Public Readings - 'Real World' Star Joey Kovar Dead At 29 Aspiring actor died in his native Chicago, MTV News confirms. "Real World: Hollywood" star Joey Kovar was found dead on Friday (August 17) in his native Chicago, MTV News has confirmed. The reality star and aspiring actor was 29.
A spokesperson for the network issued a statement shortly after the tragic news: "MTV is deeply saddened to learn that Joey Kovar of 'The Real World: Hollywood' has passed away, adding, "We offer our sympathies to Joey's loved ones, friends and fans."
Kovar was found at his friend's house and it's believed his death is linked to drugs, according to a report on TMZ. A rep for Kovar told the site that he was discovered by a female friend who called 911 after she saw him bleeding. Authorities arrived at the scene, where he was pronounced dead.
Kovar famously battled his addictions while on the "Real World," even leaving the show midway through the season in 2008 to enter rehab. He ultimately returned to the production, but left again for fear that he might relapse. On the reunion special, Kovar shared that he had been sober for a year. However, he continued to battle demons, later appearing on the VH1 reality show "Celebrity Rehab" in 2009, after he relapsed and began using cocaine and ecstasy again.
He sat down with writers from MTV's Remote Control blog during his time on the "Real World" and opened up about his struggles and his decision to move back into the house.
"You know, I guess in a way, I did feel a little bit betrayed — by some [castmates] more than others," he said at the time. "It was my understanding that things would change around the house in order to help keep me on the road to recovery but, unfortunately, the very first night back from rehab, every roommate but Will and Sarah went out and got messed up. To me, that was a little messed up.
"But I am all about being positive nowadays, and I do not and will not hold a grudge on anyone for anything. At one time, I was a very negative person and held a lot of grudges — most of my life was one letdown after another. Now I'm in a very different place. The more positive I am and the more I give back, the better quality my life is and has been."