TMZ reports that actress, Lisa Robin Kelly is dead at age 43. Fans of the 90’s FOX comedy, That 70’s Show may remember Lisa as Lauren, Eric Forman’s (Topher Grace) older sister. She only appeared in 50 of the 200 episodes, according to IMDB.
The actress died in her sleep Wednesday night at a rehab facility in California. Kelly’s agent told TMZ that she had just voluntarily checked herself in for treatment for alcoholism and was “determined to clean herself up.”
Like many former kid actors, her adult years hadn’t been easy.
The agent tells us, “She had been fighting demons for a while and finally lost her battle.”
Sources tell us Lisa had been in and out of rehab centers hoping to kick her alcohol problem … and most recently fell off the wagon after a huge dispute with her estranged husband Robert Gilliam.
Sources say … Kelly’s estranged husband beat her last May to obtain residual money from her show. He was convicted of domestic battery last month and sentenced to 3 years probation. He also served 35 days in jail for the beating.
Lisa filed for divorce from Gilliam back in July.
We’re told Lisa’s new boyfriend brought her to rehab again on Monday … but she went into cardiac arrest late Wednesday night and could not be saved.
The boyfriend blames her estranged husband for the relapse.
Kelly had been troubled for the past couple of years — she was arrested at least 4 times in the past 3 years for DUI, spousal abuse and assault.Besides “That ’70s Show,” Kelly had appeared in several TV shows and movies including “Amityville Dollhouse.”
Lisa’s character was a college coed that lived away from home much of tghe time. During season 3, Lauren left for beauty school, and didn’t return to the show until season 5. In 2003, Lauren was replaced with another actress, apparently due to her drinking problem.
Via TMZ
