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He may have been the driving force behind the Mamas & the Papas—but when he wasn’t writing sunny flower-child anthems, John Phillips was intent on destroying himself and everyone in his orbit.

Rebecca Schaeffer had it all going for her. She’d starred in her own successful sitcom and was about on a film career. But Schaeffer had a problem: she was too kind and too trusting. She cared enough to answer her own fan mail personally—and one disturbed fan took this the wrong way.

Richard Burton was one of Hollywood’s wildest hellraisers and a formidable acting talent. But it was his tempestuous romance with Elizabeth Taylor that provided the world with the most delicious tabloid fodder: Vicious fights, passionate displays of affection, and bitter betrayal. Still, no matter how bright he burned—Burton was always doomed to a heartbreaking end.

Throughout his career, Gene Clark searched many avenues for success in the music industry—and found mostly hardship and disappointment. However, his contributions would be integral stepping stones to the popularity of genres like alternative country and psychedelic rock.

Long before the likes of Charlize Theron, Michelle Pfeiffer, or even Marilyn Monroe, there was Mae West—actress and provocateur. Of course, there’s more than enough fascinating material with just those three descriptors, but there was a lot more to West than just her allure and bold behavior. West was one of the most controversial celebrities of her time—and her intriguing story is full of jaw-dropping twists and turns.

The Rat Pack had a reputation for being loose, unpredictable, and open to anything. On stage, it looked like anyone could step in and be part of it. But off stage, it was something very different. The group didn’t change. It didn’t expand. And no matter how close someone got, there was a line that never moved.