[240B]

Ayn was an alcoholic. It was only lucky for all of us that she wrote. She was also a rapacious chain smoker.

We do not know for sure, but she most likely died from alcoholism.I can see her going off on a rant through one of her characters over and over.

I will see this movie. I hope it is worth it.

[RedMonqey]

Ayn was an alcoholic. It was only lucky for all of us that she wrote. She was also a rapacious chain smoker.

So was Hemingway. Only Ayn didn't blow the top of her head off...

[Ed Hudgins]

240B — You have no clue what you’re talking about. There is zero indication that Rand was alcoholic or was even a casual drinker. (Have you read any of the biographies?) There is some controversy over whether her husband was an alcoholic. Rand was a heavy smoker, which is probabaly what killed her.

[DrC]

“Ayn was an alcoholic.”

Huh?
“She didn’t drink; she didn’t like the effects of alcohol. But she didn’t frown on others drinking socially. Whenever there was a New Year’s celebration at her home, Frank put out bottles of liquor—whisky, vodka, etc.—for those who wanted it. And there was always champagne at midnight. She took a sip for the occasion, that’s all.”
http://facetsofaynrand.com/book/chap7.html

Are you sure you’re not thinking of her husband Frank O’Connor?