Ep 18. George Michael

George Michael was an icon of the 80s and 90s music scene, known for his smooth vocals and catchy tunes. In this episode of E! True Hollywood Story, we take a deep dive into the life of the legend and explore his rise to fame, public struggles, and untimely passing.

Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in London, England, George Michael grew up with a love for music and songwriting. He started his career as a member of the pop duo Wham! in the 1980s, alongside Andrew Ridgeley. Together, they created hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Careless Whisper," which showcased Michael's unique voice and songwriting talent.

Following the success of Wham!, George Michael embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album Faith in 1987. The album was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like "I Want Your Sex" and the title track. The video for "I Want Your Sex" was controversial for its suggestive content but also helped cement Michael's status as a sex icon.

As George Michael's career continued to soar, he faced personal struggles in his private life. In 1998, he was arrested for engaging in a lewd act in a public restroom in Beverly Hills. The incident sparked a media frenzy and caused his once squeaky-clean image to be tarnished. Michael came out as gay shortly after the incident and used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights.

Despite the scandal, George Michael continued to create and release music that resonated with fans. His hits like "Freedom! '90" and "Praying for Time" showed his growth as an artist and his willingness to tackle social issues in his music. In this episode, we hear from those who knew him personally and professionally and gain insight into his artistic process and the impact he had on pop culture.

Tragically, George Michael passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 at the age of 53. His death shocked the world and left fans mourning the loss of a music and LGBTQ icon. In this episode, we explore his legacy and the lasting impact he had on the music industry and the LGBTQ community.

E! True Hollywood Story season 6 episode 18: George Michael is a tribute to the life and music of a beloved musician and icon. Through interviews with family, friends, and colleagues and never-before-seen footage, viewers experience the highs and lows of one of the most influential pop stars of our time.