The Rise and Fall of Sandra Dee’s Stardom

Sandra Dee died on 20 February 2005 at the age of 62 from complications related to kidney disease. Her death followed years of severe health problems that included throat cancer, kidney failure, alcoholism, and the lasting physical effects of decades of emotional and personal struggle.

For many fans, her death marked the sad ending of one of Hollywood’s most complicated former child stars. The actress who had once symbolized youthful innocence and perfect teenage glamour had spent much of her later life battling pain far removed from the image audiences remembered onscreen. Even after her passing, however, public interest in Sandra’s life and marriage to Bobby Darin continued growing in unexpected ways.