David Strickland was a promising actor who starred as the boyish rock music reporter Todd Stites in the NBC sitcom Suddenly Susan. He had a bright future ahead of him, but he also struggled with bipolar disorder and substance abuse. On March 22, 1999, he took his own life in a motel room in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was only 29 years old. What led him to this tragic end? How did his family, friends, and co-stars cope with his loss? And what can we learn from his story?
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The Early Life and Career of David Strickland
David Gordon Strickland, Jr. was born on October 14, 1969, in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York. His parents, David Gordon Sr. and Karen, both worked as executives. Strickland moved with his family to Princeton, New Jersey, and later to Los Angeles, where he pursued his acting career. He guest starred in several TV shows, such as Dave’s World, Roseanne, Mad About You, and Sister, Sister, until he landed his role on Suddenly Susan in 1996. He played Todd Stites, a witty and sarcastic rock critic who worked with Susan Keane (Brooke Shields), a magazine writer who had left her fiancé at the altar. The show was a hit, and Strickland became a popular and beloved actor.
The Hidden Struggle of David Strickland
Despite his success and fame, Strickland was suffering from a mental illness that he kept hidden from most people. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that causes extreme mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. He was prescribed lithium, a medication that helps stabilize the mood, but he often stopped taking it, either because he felt better or because he wanted to experience the highs. He also had a long and troubled history of drug and alcohol abuse, which worsened his condition. He had attempted suicide in 1998, but survived. He was arrested for cocaine possession in November 1998, and pleaded no contest. He was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered into drug rehabilitation. He was due in court for a progress report on the day of his death.
The Final Days of David Strickland
On March 20, 1999, Strickland and comedian Andy Dick flew from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and spent three days partying in strip clubs. According to People.com, Strickland had gone off his lithium medication before living his final days in a suicidal haze of booze, drugs and sex. He checked into a motel, called the Oasis, which was known for its adult entertainment. He spent time with a prostitute, consumed six bottles of beer, and then hanged himself with a bed sheet over the ceiling beam. He died during the morning hours of March 22, 1999. His body was discovered by a private investigator hired by his friend and co-star Brooke Shields, who was worried about him when he missed his court appearance. Evidence of drug use was found in his room. The Clark County Coroner concluded that Strickland’s body bore the marks of a previous suicide attempt.
The Aftermath of David Strickland’s Death
Strickland’s death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and fans. His parents, who were divorced, issued a joint statement saying, “We are devastated by the loss of our son. He was a wonderful person who brought joy and laughter to everyone he touched. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.” His co-stars on Suddenly Susan also expressed their grief and condolences. Shields said, “There’s rarely a minute in any day that I don’t have him in my mind.” Nestor Carbonell, who played Luis Rivera, said, “He was a very sweet, gentle soul who had a tremendous sense of humor and a beautiful smile.” Judd Nelson, who played Jack Richmond, said, “He was a good friend and a good man. He was one of the funniest people I ever met.”
The writers of Suddenly Susan decided to deal with Strickland’s death directly by killing off his character, Todd Stites, in the show’s third season finale, “A Day in a Life”. The episode showed Todd’s co-workers searching for him after he failed to show up at work, and learning about his good deeds and kindness. The episode ended with the police calling Jack to inform him of Todd’s death, leaving the details ambiguous. The episode also featured confessional-style monologues delivered directly into the camera by the cast members, sharing their memories and feelings about Strickland.
The Lessons from David Strickland’s Story
Strickland’s story is a tragic reminder of the seriousness and complexity of mental illness and substance abuse. It also raises awareness and questions about how to help and support people who are suffering from these conditions. How can we recognize the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder and addiction? How can we encourage and assist people to seek and stick to professional treatment and medication? How can we create a safe and supportive environment for people to open up and share their struggles and emotions? How can we prevent and intervene in suicidal crises? These are some of the questions that we need to ask ourselves and each other, and find the answers and solutions together. Strickland’s story also teaches us to appreciate and cherish the people in our lives, and to celebrate their talents and contributions. He was a talented and funny actor who made millions of people laugh and smile. He was also a generous and caring person who touched many lives with his kindness. He may be gone, but he is not forgotten. He lives on in our hearts and memories.
