Lena Zavaroni, the child star who won Opportunity Knocks at age nine, died at 35 after undergoing brain surgery in a desperate bid to overcome anorexia. The surgery, meant to help her recover, led to pneumonia, which claimed her life.
Rise to Fame
Discovered on the Isle of Bute, Lena's extraordinary voice caught the attention of music producer Philip Solomon. Her father Victor initially declined a management contract but later agreed after consulting a cousin. Lena moved to London and won Opportunity Knocks with her rendition of "Ma, He's Making Eyes at Me," capturing the nation's heart.
She toured the United States, performed with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli, and appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Her career took her around the world, away from her family for long periods.
Health Struggles
During a visit home, Victor noticed Lena was extremely thin. A doctor diagnosed anorexia nervosa, a term Victor had never heard. The family moved to London to support her, but her condition worsened. Victor sought help from specialists, psychiatrists, and hypnotherapists, but nothing worked.
Lena stopped performing, save for one final appearance on Songs of Praise in her hometown of Rothesay, where she spoke about hope.
Final Decision and Death
In 1999, Lena chose to undergo brain surgery in hopes of recovery. Victor believed she had started eating again in the hospital. However, she developed pneumonia after the procedure and died at age 35.
Victor remembered her extraordinary voice: "She was in a world of her own singing, there's a lot of feeling in that."
