A new study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health finds that fame markedly increases mortality risk for soloists and lead singers active from 1950 to 1990, even after accounting for band membership, suggesting fame itself is linked to shorter life expectancy.

Researchers identify potential mechanisms behind the link, including intense public scrutiny, loss of privacy, performance pressure, and the normalization of alcohol and drug use, with temperament and childhood experiences possibly predisposing individuals toward seeking fame.

The study estimates fame may shorten a celebrity’s life by about 4.6 years, based on the observed associations in the sample.

Limitations include a Western, predominantly white male sample and the question of whether findings generalize beyond Western populations.

Promotional or incidental references to the OutKick store and science category are noted but do not alter the main narrative of the study’s conclusions.

The article carries a skeptical, lightly humorous tone about the findings, joking about expanding the sample and treating the results as intuitive or obvious.

An anecdotal aside mentions Raymond Gager, a 94-year-old US bus driver cited as Guinness World Records’ oldest bus driver, illustrating longevity despite demanding schedules but unrelated to the main study.

The piece concludes with practical health messages, noting that simple habits like a 15-minute walk or regular sleep can support well-being, and stresses balancing career demands with personal health for musicians.

Potential mitigations include regular breaks from touring, reconnecting with family and friends, and critically evaluating lifestyle, though the challenges of fame can be hard to manage by artists alone.

Limitations also include observational design and a sample limited to singers, raising questions about generalizability to other fame domains or regions.

Other researchers warn fame can be isolating due to social media-driven competition and call for better working conditions in the music industry, noting that fame presents unique challenges not easily solved by rehab.

The study notes a gender skew in the sample, with about 83.5% male and 16.5% female, and calls for targeted interventions to mitigate fame-related health impacts.