Laura Ernst was a talented actress and writer who married Robert Downey Sr., the acclaimed filmmaker and father of Robert Downey Jr., in 1991. She was known for her roles in films such as Rage (1983), Too Much Sun (1990), and Hugo Pool (1997). She also co-wrote the film Moment to Moment (1975) with her husband. However, her life was cut short by a devastating disease that gradually robbed her of her ability to move, speak, and breathe. Here is the story of Laura Ernst’s cause of death and how she fought against ALS with courage and grace.
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What is ALS?
ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons are responsible for sending signals from the brain to the muscles, allowing voluntary movements such as walking, talking, swallowing, and breathing. When these neurons die, the muscles weaken and eventually become paralyzed. There is no cure for ALS, and most people with the disease die within three to five years after diagnosis. According to The ALS Association, about 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year, and about 20,000 people are living with the disease at any given time. The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but some factors that may increase the risk include age, gender, genetics, and environmental exposure.
How Did Laura Ernst Get Diagnosed with ALS?
Laura Ernst began to experience symptoms of ALS in 1992, shortly after her marriage to Robert Downey Sr. She noticed that she had difficulty speaking and swallowing, and that her voice became hoarse and slurred. She also felt weakness and stiffness in her limbs, especially her right arm. She initially thought that she had a throat infection or a nerve problem, but after several tests and consultations with doctors, she was diagnosed with ALS in 1993. She was only 35 years old at the time.
How Did Laura Ernst Cope with ALS?
Laura Ernst did not let ALS stop her from living her life to the fullest. She continued to work as an actress and writer, appearing in her husband’s film Hugo Pool (1997), which was dedicated to her memory. She also wrote a memoir titled The Last Dance: A Memoir of Love and Loss, which chronicled her journey with ALS and her relationship with Robert Downey Sr. She used a computer voice synthesizer to communicate with her family and friends, and a wheelchair to move around. She also participated in various activities such as painting, yoga, meditation, and acupuncture to ease her pain and stress. She was supported by her husband, who stayed by her side throughout her illness, as well as by her stepson Robert Downey Jr., who considered her a source of inspiration and guidance.
When Did Laura Ernst Die?
Laura Ernst died on January 27, 1994, at the age of 36. She passed away peacefully at home in Los Angeles, surrounded by her loved ones. Her funeral was attended by many celebrities and friends from the film industry, such as Dennis Hopper, Ally Sheedy, Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, and James Woods. She was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
What Was Laura Ernst’s Legacy?
Laura Ernst left behind a legacy of courage, creativity, and love. She touched many lives with her art and her spirit. She raised awareness and funds for ALS research and advocacy through her memoir and her involvement with The ALS Association. She also inspired many people who are living with or affected by ALS to never give up hope and to cherish every moment. Her husband Robert Downey Sr. said that she taught him how to live and how to die. Her stepson Robert Downey Jr. said that she was his angel who helped him overcome his drug addiction. Her fans and admirers remember her as a beautiful soul who shone brightly despite the darkness of ALS.
