IL : TV presenter hangs himself in jail after career fails

[General Lighting]

just like a real life darker version of a Alan Partridge episode - I always thought fame was as addictive a drug as heroin..

Israel's former top TV entertainer has hanged himself in jail - bringing a dramatic end to a saga of faded stardom and violence.

Dudu Topaz, 62, was known in the past as "the king of TV ratings".

He had hosted a variety show so popular that homes across the country went dark after he told viewers they should turn off their lights because flying saucers were about to appear.

But Topaz, an actor-comedian, was stripped of his prime time slot five years ago when his ratings slumped.

He pitched ideas for a comeback to two television executives and an agent last year. But, when they turned him down, he hired thugs who beat them up.Israel's 'King Of TV' Hangs Himself In Jail - Yahoo! News UK (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090820/twl-israel-s-king-of-tv-hangs-himself-in-3fd0ae9.html)

[p0ly]

how sad =(

[General Lighting]

you'd think though a man of his age would have pensions, investments, an agent who could sort out other work for him. he can also make his money doing stuff like voiceovers etc.... look at some of the old farts what are on our idiot box today, they have ups and downs in their careers but stay in the business... or if the fame runs out they just accept it and enjoy retirement..

man's been in the industry for years and I know its a bit of a sterotype but Jewish media workers tend not to live spartan lives even after they aren't getting regular work..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dudu_Topaz