Frosty the Snowman Dead at 37

By Evan Bernstein

Dec. 17, 2013

Frosty the Snowman, beloved Children’s icon and opiate addict , died in his Southern California home on Tuesday aged 37.While the cause of death is still under investigation, sources close to Mr. the Snowman report that he had been struggling with multiple drug addictions. From his television debut in 1997 until his death, Snowman was cherished universally as a symbol of hope and a beacon of happiness. Even during his lifetime, the name Snowman was synonymous with winter weather, playfulness, and childhood glee.

Frosty the Snowman got his start on

the Late Show with David Letterman. In January 1997, at only twenty years old, Snowman became one of the youngest comedians to perform on the show. From there, Snowman became a frequent guest, continuing to do standup in New York City until he landed his own television snow in 1999, Wake Up with Frosty! The immensely popular children’s program ran every weekday for three seasons on PBS. In 2001, however, rumors surfaced about a cocaine addiction – and, in March of 2002, Frosty! was cancelled. Although officially the show was pulled because of poor ratings, it was widely believed that the cancellation resulted from bad press following multiple allegations of sexual harassment.

Though Snowman could still be found performing at clubs in the city, and would occasionally make an appearance on morning talk shows, his fame had largely dwindled. Many speculated Snowman was finished, and it was even believed that he may have been checked in to a rehabilitation clinic for his widely rumored drug problems. Snowman reappeared on the scene, however, with a comeback tour which was scheduled for 2011.

The Frosty Returns! tour, which would have taken Snowman to thirty-eight cities in over a dozen states, was cancelled three weeks prior to its start after a scandal involving the snowman was made public. Footage from the scandal, dubbed “Snowgate”, which involved a raid by armed police officers on an upscale Beverly Hills home, aired July 27th, 2011 on national news. The video footage depicted Snowman, half-naked, being handcuffed and dragged from a back room littered with needles and used prophylactics. Three female guests of Snowman’s who were also arrested later came forward as prostitutes and admitted to being hired by Snowman for the night.

Evidence seized from the bust, including cocaine, heroin, and extravagantly decorated drug paraphernalia seemed to confirm rumors of Snowman’s addiction problems. A statement released by the performer’s agent stated that Snowman would seek professional help, although the exact terms of his release were unclear.

Following the scandal, Snowman stayed out of the public eye and refused all interview requests. Members of Snowman’s family declined comment except to say that he had always “had problems” but had “never meant any harm to anyone.” Snowman is survived by his wife, Laura, and two buttons.