Alcoholism is that facet of a person’s life that not only slowly decays their own life but also affects their close ones. Falling into substance abuse may have several underlying reasons, but finding the exit from this destructive path is indeed challenging.
However, despite many hurdles, there have been legends from the Hollywood industry who have set an example by conquering their addiction. Here is a list of a few Hollywood celebrities, who pushed their addiction away and established themselves in the film industry.
1. Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was a renowned actress of her time who is popular known for her Oscar-winning performance in the 1967 film Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The two-time Academy Award-winning actress lived her life in the spotlight, whether for her Hollywood lifestyle or her several marriages. The legendary actress battled substance abuse for most of her life.
There were times when the actress remained so high on drug doses that she could barely read her lines for scenes. However, realizing the hazardous effect of alcoholism on her life and career, the actress sought help and admitted herself into a rehab center. While she was in rehab, she used to write a journal. According to The New York Times, the actress stated in her journal,
“Not being drunk is the only way I’m going to stay alive.”
After trying treatment at rehab, she relapsed into alcoholism, which made her situation even worse. However, she eventually conquered her addiction and lived a sober life until her death in 2011 at the age of 79.
2. Bradley Cooper
American actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper is a renowned actor known for his incredible performance in various hit films. While the actor has enjoyed a glamorous life and has witnessed immense popularity, he has also faced his fair share of struggles.
In a 2015 interview with Yahoo, the actor reflected on the time when he struggled with alcohol addiction. The actor said,
“I wouldn’t have been able to have access to myself or other people or even been able to take in other people if I hadn’t changed my life. I never would have been able to have the relationships that I do. I never would have been able to take care of my father the way I did when he was sick. So many things.”
Although the actor has been living a sober life for over a decade, there was a time when he was in the grip of alcoholism, and his relationship with his loved ones was severely affected.
3. Robert Downey Jr.
Marvel actor Robert Downey Jr. needs no introduction. Ever since he made his debut in the MCU with the 2008 film Iron Man, he became a household name. Since then, he has evolved as an actor and has also become a pillar of the Marvel franchise.
Today, the actor is undeniably one of the highest-paid actors in the film industry, but it wasn’t always the case, as he has evolved both as an actor and as a person in his life. During the initial phase of his career, the actor struggled to find work due to his alcohol and drug addiction.
In 1996, the actor was arrested on a charge of possessing heroin and cocaine. However, eventually, the actor sought help and conquered his addiction, and bagged many superhit films. Eventually, he became one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood.
4. Brad Pitt
The heartthrob of Hollywood, Brad Pitt is a renowned actor whose acting and charm never fails to impress the audience. However, he is also one of the actors who has been a victim of substance abuse. Previously, during an interview with GQ, the actor revealed the reason for falling into alcoholism.
The actor claimed that after his public divorce from Angelina Jolie in 2016, he found solace in intoxicating himself so that he could escape from his emotions. During the interview, the actor said,
“I think that’s part of the human challenge: You either deny [your feelings] all of your life or you answer them and evolve.”
However, the actor conquered the challenge, and after several months of sobriety, he also faced his emotions.
5. Gary Oldman
Harry Potter star Gary Oldman is a legendary actor whose contribution to the film industry is indeed commendable. The actor is one of the most reputed actors in the film industry today, however, there was a time when he was battling with substance abuse. In the 1990s the actor saw a dark phase in his life, as at that time he was struggling with alcoholism.
During an interview with the LA Times, the actor opened up about his history with alcoholism. Describing the height of intensity of his alcoholism, the actor said,
“I used to sweat vodka. It becomes such a part of you. My tongue would be black in the morning. I blamed it on the shampoo. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, to be in the grip of it. It’s hell.”
However, eventually, Oldman overcame his addiction and now it has been more than two decades since the actor is living a sober life.
6. Ben Affleck
The Oscar-winning actor Ben Affleck has also battled with substance abuse. During an interview with The New York Times, he revealed that he attended rehab twice to conquer his alcohol addiction.
Affleck credited his fellow actors and friends, Bradley Cooper and Robert Downey Jr. with helping him in his battle against alcoholism, as the two have also faced their own struggles with substance abuse. Affleck claimed that during his treatment, he underwent significant personal growth.
