Plot Synopsis

DEATH BY FAME is a one-hour documentary series that goes behind the scenes to uncover the sinister side of fame and to reveal the shocking true stories behind the rise, fall, and murder of some of Hollywood's most promising stars. The series opener, "Celebrity Sexpert," recounts the heartbreaking death of Drew Carey's ex-fiance and renowned Hollywood sex therapist, Dr. Amie Harwick, who was found murdered the day after Valentine's Day. Police are left to investigate who might be capable of such a deadly act. Additional episodes explore the cold-blooded murder of THE VOICE sensation and rising star, Christina Grimmie, whose YouTube channel attracted a stalker with sinister motivations; Macedonian model Adea Shabani who arrives in Los Angeles with big dreams then mysteriously goes missing; actor Lloyd Avery II's overnight success after starring in BOYZ N THE HOOD, and who then goes on the run in a bizarre portrayal of life imitating art; and more.

The sophomore season of DEATH BY FAME premiered on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT on Investigation Discovery. Featuring criminal trial attorney Sara Azari, who reprises her role to provide expert commentary on each case in the eight-episode new season. The premiere episode, "A Rising Star Shot Down," recounts the tragic tale of Tara Correa-McMullen, a young actress known for her role as Graciela Reyes on the television series JUDGING AMY. At just 15 years-old, Correa-McMullen rose to fame from the tough streets of Los Angeles, starring alongside some of Hollywood's biggest actors and actresses. But a romance with the wrong person takes her down a dangerous path, and out of the spotlight forever. Additional episodes this season explore: the decades-old murder of musician Jason William Mizell (aka Jam Master Jay) of the famed hip hop group Run-D.M.C., who was executed inside his recording studio; the death of singer James Brown, which some suspected to be murder and became further complicated by the subsequent shooting death of his son-in-law; Blake Leibel, an intern to comedian Jim Jefferies who led a flashy life - until he was convicted of a grisly murder; lawyer-turned-legal reality TV star Loredana Nesci who went from the spotlight to stabbing victim; Joseph Son, who starred in Austin Powers and carved out a career playing bad guys until his DNA was linked to a cold case, and more.
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Season 3 of DEATH BY FAME premieres on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9pm ET/PT on Investigation Discovery. Each episode continues to feature the expertise of criminal trial attorney Sara Azari, who provides unique insights into these tragic endings. This season, viewers can look forward to eight gripping episodes that chart the rise, fall and untimely deaths of budding talent whose promising futures were cut short. Through interviews with victims' families, friends, investigators and journalists along with Sara Azari's expert commentary, each episode sheds light on a shadowy world lurking behind the pursuit of fame.

In the season premiere, aspiring actress Adriana Pinon is thrilled to land a recurring role as a background actor on the hit soap opera The Young and The Restless. It's the perfect stepping stone for her dream career. However, her rising star is abruptly extinguished when a jealous individual decides they cannot bear to see her succeed. Additional episodes this season explore the gruesome murder of aspiring model Mei Li; the tragic death of fashion designer to the stars Sylvie Cachay, whose boyfriend's affinity for sex workers ultimately led to her demise; the dark side of love that led to reality star Valerie Dowden's untimely death; and more.