Ashley delves into the life and death of Hollywood actor Gig Young (born Byron Ellsworth Barr), a prolific Golden Age performer with over 100 film credits, Oscar nominations, and a Best Supporting Actor win for They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), yet persistent feelings of inadequacy rooted in an emotionally cold childhood and alleged sexual abuse by a caregiver. Known as the charming second lead who "loses the girl," Young struggled with insecurity, career frustration, and alcoholism, leading to lost roles including Blazing Saddles and the original voice of Charlie on Charlie's Angels. Married five times, he had one daughter, Jennifer, and fought child support before later being linked to controversial psychologist Eugene Landy. On October 19, 1978, three weeks after marrying fifth wife Kim Schmidt, Young fatally shot her and then himself in their Osborne Apartments unit in Manhattan; no motive or note was found, and the case was ruled murder-suicide.

00:00 Listener Warning

00:17 Meet the Hosts

00:37 Elderberry Cold Open

02:32 Case Reveal Gig Young

05:06 Early Life and Family

14:12 Abuse and Insecurity

18:17 Acting Breakthrough

22:27 Second Lead Career

30:25 Oscar and Downfall

33:51 Sexuality Rumors

40:12 Five Marriages Timeline

45:14 Patreon and Ratings

46:09 Paternity Fight Fallout

48:12 Fifth Wife Kim Schmidt

49:50 Career Collapse Alcoholism

52:55 Osborne Apartments Detour

56:48 Meet Dr Eugene Landy

01:03:45 Brian Wilson Control Scheme

01:11:19 Landy Treats Gig Young

01:13:57 Murder Suicide Discovery

01:21:16 Aftermath Motives Legacy

01:28:07 Closing Reflections Next Pod