In 1941, Lake was signed to a long-term contract with Paramount Pictures.  For a short time during the early 1940’s, she was considered one of the most reliable box-office draws in Hollywood.  Although popular with the public, Lake had a complex personality and acquired a reputation for being difficult to work with.  This reputation followed her for years to come and people refused to work with her.  Paramount decided not to renew her contract.  After numerous stints on Broadway both in Europe and the U.S. and final movie failure, Veronica Lake died in 1973 of hepatitis and acute renal failure.