The production of the 1997 film Titanic was one of the most challenging and grueling experiences in film history. However, it wasn’t just the long hours and harsh conditions that the cast had to endure. In interviews after the film’s release, several cast members spoke out about being drugged during the production.
One of the most vocal cast members was actress Gloria Stuart, who played the elderly Rose in the film. In an interview with People magazine, Stuart claimed that she and other cast members were given “vitamin shots” by the production team to help them deal with the long hours and difficult filming conditions. However, she later discovered that the shots were actually a powerful sedative called Halcion.
Stuart claimed that she suffered from memory loss and confusion as a result of the drug. She also stated that some cast members were even given the sedative without their knowledge or consent. Stuart’s allegations caused a stir in the media and led to an investigation by the Screen Actors Guild.
Leonardo DiCaprio, who played Jack in the film, also spoke out about being drugged during the production. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he revealed that he was given a pill by someone on the set, which he later found out was ecstasy. DiCaprio stated that he didn’t know what it was at the time and that he regretted taking it.
The film’s director, James Cameron, denied the allegations of drugging, stating that the cast was given only vitamins and that any drugs found on the set were brought in by outsiders. However, Stuart and DiCaprio were not the only ones to speak out about the harsh working conditions on the set of Titanic.
Kate Winslet, who played Rose in the film, stated in an interview with The Telegraph that she was so cold during the filming of the water scenes that she contracted pneumonia. She also spoke about the intense pressure to get her nude scene right, which left her feeling vulnerable and exposed.
Billy Zane, who played Cal in the film, also spoke about the challenges of the production. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he revealed that he had to wear a corset for his role and that he had difficulty breathing while filming some of the scenes.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the production, Titanic went on to become one of the most successful and beloved films of all time, winning 11 Academy Awards and grossing over $2 billion at the box office. However, the allegations of drugging by some of the cast members have left a dark cloud over the film’s legacy.
In the end, the Titanic cast’s stories serve as a reminder of the intense pressure and difficult working conditions that actors often face in Hollywood. While the allegations of drugging may never be fully resolved, they highlight the need for better working conditions and safety standards in the film industry.
