#8 – Amanda Blake
The only female on our list, Amanda Blake was a member of one of the longest running television shows, Gunsmoke. Cast as the fiery redhead, Miss Kitty Russell, on America’s favorite western, Blake also appeared in shows such as The Love Boat, Hart to Hart and The New Dragnet.
Though many knew that Blake’s cigarette habit had led to her 1977 diagnosis of oral cancer, few knew that she also had AIDS. Many assumed from the reports by her doctor, family and friends that cancer claimed her life on August 16, 1989. However, Blake’s death certificate told an entirely different story as it reported that she passed away due to CMV hepatitis, an AIDS related illness. It was finally confirmed by Blake’s family that she had contracted HIV from her fourth husband, Mark Spaeth, who died in 1985.
#7 – Holly Johnson
As new wave music reached the height of its popularity in the 1980s, one of the many bands that jumped on board was Frankie Goes to Hollywood, which was led by Holly Johnson.
Known as an English artist, musician and writer, Johnson and his band achieved huge success with hit songs including “The Power of Love” and “Relax”.
By the early 1990s, Johnson had debuted as a solo artist just as the popularity of Frankie began to wane. At the same time, in November 1991, he was diagnosed as HIV positive. Because of the series of unfortunate events, Johnson took a break from music to live a more private life while managing the virus. Now, after more than two decades, the 55-year-old Johnson has given up smoking and drinking in exchange for vitamins and medications, which has obviously served him well.
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