Andy Warhol died on February 22nd 1987, of a mysterious illness, despite friends and family claiming he led a healthy and happy life. The renowned pop-artist passed away in a New York hospital at the height of his fame, at just 58 years old. Now, REELZ new docuseries, Autopsy: Andy Warhol, hopes to uncover the truth behind the brilliant mind’s debilitating condition.
“I was always under the impression my uncle was extremely healthy,” said Warhol’s nephew, James Warhola, in the show teaser.
“He took great care of himself and he was one of the strongest people I’ve ever met,” added a pal. “He once gave me a big bear hug, and his arms felt like wood, and his back felt like steel — quite remarkable.”
Despite the fact that most family members and pals of Warhol believed him to be the epitome of health, close friend Stuart Pivar confessed that the artist carried around pain killers and took them when no one was around.
“He had a small medicine bottle and when no one was looking he would take a couple of drops,” said Pivar in the clip.
Autopsy’s Dr. Michael Hunter discovered that said bottle was filled with the painkiller Demerol, a strong opioid usually prescribed only in hospitals.
Something must have been causing Andy Warhold serious discomfort, for him to take such regular and high doses of the strong medicine.
Autopsy: Andy Warhol airs Sunday, March 25 at 8:00 ET / PT on REELZ.
