Introduction
The Osmond family captivated the world with their musical talents, but behind their polished performances lies a story of remarkable resilience in the face of numerous personal trials. While many are familiar with the seven performing Osmond siblings, the family’s journey began with two older brothers whose quiet strength inspired it all.
The Unseen Inspiration: Virl and Tom Osmond
George and Olive Osmond’s first two sons, Virl and Tom, were born deaf. Doctors advised the couple against having more children, a recommendation they thankfully chose not to heed. It was, in fact, Virl and Tom who became the unexpected catalysts for their younger siblings’ musical pursuits. The idea of using their children’s burgeoning vocal talents to fund hearing aids for Virl and Tom sparked the family’s entry into entertainment, leading to a pivotal Disneyland performance that launched their careers.
Donny Osmond later shared with ABILITY Magazine that his parents refused to treat Virl and Tom differently. “My brothers talk and communicate verbally. They also sign and do have that down quite well,” he explained, even recalling how sign language was incorporated into their group performances and how his brothers played saxophone at shows.
Donny Osmond: Navigating Fame’s Harsh Spotlight
As Donny Osmond transitioned from a group member to a solo teen idol in the early 1970s, he faced a barrage of criticism. Despite hits like “Go Away Little Girl,” music critics were often unkind. He reflected on this in a 2016 interview with The Mirror, recounting how Rolling Stone magazine once published an article stating, “The worst day in rock ‘n’ roll history was the day Donny Osmond was born.” He viewed this as “the ultimate bullying,” deeply affecting him as a teenager. His squeaky-clean Mormon upbringing, which eschewed the typical rock-and-roll excesses, also drew criticism. However, Donny ultimately feels vindicated by his sustained health and success compared to peers who succumbed to overindulgence.
Merrill Osmond: Battling Inner Demons
Merrill Osmond, a founding member and the first lead singer of the Osmond Brothers, grappled with significant personal struggles despite his prominent role. He confided in The Yorkshire Post about experiencing anxiety, stating, “For me I was the least confident of the brothers. Everyone knew I struggled with my weight. I had an eating disorder. I starved myself.”
Merrill bravely shared with The Mirror that he once attempted suicide, noting that even number-one records couldn’t alleviate his depression and anxiety. A “miraculous wind” at that critical moment, he explained, stopped him, making him realize “there was something going on that was bigger than me.” This profound experience led him to confront his feelings head-on. He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 30.
Marie Osmond: Overcoming Trauma and Loss
Marie Osmond’s memoir, “Behind the Smile: My Journey Out of Postpartum Depression,” revealed a shocking truth: she was a victim of abuse, a topic she addressed on “Larry King Live,” confirming it was sexual abuse. She explained the long-term, subtle impact of such trauma, stating, “Your thinking gets skewed, and I think that is what happened to me, and my boundaries were lost.” On “The Talk” in 2019, Marie even shared that due to her experiences, she questioned her own sexuality in her youth, finding men “sick” until her loving family helped her see otherwise.
Marie also faced immense pressure regarding her appearance. She recounted to Page Six an incident on the “Donny & Marie” set where a studio head called her “fat” at just 5’5″ and 103 pounds, leading to a dangerous diet that dropped her weight to 92 pounds. A glimpse of her emaciated reflection served as a wake-up call, though weight struggles persisted until she found a healthier path with Nutrisystem.
In a heartbreaking turn, Marie suffered the devastating loss of her son Michael to suicide in February 2010. She shared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” his words, “I have no friends,” which resonated with her own experiences with depression. “Depression doesn’t wait ’til Monday,” she poignantly told Oprah. Nearly a decade later, she reflected on “CBS Sunday Morning” that the grief never truly ends; “The ripple effect is so huge, what you leave behind.”
Battling Illness: Alan, David, Wayne, Jimmy, and Jay
The Osmond brothers have also faced significant health challenges. In 1987, Alan Osmond was diagnosed with primary-progressive multiple sclerosis. Despite the diagnosis, Alan remains defiantly positive, asserting, “Hey I may have MS, but MS does not have me.” His son, David Osmond, inherited the same disease, diagnosed at age 26 after experiencing severe crushing sensations in his legs.
Wayne Osmond received a brain tumor diagnosis in 1994 while on tour. He described to Coping Magazine symptoms like throbbing headaches and collapsing knees. Doctors found a large ependymoma, a rare childhood cancer, behind his cerebellum. After a 17-hour surgery, doctors called him a “miracle baby” as the cancer was gone. He returned to performing just six months later, wearing a cowboy hat until his hair grew back from radiation.
Jimmy Osmond suffered a stroke in 2018 while performing in “Peter Pan.” This was his second stroke, the first occurring in 2004 when a blood clot “popped” in his head. He explained to Parade magazine that he lost vision and it took years to recover after surgery to repair a heart defect.
Most recently, Jay Osmond experienced a “mini stroke” in 2020 due to non-work-related stress, with blood pressure over 200. He credited his wife, Karen Randall, for helping him through the ordeal. The family also endured another tragedy in 2014 when Karen’s 7-year-old granddaughter, London Mortensen, died in a tragic accident.
The Osmond family’s journey is a powerful testament to their enduring spirit, showing how even those in the brightest spotlight grapple with profound challenges. Their openness about these struggles offers a poignant reminder of the human experience, both triumphs and heartbreaks.