New Details Emerge About David Carradine’s Death, Including His Scientology Connections
As we reported earlier, actor David Carradine was found dead in a Bangkok Hotel room. Carradine was in Thailand working on his latest film, Stretch. As the day progressed, there has been additional news on the events surrounding Carradine’s death.
Most people remember Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine aka “Grasshopper” from the 1970’s TV show “Kung Fu”, or perhaps the youngin’s, may remember him from his role in the movie Kill Bill.
Carradine in Kung Fu TV Series
According to the BBC, the maid found him with a rope around his neck and a rope around another part of his body. The BBC has changed their story several times. It first said the rope was found around his neck and his genitals. Perhaps the family did not want this reported, and who can blame them. Additionally, Carradine was found naked.
Although they are calling it suicide, I am going to put my money on ”erotic asphyxiation.” As disturbing as this may be to hear for fans of the actor, this is what I believe happened, based on what’s been reported.
For all you NON-kinky people, a little help from Wikipedia on Erotic asphyxiation:
“Erotic asphyxiation refers to intentionally cutting off oxygen to the brain for sexual arousal.”
The BBC writes:
Thai police told the BBC the 72-year-old was found by a hotel maid sitting in a wardrobe with a cord around his neck and other parts of his body.
The US star was in Thailand filming his latest film, Stretch, according to his personal manager Chuck Binder.
Mr Binder said the news was “shocking”, adding: “He was full of life, always wanting to work… a great person.”
A US embassy official confirmed the actor’s death, but added that the cause of death had not yet been established.
Mark Kermode pays tribute to David Carradine
However, Thai newspaper, The Nationn reported that police believe the actor took his own life, and preliminary investigations found that he hanged himself.
Carradine was part of an acting dynasty which included his father, John Carradine, and brothers Bruce, Keith and Robert. The star was best known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s TV series Kung Fu, which spawned sequels in the ’80s and ’90s.
The character became one of the most iconic roles in US TV and earned Carradine both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
While his film career saw him working with directors including Martin Scorsese and Ingmar Bergman, the cult actor was considered something of a B-movie legend.
In 2003, after years in the straight-to-video market, Carradine found a new audience thanks to his role in the Quentin Tarantino film Kill Bill.
He was most recently seen on the big screen as a Chinese mobster in Crank: High Voltage, opposite British actor Jason Statham. Carradine was an accomplished composer, musician, musical performer and songwriter. According to his official website, he was also a sculptor and a painter. He is survived by his wife, Annie Bierman, and three children including actresses Calista and Kansas.
What the BBC did not mention or include, oddly enough, was his daughter Sienna Caradine.
Not surprisingly, another HUGE part missing from this story was David Carradine’s family being steeped in Scientology. Although David had denied being a Scientologist, he was however, quite the Scientology sympathizer, including multiple performances at at the Scientology Celebrity Center.
Scientology shamelessly participated in the Christmas parade and used the Christmas holiday to promote the L. Ron Hubbard pulp fiction crap books Stories From a Golden Age. Carradine was seen riding on one of the Scientology floats at the parade, presenting at the premier of John Travolta’s film Bolt AND has also presented with Scientologist Jason Lee at the annual L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future contest.
Furthermore, he has also performed with his band the Soul Dogs in concert at the Scientology Celebrity center. Wow, that’s a lot of hanging with the Scientologists for a guy who claims not to be one.
Where did Carradine’s involvement originate?
Perhaps when Carradine met Milton Katselas at an audition in October 1960. Katselas was a producer and acting coach at the Beverly Hills Playhouse and was renown for ruthlessly indoctrinating his students into Scientology by using a lot of pressure. Katselas told his students that they would improve their careers and make more money if they got into Scientology, when in fact the only one getting richer was Katselas, who was surely compensated by Scientology for every celebrity cash cow he delivered.
Katselas, the vulture, an OT (operating thetan) himself, died back in October of 2008 of heart failure, clearly Scientology doesn’t cure ALL that ails you. I wish I could be more sympathetic towards Katselas death, but I come up empty for anyone who indoctrinates people into a cult for personal gain or any other reason.
A snippet from the New York Times in an article named the Actualizer:
“Of the students, I easily located a dozen who are Scientologists, and based on interviews, I concluded there are probably several dozen more in the current student body of 500. Like their teachers, some students are devout while others indulge a mild curiosity and then drop off. ”I went down and took a couple of classes,” David Carradine said. ”I’m no kind of Scientologist, but I’ve been around it enough to know it’s a very intelligent thing.”
Oh David…Really? Scientology an intelligent thing? Wow that’s SAD.
Actor David Carradine reads "A Visit From St. Nick" during the Church of Scientology's Christmas Stories XV at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre
Carradine’s FIFTH wife, Ann Bierman, (since 2004) is an OTV in Scientology. She has a Scientology Web page set up, (set up by Scientology that is) where she states that Scientology has made her drug free.
Other Carradine family members’ Scientology courses can be easily found on TruthAboutScientology.com: Sienna, Calista, Wife Anne
One has to wonder, is this yet another Scientology related death?
Seems awfully odd that two of his daughters AND his wife are so deep into Scientology, but yet Carradine himself remained unconnected to Scientology? How can anyone have that many close family members in the cult and not be in the cult themselves, or maybe that was part of Carradine’s problem? Maybe it weighed heavy on his brain or affected his relationship with his wife and family members. On the other hand, can someone have close family members in Scientology and not be affected?
Yes, it’s quite possible David may have only dabbled in Scientology, he’s certainly not the first (yes Will and Jada Smith, we’re talking to you!)
But what doesn’t make sense is why David, at the age of 72, would (allegedly) engage in such risky and dangerous behavior, as erotic asphyxiation. Didn’t INXS singer Michael Hutchence teach the celeb world the dangers of seeking sexual arousal in unnatural ways? While it may be a stretch to suggest this behavior was born from some sort of Scientology-related weirdness, stranger things have happened within the Scientology world.
So Grasshopper, although you probably unknowingly helped the cult’s agenda in their quest to “clear the planet” while you were here, may you rest in peace in hopes that you have finally found your bridge to total freedom.
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Good God this is a sick article! Queen, you’re a vulture picking the eyeballs from the dead.
Comment by Merrill — June 5, 2009 @ 9:08 am
Never forget, Scientology works and it helps people. Yup. Just stick your fingers in your ears and keep repeating it.
Comment by Anon — June 5, 2009 @ 9:28 am
My condolences to his family. R.I.P.
Comment by J.R. LeMar — June 5, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Dear Merril,
Queen here.
Thanks for the lovely comment.
Funny how I get called a vulture?
I report what is out there. FROM THE NEWS. I check my sources too. Although the news is not pretty all the time like the sheltered life in a bubble like Scientology, it’s what is reported.
Scientology course records of members are readily available for anyone to read on the internet. David Carradine’s relationship with the cult is also everywhere on the internet. He has sympathized with them for YEARS. He participated in MANY events with them and his whole family except maybe one daughter is in the cult.
Scientology is the only TRUE vulture here Merril.
You too can read about his family ties with the cult AND his many appearances with the cult too on the internet.. Oh wait…. you are probably not allowed to. Never mind.
Comment by Queen — June 5, 2009 @ 10:13 am
How would this have anything to do with his death?
Comment by rip tiles — June 5, 2009 @ 11:16 am
stranglefap lol
Comment by anon.penet.fi — June 5, 2009 @ 11:31 am
As the details are coming out, this case is getting really Scientology-kinky, but more kinky than Scientology.
Comment by Ian — June 5, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
Merrill, go bark up another tree, we only report what we know and make logical analysis from there. Facts are that David was found tied up and naked, he’s also heavily affiliated with Scientology and they are well known for having mysterious deaths on their hands.
Who the hell knows if David’s involvement with the cult is related, but there’s no reason to hide this information either.
And as for the foul play the family is suggesting, it could very well be, but what the F was David doing that caused him to be tied up like that. The whole thing sounds very unkosher, and considering the man was married, I doubt anything was as innocent as they want us to believe.
Oh and for those who are offended because I frown on strangle-sex, word to the wise: Kinky sex can end up deadly sex and if that makes me a prude, oh wells. I like my sex to keep going and going, not kill me.
Comment by D — June 5, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Excellent article. Looks like your comments section has fallen victim to a little Scientology sock-puppetry.
Comment by LG — June 5, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
It is now being reported that Carradine was virtually broke, and was hitting up past associates for quick cash.
Yep, I see a $cientology connection alright. How much do you think he and his Operating Thetan wife “donated” to the “church”?
Comment by Rachel — June 5, 2009 @ 10:25 pm
All of the original story was provided by the MAID of the hotel.
His last wife documented in their divorce papers that David was into ‘deviant sexual practices’ and also an incest relationship with ‘no names please’. And also his drinking and drugging which helped annihilate their marriage.
Funny this OTV 5th wife would be so eager to expose her four kids to him in a marital relationship.
Also his 4th wife was involved with the illegal wiretapping of David’s phone during their divorce and his premarital dalliances with wife #5. Phony baloney this last wife. Whose the father of all those young children of hers she had as she was committing adultery with David Carradine? She took to the celebrity and reborn fame of her husband like a fish takes to water.
I’ve wondered if the reports of how the ‘maid’ found him were vicious rumors to slander him.
Usually the maids don’t get referenced as sources do they?
Comment by hmmm — June 5, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
Queen is saying he Deserved to Die for being a scientologist
Comment by Anon — June 6, 2009 @ 3:17 am
rip
Comment by zorro — June 6, 2009 @ 4:41 am
“Queen is saying he Deserved to Die for being a scientologist”
Queen said no such thing you little $cientology troll.
You fail. Again.
By the way, it’s being reported that Carradine was virtually broke and borrowing money from long-time friends just to live day to day. How much money do you suppose he and his Operating Thetan wife “donated” to the “church”?
I see a $cientology connection alright. Another $cientologist dies broke and under mysterious circumstances. Where have we heard that before….
Comment by Rachel — June 6, 2009 @ 7:57 am
Woah! #10!
Stating Carradine’s BIG Scientology ties, doesn’t mean I would EVER imply or wish that “he deserved to die”. That is beyond sad. If that’s what you got out of the article, you are dilusional.
I try to make people aware that Scientology has adverse effects on people and family members in hopes they will get OUT of Scientology, or not get into it.
AND I also report what’s out there in the news. So save your RIDICULOUS and unfound tin foil hat theories.
I fight for Sea Org members and other Scientologists to GET OUT. What you so unkindly implied doesn’t match my agenda one iota.
My agenda is too save people. Whats yours? To clear the planet?
GO troll somewhere else.
Comment by Queen — June 6, 2009 @ 8:38 am
This is an evil article, using a tragic death of a respected actor to rail against his alleged association with a religion after his death to somehow stigmatize him. How low can Queen go? Now we know. What you do not realize is that this type of “reporting” exposes who and what you are. “Vulture” is too kind. Evil low-life gutter snipe is more accurate.
Comment by anon — June 6, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
I enjoy reading just about anything that criticizes Scientology even slightly because it is fascinating to watch as the fanatics come out and angrily defend the cult. They betray their brainwashed state through their comments.
Comment by Amy — June 6, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
Wow #13…. Lovely comments.
“Evil low life gutter snipe?”
“Stigmatize him?”
I think the way he was found, stigmatized himself. Sorry not me… I only reported what was in the news.
You say “Alleged” asociation with a religion?
It is common knowledge that Carradine’s wife and two daughters are Scientologists. Click on their name links in the article, which will go right to their Scientology courses they took.
There are also pictures all over the internet of Carradine performing at various Scientology functions.
In the article I stated that he was perhaps not a Scientologist himself, but that he may have been a Scientology sympathizer.
Of course you already know all this.
Scientology must pay you very well?
Of course they pay all their PI’s, OSA and attorney’s well.
Woops! I mean Scientology’s MEMBERS pay them well.
Comment by Queen — June 6, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
Looks like the $cientology trolls are out in full force today Queen. Unfortunately for them, anyone whose brain hasn’t been turned to mush courtesy of Hubbard’s lunacy can read exactly what you said.
Save your personal attacks “anon”. The Evil low-life gutter snipes are those within your criminal organization who are destroying lives even as I type this.
The latest reports say Carradine was virtually broke. That couldn’t have anything to do with $cientology, now could it?
Comment by Rachel — June 6, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
Queen- I am caught in the spam filter-help!
Or at least post my comment made at 3:40.
Comment by Rachel — June 6, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Queen — In #8 you write, “we only report what we know and make logical analysis from there. Facts are that David was found tied up and naked, he’s also heavily affiliated with Scientology,” and you add, “and they are well known for having mysterious deaths on their hands.”
The facts are:
1) He was found dead, naked and (in some reports) with his genitalia tied,
2) He was closely associated with people who ARE Scientologists. (I’m associated with Muslims and assist at many public functions… but I’m a Christian!)
So far there is nowhere you really connect those two except for your rather ambiguous and completely unsupported (herein) statement that Scientologists are “well known for having mysterious deaths on their hands.”
In #12 your write, “I try to make people aware that Scientology has adverse effects on people and family members.”
So… as for “reporting the facts,” yes you do. But you attempt to quite tightly tie those reported facts to what you define as mysteries and alleged dangers of Scientology.
It sounds, from your written point of view, that if I closely align myself with Scientologists I drastically increase my risk of a mysterious death by erotic asphyxia (or other strange happening).
Does that also mean my associations with Muslims, or being a Muslim “sympathiszer” (whatever the hell that word is intended to mean) will increase my risk of being killed by a suicide bomber or other act of terrorism?
(Keep in mind that most acts of domestic terrorism are committed by self-described Christians.)
Comment by jaws — June 6, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
Rachel….Passed message to Dawn.
Comment by Queen — June 6, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
I am a blogger on the scene in Bangkok at the hotel where Carradine died and am blogging about this on http://magickpapers.com/blog
ICON OF AN AMERICAN FILM DYNASTY
BY ANTONIO PINEDA
The announcer for the BBC breaks the story on TV. David Carradine was found dead in the Swiss Hotel on Soi Nailert. The film star was found in the closet of his room bound by curtain rope around his neck, and the inference is that his genitals were bound as well. The news ran through the Bangkok film colony like a forest fire.
I consult investigative journalist David Walker. He is also a screenwriter and author of the cult classic book, Hello My Big Big Honey. Walker is at the hotel. He has already led a CBS crew to legendary film producer-director David Winters penthouse office. Winters is a dear friend of Carradine from their glory days in Hollywood. Walker wants to see the surveilance tapes. No chance Bagger Vance. Dr. Pornthip, a colorful Thai forensic scientist is on the scene at the hotel. Walker says Pornthip, who is famous for sporting many hued punk hair styles and is a bit of a celebrity,delares the case to be death by auto sexual strangulation.
I roll up to Winters penthouse office. He is devastated by the tragic loss of a dear friend. He has not slept. CBS and People Magazine have already come by to solicit intelligence. David is shocked by the tawdry inferrences. He has spoken to 3 of Carradines agents. The agents declare that Carradine was on the roll of a lifetime. Quentin Tarantino redefined the 72 year old actor in Kill Bill. Carradine recieved a Golden Globe nomination for his work with Tarantino. The actor of the classic cult TV series Kung Fu had starred in 13 motion pictures since Kill Bill. His salary was in the stratosphere.
The strange circumstances of the verdict by auto- sexual strangulation trouble Winters. It takes two to tango. Why indeed would a man of his talent take his own life alone. Bangkok is known as a city with love for sale. Film people come here to shoot and avail themselves of the pleasures to be found in the gilded city of sin. Kinky sex is no big deal. Could this be a coverup for a sex robbery murder. The Royal Thai Police have shut the door on this case all too quickly. The tourist industry has been severely damaged by the recession and political instability. The murder of a famous film star would be a final nail in the coffin of the tourism industry. Winters says that Carradine, son of John , iconic members of an American cinema dynasty were above the fray. David Carradine was according to Winters a consumate gentleman, a brilliant actor, and a man for all seasons.
I run into local film producer Tom Waller at a reception hosted by the Italian Embassy. Tom does not believe in the verdict of death by auto-sexual strangulation. He concludes that it was a sex robbery gone wrong, and that to cover the motives the body had been arranged to fit the profile of death by auto- sexual strangulation, a theory once confined to the genre of novels classified as psychological thrillers. The denizens of the film colony in Bangkok are incredulous at the grisly circumstances of the sad demise of this brilliant talent.
The reception is attended by beaucoup des artistes and cineastes. Film critic Nick Palevski and I schmooze at the bar. Between glasses of vino rosso and spumante Nick expresses his distaste for the tawdy belching of the media and press. He is the critic for Auteur, a web site devoted to film criticism. He can not believe the shabby and sensational manner in which this case is being exploited.
In no way is this story meant to impugn the reputation of the Royal Thai Police, their meritorious service is well known. Nor is it meant to slander the bereaved Carradine family. The American Embassy has issued a statement wishing the family the best in this tragic moment, embassy staff have no other conclusion re this case except the finding of the body. Aristotelian logic might conclude that something is rotten in Denmark. Western countries would conduct a far more sophisticated investigation.
The epilogue is delivered by my dear friend in Santa Monica Martin Zweiback. He is a writer- producer director with 50 years of credits in Hollywood. Martin scrpted the original Kung Fu series and is a close friend of David Carradine. Martin is a gentleman of class and distinction. He often graces the Bangkok film colony with his presence. It is fitting that a cineaste of his stature have the final word in this affair. I recieved this e mail from Martin, and with all due respect to this fine bloke it is represented here below as a final testament to this sordid affair.
Antonio, my friend,
Sorry I’ve been neglectful about keeping in touch of late.
Thinking about Carradine this day, I recall when writing the Kung Fu show, how often his image inspired the words, and how much depth he brought to them. They sometimes had to pour him onto the set but he never read a line wrong. He was a gifted and underrated actor. I saw him at a screening of Kill Bill not too long ago. He seemed vibrant and clearly excited by the “second chance” Tarantino’s film had given him. Suicide in the middle of shooting a movie at this point in his life just doesn’t compute — but it does remind us to count our Blessings, Gifts, and Challenges — and be careful what we wish for.
With All Good Thoughts,
Martin
more to follow on http://magickpapers.com/blog
Comment by Antonio Pineda — June 6, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
Oh bloody heck, this tragedy just keeps getting weirder by the day. DC was no angel and made plenty of human mistakes in his life, as his autobiography written in the 1990s (now up to about $160 at Amazon!) admits. But he seemed smart enough to not be fooled by the CO$ at least. I guess not. I had no idea that he was close to all that via his family. I would have prayed even harder for him if I had.
Thanks for posting this info and keeping us informed.
Comment by Jannah — June 6, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
RIP Grasshopper..
Comment by Kilia — June 6, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
I love copypasta, moar sauce pleaz!
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2008/04/jason_beghe_on.php
Posted On: Tuesday, Apr. 22 2008 @ 4:36AM
Merrill says:
As a Scientologist for 34 years I can speak directly to the other side of this story.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1401119.php/OT_V_Jason_Beghes_full_interview_Scientology_scams_exposed_
MerrillApr 22nd, 2008 – 14:00:01
As a Scientologist for 34 years I can speak directly to the other side of this story.
RIP, Mr. Carradine
Comment by bob dobbs — June 6, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
Trolls be gone! Anyone insinuating that Queen thought David Carradine deserved death because of his CoS affiliations clearly can’t READ. CoS has had a hand in many unexplained deaths, pointing this out does not mean she wishes harm against anyone.
Scientology makes victims of everyone who joins its ranks. Fact.
Comment by D — June 6, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
Uh… #21, FYI you are quoting two different people.
Let me see.. you named Muslims and Christians in your “defense” against my article. Typical response.
I reported what the news reported and the FACTS of Scientology affiliation are readily avlailable on the internet.
How’s that Scientology working out for yah jaws?
I hope you are able to get out of the grasp of Scientology’s claws. Peace out
Comment by Queen — June 6, 2009 @ 11:09 pm
God Bless David and his family in their time of sorrow.
Comment by King — June 7, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
BTW, thanks for your post Antonio. I hope that the authorities investigate the heck out of this, in case there was any foul play involved.
Comment by Jannah — June 7, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
Thank you Queen.
He died with two movies coming out and if there is no will his scientologist wife gets everything. Which she will of course surrender to the cult.
Maybe it was an stranglefap accident, maybe another of (many) scientologist’s suicides.
The timing is perfect for CoS to get all the money.
Comment by Zippo — June 8, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
You welcome Zippo.
Now another Scientologist has just died. He jumped off a bridge in Ca. and committed suicide. Only 54 years old with family.
How many more victims wil there be?
This guy was an OTV.
Some great cult eh?
RIP
Comment by Queen — June 8, 2009 @ 6:55 pm