Jack Wild made his acting debut as Dodger in the musical “Oliver!” in England in 1968. He was 16 at the time and was already nominated for an Oscar for that role. His stature in the industry at the time sent him to the US for a role in the kids’ show “H.R. Pufnstuf” — a role which paid him $1 million!
Success took its toll on Wild, who smoked and drank regularly. At 24 years old, the problem became so severe he could no longer act. After an extensive rehab process, he regained enough strength for short on-screen performances. He passed away in 2006 after battling aggressive cancer.
Mark Lester (1960s-1970s)
Mark Lester made a name for himself playing the title role in the musical film "Oliver!" in 1968. And it is safe to say that he will forever be remembered for that iconic role, and for asking for more porridge in the cutest way imaginable. He was quickly showered with other acting suggestions, including in European cinema, making him an international star.
Lester had a tough time dealing with his success. At 18 years old, he became reckless with his money and descended into substance abuse. A year later, he decided to retire from acting. He trained in martial arts and became a certified osteopath.
Scott Baio (1970s-1980s)
You're likely to remember Baio from "Happy Days," but he was also one of the title characters on the spin-off "Joanie Loves Chachi." He also had the lead role in "Charles in Charge." He went on to have other cinematic roles in films like "Baby Talk," "Perry Mason and the Case of the Fatal Fashion," and "Very Mean Men."
Baio is not only an actor but also a philanthropist — when his daughter Bailey has been diagnosed with a couple of severe health problems; he founded the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation to provide financial aid to families in similar situations.
Luke Halpin (1960s)
Animal-based movies and TV shows like "Flipper" were incredibly trendy back in the 1960s. We don't know why exactly - they just were. And then "Jaws" came along in the '70s - but we digress. The franchise "Flipper" was maybe named after the dolphin, but Luke Halpin was definitely the star playing the role of Sandy Ricks.
Halpin stuck with the character for the rest of the franchise as well as the TV show. He kept acting until shifting into stuntwork in the 1980s. Now well into his 70s, Halpin and his wife live in Florida. Unfortunately, he is battling both stage five neck and head cancer (in remission) and Alzheimer’s disease.
Annette Funicello (1950s)
We all know that stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera started out in the Mickey Mouse Club, but the show has been creating stars long before those two icons were even a thought in the world. In fact, this is how '50s teen star Annette Funicello got her claim to fame.
Funicello was adored by the fans and by Walt himself, who gave her the role of Anita Cabrillo in "Zorro," the TV show. By the 1980s, Funicello had a well-established career as an actress and musician, but it came to an abrupt end when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In 2013, Funicello passed away.