Veronica Lake – 1922-1973

Film Noir Actress

Age of Diagnosis: During Childhood

Individual History: Veronica Lake was a famous film noir actress in the 1940’s and was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a child.

She was known for some dramatic and even violent outbursts in adulthood. Lake won acclaim for her role in Sullivan’s Travels and for her femme fatale roles in film noirs with Alan Ladd. She was also well known for her “peek-a-boo” hairstyle. By the late 1940’s, Lake’s career began to decline largely due to her struggles with mental illness and alcoholism. She made only one film in the 1950s but appeared in several guest-starring roles on television. She returned to the screen in 1966 with a role in the film Footsteps In the Snow, but the role did not revitalize her career. Lake died in July 1973 from hepatitis and acute kidney injury at the age of 50.

You can watch on amazon some of her movies (check the links below).  I get a commission for qualifying purchases.