Charlie Sheen Enters Rehab; Good Move for 'Two and a Half Men'?

Charlie Sheen, of "Two and a Half Men," is reportedly at home rehabilitating by means of an addiction expert, as reported at the New York Post. The move follows the 45-year-old actor, complaining of abdominal pains, being carried out of his Los Angeles home on a stretcher and rushed to Cedars-Sinai Hospital on Jan. 27 after an alleged wild party with porn stars and cocaine.

Now "Two and a Half Men" is on hiatus in hopes that the talented but troubled actor will rehabilitate successfully. Why would the producers of "Two and a Half Men" go to such measures? It can be assumed that Sheen is the money-maker for "Two and a Half Men," a show that is considered tops in comedy.

When a TV show becomes a hit, it depends, even more, on the behavior of its stars. Back in 1970s/'80s, Mackenzie Phillips, 51, was a star on the CBS sitcom "One Day at a Time" as Julie Cooper. She was the highest paid actor on the show, earning $47,500 a week and bringing in the viewers. But as Phillips' drug and alcohol problems began to take over, she was fired from the show in February of 1980. Phillips entered rehab and got clean, which impressed the producers of "One Day at a Time." Phillips was welcomed back in 1981, but returned to substance abuse and was eventually fired for good in 1983.

Today, personal problems continue for celebrities, such as the young Demi Lovato, 18, the singer and actress and star of "Sonny with a Chance." The teen sitcom has made plans to press on without Lovato, who, after finishing a stint in rehab for "emotional and physical issues," is at home recuperating and working on herself, as reported at People.

What happens to "Sonny with a Chance"? The focus will be on shooting episodes of "So Random!" For now, the producers of "Sonny with a Chance" are standing by their young star as she works on herself. "This allows her the time she needs to get well, without distraction or pressure," said a Disney Channel spokeswoman, as reported at Variety.

If a star is valuable enough, the producers of the show will stand by their star. However, it's up to the star to take advantage of the opportunity in the best possible way. It didn't work for Mackenzie Phillips in "One Day at a Time." Will it work for Demi Lovato and Charlie Sheen?

Sources:

Charlie Sheen going through rehab at home: report, New York Post

Mackenzie Phillips Biography, Bio

Sharon Cotliar, Demi Lovato Finishes Treatment, People

Michael Schneider, Disney to rework Demi Lovato series, Variety