Susan Tyrrell was a talented and eccentric actress who earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Oma, a cynical alcoholic, in John Huston’s Fat City (1972). She also appeared in many cult movies, such as Andy Warhol’s Bad (1977), Forbidden Zone (1980), and Cry-Baby (1990). However, her life was not easy, and she faced many challenges and tragedies, including a rare blood disease that eventually claimed her life. Here is the story of how susan tyrrell cause of death was related to her medical condition.
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What is Essential Thrombocytosis?
Essential thrombocytosis (ET) is a disorder that causes the body to produce too many platelets, which are blood cells that help with clotting. Normally, platelets prevent excessive bleeding when there is an injury or a wound. However, when there are too many platelets, they can stick together and form clots in the blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood and oxygen to vital organs. This can lead to serious complications, such as stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or gangrene
According to Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of ET is unknown, but it may be related to genetic mutations in certain genes that regulate the growth and development of blood cells. ET is more common in older adults and women, and it may not cause any symptoms in some cases. However, some people may experience headaches, dizziness, chest pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, or vision problems
How Did Susan Tyrrell Get ET?
Susan Tyrrell was diagnosed with ET in 2000, when she was 55 years old. She did not reveal how she discovered her condition, but she said that she had been feeling unwell for a long time. She told The Austin Chronicle in 2002: “I had been sick for years and years and years … I had no energy. I couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs without stopping to catch my breath.”
She also said that she had been taking medication to lower her platelet count, but it did not work well for her. She said: “I was on this drug called Hydrea … It’s a form of chemotherapy. It’s supposed to lower your platelet count. But it didn’t do anything for me. It just made me sicker.”
How Did Susan Tyrrell Lose Her Legs?
In April 2000, Susan Tyrrell suffered a near-fatal complication from ET. She developed multiple blood clots in her legs, which cut off the circulation and caused tissue damage. She had to undergo emergency surgery to amputate both of her legs below the knee. She said: “They told me I had 24 hours to live … They said they had to cut off my legs or I would die.”
She survived the operation, but she faced a long and difficult recovery process. She had to use a wheelchair and prosthetic legs, and she endured chronic pain and depression. She said: “It was horrible … It was like being in hell … I wanted to die.”
However, she also showed remarkable resilience and courage. She continued to work as an actress, painter, and writer, despite her physical limitations. She said: “I’m not going to let this stop me … I’m still alive … I still have something to say.”
How Did Susan Tyrrell Die?
Susan Tyrrell died on June 16, 2012, at the age of 67, in Austin, Texas. The exact cause of her death was not disclosed, but it was likely related to her ET or its complications. She had been living in Austin since 2008, where she had moved to be closer to her friends and fans. She said: “I love Austin … It’s a very friendly place … People here are very supportive of me.”
She left behind a legacy of memorable performances and artistic creations that reflected her unique personality and vision. She was praised by critics and colleagues for her fearless and unconventional approach to acting. She said: “I don’t care about being a star … I just want to be an artist … I want to do things that are different and challenging and interesting.”
She also inspired many people with her determination and optimism in the face of adversity. She said: “I don’t regret anything … I’m glad I lived … I’m glad I did everything I did.”
