Michael O'Keefe discusses drug use on 'Caddyshack' set

<p>Michael O'Keefe has shared insights about his experience on the set of the 1980 film "Caddyshack." In a recent interview with Page Six, the 71-year-old actor stated that cocaine was prevalent on set and claimed it was included in the movie's budget as a "miscellaneous item."</p><p>O'Keefe remarked, "It was the 70s. That’s what was happening back then. People were just treating it like it was toothpaste, and you had to do it twice a day to stay healthy." The film was shot in 1979 and released in 1980, featuring actors such as Ted Knight, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Rodney Dangerfield, set at the fictional Bushwood Country Club.</p><p>Reflecting on his drug use during filming, O'Keefe mentioned that he used cocaine before filming certain scenes, stating that he does not have fond memories of those moments. He expressed regret, saying, "It was not my favorite memory," and added, "I am not too happy about them." He noted that after the movie, he stopped using cocaine, realizing it was detrimental. "I realized that it was a terrible thing to get involved [with], and like so many things in the drug world, it looked like fun, but in reality, it wasn’t," he said.</p><p>O'Keefe attributed part of his decision to quit drugs to the death of Doug Kenney, who co-wrote and produced "Caddyshack." He described Kenney's death as "a huge wake-up call," noting that Kenney died at 33 after falling from a cliff in Hawaii in 1980.</p><p>O'Keefe characterized Kenney as "one of the most affable, intelligent, funny people in the world" and stated that his struggles with cocaine led to his depression and eventual suicide. He emphasized that Kenney's addiction was a significant factor in his death.</p><p>Before his role in "Caddyshack," O'Keefe gained recognition for his performance in "The Great Santini," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. He has also appeared in films such as "Ironweed" and "Frozen River," and recently starred in the Apple TV series "Your Friends & Neighbors." O'Keefe remains best known for his role as Danny Noonan in "Caddyshack." He reflected on the film's impact, stating that he sometimes wished people would recognize his other work, but he has come to appreciate the significance of "Caddyshack" to audiences.</p>