Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary rock star known for his wild lifestyle, had a special genetic mutation that helped his body handle alcohol and drugs better than most people.
In 2007, scientists studied Ozzy’s DNA and found rare gene variants linked to how his body processed substances like alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. One key mutation was near his ADH4 gene, which produces a protein that breaks down alcohol. This meant Ozzy could detoxify faster than average.
Because of this, Ozzy survived decades of heavy drinking and drug use that would likely have harmed others much earlier.
However, these mutations also made him more vulnerable to addiction. Researchers found Ozzy was six times more likely to crave alcohol and more likely to become dependent on cocaine and experience strong effects from marijuana.
Besides these, the study suggested Ozzy metabolized coffee slower and had some distant Neanderthal ancestry.
Ozzy Osbourne died last month at 76, having lived a famously wild life. His unique genetics may explain how he lasted so long despite his hard living.
