Tom Baker | Drug Overdose Death

Tom Baker was an American actor whose career spanned almost two decades. However, Baker struggled with alcohol and drug use. He ultimately passed away from a drug overdose.

How Tom Baker Died

Tom Baker passed away on September 2, 1982, in New York City at the age of 42. He was found at the loft he shared with fellow actor Bob Brady. His death was ruled as a drug overdose.

Media Confusion

Due to media confusion following Baker’s death, many believed the British actor Tom Baker (parents John Stewart Baker and Mary Jane) from The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and the popular BBC Doctor Who series had died. 

This was also partly due to the fact that both men participated in alcohol abuse, consuming large quantities regularly.

About Tom Baker

Tom Baker was born on August 23, 1940, in West Virginia. He grew up in San Francisco, where his retired military parents lived.

In New York City, Baker performed onstage for the first time in a production of The Deer Park. Afterward, he moved to Hollywood, California to pursue acting.

In addition to film, Baker continued to participate in stage work. In fact, he directed Michael McClure’s premiere The Grabbing of the Fairy.

Baker’s first film role was in Hallucination Generation in 1966. Baker’s talent in the film industry grew as he began directing projects such as Bongo Wolf’s Revenge.

According to IMDb, he also received a writing credit for the film. Music for the film was provided by The Doors.

Jim Morrison of the Doors was close friends with Baker. Ironically, Baker replaced Jim Morrison in Andy Warhol’s film I, A Man. Baker starred alongside co-star Valerie Solanas who would later shoot the famous Warhol.

Tom Baker’s History Of Substance Abuse & Rehab

On the way to a Rolling Stones concert in November 1969, Baker and Morrison were charged with public drunkenness and interfering with the flight of an intercontinental aircraft after he harassed airline staff. Baker had a long history of alcohol use and drug use.

Unfortunately, there are no known attempts of Tom Baker seeking substance abuse treatment.

Recovery Is Possible

Although drug and alcohol addiction takes a heavy toll on a person’s life, recovery is possible with professional tools and other support. To learn how we help both individuals and families achieve long-term recovery, please contact us today.