Lori Martin was a child actress who rose to fame in the 1960s with her roles in the TV series National Velvet and the film Cape Fear. She had a promising career ahead of her, but her life took a dark turn in the later years. She struggled with mental illness, drug abuse, and personal losses, until she finally ended her life with a gunshot wound in 2010. What led to her tragic demise? How did she cope with the challenges of being a former child star? This article will explore the life and death of Lori Martin, and the factors that contributed to her suicide.
Early Career and Success
Lori Martin was born Dawn Catherine Menzer in Glendale, California, on April 18, 1947. She had a fraternal twin sister, Doree, and two other siblings. Her father was an art director for MGM and Warner Brothers, and her mother encouraged her to pursue acting as a child. She was a natural talent, and soon landed roles in commercials and films. She made her film debut in Machine-Gun Kelly (1958), followed by The FBI Story (1959) and Cash McCall (1959).
Her breakthrough came when she was cast as the title character of the NBC drama series National Velvet (1960-1962), based on the novel by Enid Bagnold and the film starring Elizabeth Taylor. The show followed the adventures of a young girl who owned a horse named King. Lori Martin played Velvet Brown with charm and enthusiasm, and became a popular teen idol. She also recorded an album of songs from the show, titled Velvet.
In 1962, she starred in one of her most memorable roles, as Nancy Bowden, the daughter of Gregory Peck’s character in the thriller Cape Fear. She played a key role in the plot, as she was stalked and threatened by a vengeful ex-convict, played by Robert Mitchum. The film was a critical and commercial success, and earned Martin praise for her performance.
Decline and Struggle
After Cape Fear, Lori Martin’s career began to decline. She appeared in a few more films and TV shows, such as The Chase (1966), The Virginian (1967), My Three Sons (1968), and Family Affair (1970), but none of them matched her earlier success. She also faced competition from other young actresses, such as Patty Duke, Hayley Mills, and Sandra Dee.
She also had difficulties in her personal life. She married Charles Breitenbucher, a former actor turned real estate agent, in 1970. They had a son, Casey, in 1974. However, their marriage was troubled by financial problems, infidelity, and domestic violence. They divorced in 1984.
Lori Martin also developed mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. She suffered from mood swings, paranoia, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. She also became addicted to drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. She tried to get help from various therapists and rehab centers, but none of them worked for her.
She lived in isolation and poverty for most of her later years. She moved from place to place, staying with friends or relatives, or living in motels or shelters. She lost contact with most of her family and friends, except for her son Casey, who tried to support her emotionally and financially.
Suicide and Legacy
Lori Martin died on April 4, 2010, in Oakhurst, California, two weeks before her 63rd birthday. Her cause of death was suicide by gunshot wound to the head. She left behind a note that said: “I’m sorry. I love you all.”
She was cremated and her ashes were scattered by her son Casey at an undisclosed location.
Lori Martin’s death was mourned by many fans and colleagues who remembered her as a talented and beautiful actress who had a bright future ahead of her. Her films and TV shows are still enjoyed by many viewers today.
She also left behind a legacy of raising awareness about the challenges faced by former child stars who struggle to cope with fame, fame loss, adulthood, and mental illness. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring actors who dream of stardom.
Lori Martin’s cause of death was tragic and preventable. She deserved better treatment and support from the society that once adored her. She deserved to live a happy and fulfilling life.
