The bigger they are, the harder they fall. These ten celebrities were once on top of the world, enjoying widespread success and popular acclaim. Then a scandal erupted that ended their high-flying careers, some quickly and others painfully slowly.



Jayne Mansfield

publication date: Friday, October 26, 2012

category: Movies

clue: There was no single event that brought down this sexy star of the late 1950s, but stripping on screen and then on stage were dignified preludes to alcohol abuse and a fatal car accident.

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Gary Glitter

publication date: Thursday, October 25, 2012

category: Music

clue: Being charged with raping and molesting children in Britain and Vietnam were not very glamorous for this 1970s rock star.

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Mackenzie Phillips

publication date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012

category: Television

clue: This daughter with a famous papa tried to stay off drugs one day at a time, but they ultimately cost her a plum role in a sitcom.

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn

trivia: This was the 2500th celebrity goo.


Jim Bakker

publication date: Tuesday, October 23, 2012

category: Religion

clue: This married televangelist raked in more than a million dollars a week during the 1980s, but went to prison for keeping some of it for himself (and his mistress Jessica).

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Dominique Strauss-Kahn

publication date: Monday, October 22, 2012

category: Government

clue: This economist and IMF honcho was on track to become president of France until a New York maid became the first of several women to call him a rapist.

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Fatty Arbuckle

publication date: Friday, October 19, 2012

category: Movies

clue: Hollywood likes when its stars hook up, but not when it turns into rape and murder.

explanation: Arbuckle was tried for the rape and murder of actress Virginia Rappe. He was found innocent, but his career was ruined. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Marion Jones

publication date: Thursday, October 18, 2012

category: Sports

clue: She won a five medals around the world in Sydney, but had to give them all back when controversy erupted here at home.

explanation: Jones was forced to return her Olympic medals after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Anthony Weiner

publication date: Wednesday, October 17, 2012

category: Government

clue: A man whose own name is a sexual euphemism had to expect a press firestorm after he sexted another woman on the Twitter account he used to interact with his New York constituents.

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Jerry Lee Lewis

publication date: Tuesday, October 16, 2012

category: Music

clue: The singer of "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" never recaptured his early success after marrying his adolescent cousin.

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, Steve Dunn, and Tony Peters


James Frey

publication date: Monday, October 15, 2012

category: Literature

clue: When he was caught lying to Oprah, his career was shattered into a million little pieces.

explanation: Frey's rehab memoir A Million Little Pieces, praised by Oprah Winfrey, turned out to be largely fictional. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Erik Bates, Mike Rothstein, Steve Dunn, and Tony Peters


Other Themes in Fall 2012

Film School

Early fall is back-to-school season. These ten noteworthy educators have been honored by Hollywood movies telling their stories. All ten goos are presented in the Three Clues format: Recognize the movie, and you can name the famous educator. Go »

Do Overs

These five celebrities were common incorrect guesses for recent goos. Here's your second chance to get each one right. Go »

What Happens in Vegas

Las Vegas is a glittering tourist destination, with world-class gambling and entertainment. These five celebrities are strongly associated with Sin City. Go »

Shall We Dance?

Turn on some music and get on your feet! To guess right at these five famous dancers, you don't want to miss a single step. Go »

Nerdocracy

Nerds, geeks, and dweebs have taken over: Their movies are the biggest hits, their memes rule the Internet, and now their day has come in Celebrity Goo Game. These five people are strongly associated with nerd culture. Go »

Campaign in the Neck

Next week, Americans will decide whether Barack Obama will remain president, or Mitt Romney will take over. It's been a topsy-turvy campaign with some unusual personalities making their mark along the way. Can you name five of them? Go »

Man or Machine?

Modern society has been transformed by technology, which makes life safer and more convenient. Each of these five men shares his last name with a famous machine. Can you invent a method for solving them? Go »

Fall 2012 Tournament

Another one bites the dust! Another one bites the dust! Another one gone, and another one gone. Another one bites the dust! Hey, I'm gonna get you too. Another one bites the dust! Go »

Fall 2012 Bonus Goos

You know what comes after everyone gorging themselves on a big tournament? A week of leftovers. Enjoy these six extra goos before the winter season begins on December 3. Go »