Troy Donahue was a celebrated actor and singer during the 1950s and 1960s, recognized for his striking good looks that captured the hearts of many. Despite his fame, the pressures of stardom and constant attention from fans cast a long shadow over his life. His journey was filled with highs and lows, culminating in an unexpected and touching turn of events.
Whenever I hear the song “Theme from A Summer Place,” I’m reminded of Troy Donahue. It brings back memories of watching the movie as a child, marveling at his charm and stunning appearance. For many during that era, Donahue embodied the quintessential American heartthrob. With his blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and undeniable handsomeness, he became a favorite among young girls and a symbol of Hollywood glamour.
Although his time as a major Hollywood star was relatively short, Troy Donahue’s name continues to resonate with those who lived through his heyday. Even today, he is remembered fondly by fans of classic cinema.
Born in New York City as Merle Johnson, Donahue was inspired by his mother, a stage actress, to pursue a career in acting. From a young age, he was surrounded by the vibrant world of Broadway and theater. In a 1984 interview, he recalled fond memories of sitting with legendary actress Gertrude Lawrence as she reviewed critiques of her performance in The King and I. His passion for performance was evident, though he initially pursued journalism at Columbia University. However, his love for acting remained steadfast, and he performed in stock productions before breaking into film.
When he began his screen career, Merle Johnson adopted the name Troy Donahue at the suggestion of his agent and studio executives. “They were initially inspired by Paris, the lover of Helen of Troy,” he explained. “But they thought ‘Paris Donahue’ wouldn’t work because of the association with Paris, France, and Paris, Illinois.”
Donahue’s film debut came in Man Afraid, but his career truly took off in 1959 with A Summer Place, a movie that propelled him to stardom. Known for portraying charming, wholesome characters alongside beautiful leading ladies, Donahue quickly became a teen idol. However, his fame came with financial struggles. Despite living the lifestyle of a Hollywood star, he admitted, “I wasn’t making the money to match it. I spent way too much and got myself into trouble.”
In the late 1950s, Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee were a beloved on-screen couple. Off-screen, his personal life was tumultuous, marked by four marriages and subsequent divorces. His wives included Suzanne Pleshette, Valerie Allen, Alma Sharpe, and Vicky Taylor. As his relationships unraveled, he developed harmful habits that derailed both his career and personal life.
By the late 1960s, Donahue’s life had spiraled out of control. He openly admitted to struggling with substance abuse, sharing, “I was loaded all the time. I’d wake up at 6:30 in the morning, take three aspirins mixed with codeine, drink half a pint of vodka, and do four lines of cocaine.” Despite these struggles, Donahue maintained that his addictions never affected his professionalism on set. He traced his drinking habits back to his teenage years, when he began drinking in seventh grade while preparing for a test. Over time, what began as a coping mechanism became a destructive addiction.
At one point, Donahue’s circumstances were so dire that he reportedly lived in the bushes of Central Park, carrying his belongings in a backpack. His substance abuse continued until his fourth marriage ended. In May 1982, he sought professional help and achieved sobriety. Reflecting on his journey, Donahue said, “I see my sobriety as something amazing. I take it one day at a time. The urge to stay sober has grown as strong as the urge to drink once was. I feel really lucky.”
Shortly after embracing sobriety, Donahue experienced a life-changing moment. During a chance encounter with an old girlfriend in Los Angeles, she introduced him to her 13-year-old son, Sean, revealing that Sean was his child. Donahue instantly recognized himself in the boy, both in appearance and mannerisms. This unexpected revelation gave him a renewed sense of purpose.
Father and son quickly formed a close bond. Sean’s mother did not seek child support, and they arranged a visitation schedule so Sean could spend time with his father. For Donahue, reconnecting with Sean was an opportunity to make up for lost time, as his previous struggles had kept him from being present as a father.
Despite rebuilding his personal life, Donahue’s acting career never returned to its former glory. By the 1980s and 1990s, he was primarily cast in low-budget films such as Cry-Baby, Bad Blood, and Assault of the Party Nerds. Nevertheless, he embraced these roles, believing they reflected his enduring talent. “I wasn’t worried about shifting to B-films,” he said in a 1998 interview. “I know I’m a skilled actor, even if some critics disagree.”
On September 2, 2001, Troy Donahue passed away from a heart attack at the age of 65. By then, he had been living a healthier life and cherished the close relationship he had built with his son, Sean.
Troy Donahue’s story is one of resilience and redemption. While his fame may have faded, his contributions to Hollywood and the joy he brought to audiences remain undeniable. He was not just a handsome actor but a man who faced his challenges head-on and found peace later in life. For fans who remember him, Troy Donahue will always be a symbol of classic Hollywood charm and a reminder that it’s never too late to turn one’s life around.
