Who would you pick as a famous example for wasting his talent?

Question

For educational purposes... Sportsmen, artists, entertainers - anyone.

Answer 1

Sportsmen.... Gaza Gascoigne and George Best. Maradon became a coke addict.

In politics: probably Michael Portillo, who is a talented figure, but lacks some kind of centre. I believe that Tony Benn is often cited, though quite why, is another matter. Likewise Denis Healey and Jonothan Aitken...whose fall from grace is like some sort of Greek Myth.

In painting: I think the worst wasted talent is de Chirico , whose post meaphysical period work is a disgrace.

In music...David Bowie...the decline in his work since the mid seventies is incredible. Likewise, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

Alchohol seems to take quite a toll, as do the vagaries of fashion. As does suicide. So one might list all the famous suicides of rock:

Cobain, Hendrix, Curtis, Morisson, Joplin (?)

or literature...

Kafka...Rimbau...there are lots more but I can't remember them

Answer 2

Speak for yourself. I've not read Sarah Palin's books. I do read fiction though - sometimes because my life has been like a soap opera and I need the reassurance that there are others in my position. I actually read everything in print - I read Shakespeare by the time I was 12. Oh wait, that was fiction, too. What about Dan Brown - are you going to tell me that isn't fiction? Because it is a pile of nonsense. If you judge character by what that person reads, I'm pretty well balanced. I pick and mix. You, on the other hand, if you only read non fiction, come across as pretty judgemental.

Answer 3

honestly, i think the question is a contradiction in itself. if someone became famous, his/her efforts were not wasted because it made it into the world and is therefore able to influence and thrive, no matter how small (or cut short) the contribution is, its existence is undeniable. want a real waste of talent? me. who knows me? no one. who and what am i affecting with my brilliant art? no one, nothing. THAT is a waste. all the above mentioned people definately have something to show for themselves.

Answer 4

Elvis Presley certainly did that. He was the number 1 performer in the world and he threw it all away for drugs. Whitney Houston did the same thing.

Answer 5

Macaulay Culkin??
Obvious reasons....

Answer 6

Jimi Hendrix and any other artist who killed themselves with drugs.

Answer 7

john belushi- he was such a funny actor/comedian before he started doin speedballs of heroin and cocaine before his tragic overdose/death

Answer 8

Hitler