Ep 6. Karen Carpenter

Karen Carpenter was the drummer and lead vocalist of the iconic 1970s pop duo, The Carpenters, alongside her brother Richard. In this episode of E! True Hollywood Story, we delve into the life and career of Karen Carpenter, from her humble beginnings in New Haven, Connecticut, to her untimely death at the age of 32.

Through interviews with family members, friends, and industry insiders, we gain insight into Karen's childhood and her passion for music. We learn that she was a gifted drummer at a young age and began performing with Richard at local venues in the early 1960s. The siblings eventually moved to Los Angeles, where they were discovered by A&M Records and signed a record deal.

We see the rise of The Carpenters to fame in the 1970s, with hit songs like "Close to You," "We've Only Just Begun," and "Rainy Days and Mondays." The duo's success was fueled by Karen's angelic voice, Richard's musical arrangements, and their wholesome image. However, behind the scenes, Karen was struggling with her personal life and body image.

The episode explores Karen's battle with anorexia nervosa, a disorder that led to her hospitalization and death in 1983. We hear from doctors who treated her and friends who witnessed her struggles. We also learn about the stigma surrounding eating disorders at the time and how it contributed to Karen's lack of proper treatment.

Throughout the episode, we see how Karen's legacy as a musician and icon continues to inspire generations after her passing. Her music remains timeless, and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers of body shaming and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues.

Overall, this episode of E! True Hollywood Story provides a revealing and emotional look at the life and legacy of Karen Carpenter. It celebrates her talent, but also acknowledges the pain and struggles that she faced in her personal life.