Heroin, Acting, and Comedy in New York City

• In Event: Identity, Media and Culture

Abstract

In this paper I report on research focusing on the heroin misuse of samples of New York City-based actors and comedians. The data consist of narrative accounts – direct quotes and personal stories – from sample members, derived from a variety of secondary sources. I discuss the motivations and circumstances of these individuals’ first and continued heroin use, and the impact heroin had on their performance, creativity, and careers. I’m especially concerned with the role of subculture and identity in the heroin misuse of these actors and comedians. The implications of this work for criminology, especially cultural criminology, are explored.

Author

• Barry Spunt, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY