actress was in trouble with the law once again. Police responded to complaints about a parked car on Interstate 5. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Lisa Robin. She failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for a suspected DUI.

Lisa Robin needed help, and she knew it. She voluntarily checked herself into a rehab treatment facility in California in August 2013. Sadly, just a few days into her stay, she died in her sleep. An autopsy revealed that her death was an accidental overdose of multiple drugs. She was only 43 years old.

Her manager, Craig Wyckoff, released a statement to the press, saying, “Lisa had voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility early this week where she was battling the addiction problems that have plagued her these past few years. I spoke to her on Monday, and she was hopeful and confident, looking forward to putting this part of her life behind her. Last night, she lost the battle.”

Remembering Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin’s death was heavily reported. It felt like her demise happened in front of everyone’s eyes. The beautiful bombshell went from fame and success on a hit television show to nonstop mug shots in the press to her accidental fatal overdose.

She’s one of many examples of addiction in celebrities. Her story highlights that addiction can happen to anyone, no matter how rich and successful they may be.

What We Can Learn From This Tragedy

Lisa Robin didn’t hold back from sharing her struggles with the public. The trauma of losing a child took a toll on her mental health, and she turned to substances to cope. The actress tried to get better several times, and there were periods when it seemed her life was turning around. While she only ever talked publicly about a drinking problem, her drug overdose highlights how easily one substance addiction can lead to another.

It’s important to learn from Lisa Robin’s case. Overdose awareness is essential for anyone who’s personally struggling with addiction or knows someone who is. Substance addiction is all-encompassing and incredibly dangerous. In the United States, drug overdose deaths have continued to rise over the last several decades, and drug overdoses are one of the leading causes of death by injury. In 2023, there were 105,007 drug overdose fatalities.

Lisa Robin tried to get help. Perhaps if she’d tried a little earlier, things would have been different. No one can know. However, seeking help is the most critical step.

A professional rehab treatment center can give individuals the tools, resources and support they need to get better. Addiction is an illness, but recovery is possible.

Addiction Help at Sunlight Recovery

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider reaching out to Sunlight Recovery. As a first-class addiction and mental health treatment center, Sunlight Recovery has helped hundreds of people change their lives. Our highly experienced and licensed clinical and medical professionals can guide you to a better tomorrow. Contact us today to learn more.