Music Stars You May Not Know Are Dead

Most people are familiar with the lip-syncing scandal that brought down the luxuriously dreadlocked and shoulder pad-clad duo Milli Vanilli one-hit wonder singers of "Girl You Know It's True."In the aftermath of their breakup, Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan took very different paths.

Most people are familiar with the lip-syncing scandal that brought down the luxuriously dreadlocked and shoulder pad-clad duo Milli Vanilli — one-hit wonder singers of "Girl You Know It's True." In the aftermath of their breakup, Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan took very different paths.

Morvan struggled to piece together a solo career within the European electronic music scene and became a spokesperson for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Pilatus did not fare so well. In the immediate aftermath of the scandal, he spoke out bitterly against music producer Frank Farian, telling the Los Angeles Times, "Our producer tricked us. We signed contracts as singers but were never allowed to contribute. It was a nightmare. We were living a lie. The psychological pressure was very hard. It was like we were trapped in some golden prison." The ensuing years were hard for Pilatus, who reportedly got involved in criminal activity, attempted suicide multiple times, and abused drugs before landing in rehab.

In 1997, things seemed to be turning around. Rob and Fab gave Farian another chance and collaborated on a new Milli Vanilli album called "Back and in Attack," with the guys actually singing this time. That album was never released because while prepping for its promotional tour in Germany, Pilatus died on April 2, 1998, reportedly of an accidental overdose of alcohol and pills. He was 33.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

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