Actors who played drug addicts 3,4 Factors Influencing Addiction in the Entertainment Industry Jun 27, 2023 · The following article includes references to mental health struggles, eating disorders, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and drug and alcohol addiction. & Mrs. We’re now at three Millennial-Gen Z straddling actors who have played drug addicts shortly after their breakout teen or young adult roles (Timothée Chalamet in Beautiful Boy, Lucas Hedges in Ben Is Back, and now Tom Holland in the aforementioned title). " ―"Spooge's Lady" to Jesse Pinkman after he tells her to take better care of her child. An example that drug addiction can hit anyone, but also fixable. [1] Drug overdose and intoxication are significant causes of accidental death and can also be used as a form of suicide. Daniel Radcliffe In a 2019 interview Breaking Bad Season 3 Jesse first meets the Group Leader after he has been living at the facility for the past two months and attends an outdoor group therapy session at a campfire with several other recovering addicts. Nov 22, 2024 · The study also found that among all actors who died from drug-related causes, 13. Even celebrities succumbing to their addictions, while awful — is less of a shock than it should be. Spooge's son is the son of two dangerous drug addicts; Spooge and his lady. It is based on the 1978 novel of the same name by Hubert Selby Jr. While they are famous, they have everything, but as they become less popular, they fade away. Aug 31, 2021 · Who are the 15 DISNEY STARS WHO WENT TO REHAB due to drug addiction? Check out this article to know more about them, some of their films, and their story. However, some of them have shown resilience by asking for help due to their addiction, while others have showcased how drugs can turn deadly, causing death and becoming a reason for their downfall. Scarface Scarface is an iconic film about the drug trade in Miami, and it’s a coked-up Tony Montana who gets the insane label. In celebration of Black History Month, we wanted to highlight 10 Black celebrities that overcame obstacles to achieve long term recovery. In this blog post, we go over 10 celebrities that have battled this disease that's taken our country by storm. Who is the most famous brilliant person who was addicted to drugs? Kurt Cobain is one of the many smart people on this list. “I spent a lot of time with former addicts and people that were using at that moment. Jackson Nov 30, 2023 · Addiction isn’t easy to portray without going over the top. S. Williams was a grim reminder of how drugs and alcohol can strike down even the most successful Black artists and entertainers in the prime of their life. O. Smith (2005), Wanted (2008), Salt (2010) and Maleficent (2014). Working with drugs at arm's length works. was known more for his mugshots than his movies. Montana, played by Al Pacino, snorts A two milligram dose of fentanyl powder (on pencil tip) is a lethal amount for most people. "You give me one hit, and I'll be any kind of mother that you want. Lauri Johnson as Beatrice (seasons 3–8): A waitress at the Burgundy Bistro that serves as a recurring location for the cast. Jul 22, 2025 · By far, alcohol is the most commonly abuse substance in the U. Read about 50 celebrities in recovery who have openly shared their struggles. – and celebrities are no exception. Characters that are drug dealers have been everything from violent and scary to downright delightful – and many of the most memorable drug dealer characters have been played by Oscar-winning actors. As we delve into the lives of 36 sober celebrities who choose a life of sobriety, we witness not just Hollywood tales but relatable narratives of struggle, determination, and triumph. Jun 26, 2024 · Tom Sizemore died on March 3, 2023, at age 61, after being hospitalized for a brain aneurysm. Nov 3, 2025 · While their stories vary, they echo a universal truth: battling addiction knows no status or spotlight. Things got so bad for the actor at one point that he even tried to sell his own hair and teeth online. Nov 13, 2025 · The Irish actor, who went on to play Doyle on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff Angel, had been battling drug addiction for quite a while before his death, the Irish Independent reported. From Ranbir Kapoor to Sanjay Dutt, many actors, male and female, have confessed they had a drug problem at some point in their lives. Much like the characters they portrayed in the fantasy series, the cast themselves also suffered through tough times, many of which might change your […] In celebration of Black History Month, we wanted to highlight 10 Black celebrities that overcame obstacles to achieve long term recovery. It The drugs Ledger was taking were legal on their own, and many were prescription drugs. Toby Loobenfeld is a research assistant in the Caltech particle physics lab with a double major in theater and physics (since his "bourgeois parents" pushed him towards the latter) from MIT, who is cast by Sheldon to play his nonexistent drug addicted first cousin "Leopold". has achieved an inspiring comeback from addiction. The film sees A Street Cat Named Bob (2016) – heroin, methadone, and cannabis The Acid House (1998) – LSD, cannabis, and poppers Across the Universe (2007) – LSD, cannabis, and some opiate, presumably morphine [2] Acts of Worship (2001) – heroin and crack cocaine Adam & Paul (2003) – heroin and cannabis Adaptation (2002) – fictional version of ghost orchid powder Adulthood (2008) – cannabis Jan 31, 2022 · The recent highly-publicized overdose-related death of African American actor Michael K. Skinny Pete is held up by Spooge and his wife who made off with an ounce of meth. The actor’s fatal overdose shows the dangers of prescription drugs, especially mixing any medications. Macaulay Culkin Jul 22, 2020 · Celebrity substance abuse is all too common. In some cases, they managed to separate her from her life and continue with her career; in others, the tragedy took its toll on them, and they left […] Sep 24, 2021 · The death this month of Michael K. Furlong has blamed these incidents largely on his battle with drug addiction. Jul 28, 2025 · I am a drug addict and alcoholic, and fighting it every day. The film sees A Street Cat Named Bob (2016) – heroin, methadone, and cannabis The Acid House (1998) – LSD, cannabis, and poppers Across the Universe (2007) – LSD, cannabis, and some opiate, presumably morphine [2] Acts of Worship (2001) – heroin and crack cocaine Adam & Paul (2003) – heroin and cannabis Adaptation (2002) – fictional version of ghost orchid powder Adulthood (2008) – cannabis The drugs Ledger was taking were legal on their own, and many were prescription drugs. Dec 24, 2023 · Unfortunately, there are many famous celebrities who were drug addicts at some point during their career. Celebrities who overcame addiction include famous names who have battled and won over drug and alcohol abuse and are now very successful. Whitney Houston Aug 1, 2013 · These 15 actors took a walk on the dark side to play a drug addict in movies or on television. Jul 11, 2022 · From prodigies like River Phoenix to pop culture fixtures like Marilyn Monroe and Heath Ledger, many young stars have lost their lives to drug overdoses. Who will you find on this list of famous people addicted to cocaine? Angelina Jolie lands in the top spot. At the end of the day, though, we should respect the actors on this list for seeking the help they needed. But that's just the start of the story. He murders his boss and another dozen characters along the way while snorting ample quantities of the Mar 10, 2010 · In a 2007 interview with "Nightline," Haim, who most recently starred in the A &E reality series "The Two Coreys" with fellow '80s icon Corey Feldman, spoke about fighting his drug addiction. Sep 29, 2021 · For many figures on this list, however, drug addiction and overdose played a tragic role - ending their careers and even their lives. Drug addiction's collateral damage is starkly revealed when a former honor student, newly addicted to prescription pills, triggers a chain of events that devastates her friends and threatens to tear her family apart. Dopesick is an American drama television miniseries, created by Danny Strong for Hulu. Emily Osment as Jodi Hubbard (season 3): A young drug addict whom Christy and Bonnie try to help get sober. Criteria for inclusion are death from overdose, death from organ-failure/illness due to or exacerbated by drug use, or death from suicide/misadventure under the influence of drugs. #1 Samuel L. 2 This finding supports results from previous studies that also found an increased likelihood for drug abuse among male and female porn actors. This article highlights 23 famous people who have battled with various substance addictions. Here’s a quick rundown of a number of child stars who suffered from addictions. The Nirvana musician turned to heroin to cope with both physical and emotional pain. Fortunately, there have been a number of celebrities who have overcome their drug dependency and not only lived to tell about it, but became better because of it. But what's his story? Cast includes: Tupac Shakur, Tim Roth, Thandie Newton, Charles Fleischer. From Gauri Khan to Jul 8, 2022 · Panettiere revealed that she had been battling an addiction to alcohol and opioids after being introduced to drugs at 15. Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó (Hungarian: [ˈblɒʃkoː ˈbeːlɒ ˈfɛrɛnt͡s ˈdɛʒøː]; October 20, 1882 – August 16, 1956), better known by the stage name Bela Lugosi (/ ləˈɡoʊsi / lə-GOH-see; Hungarian: [ˈluɡoʃi]), was a Hungarian–American actor. Feb 22, 2024 · "Peaky Blinders" star Paul Anderson, who played Arthur Shelby, looked unrecognizable in London on Wednesday, months after pleading guilty to drug possession. Aug 1, 2013 · These 15 actors took a walk on the dark side to play a drug addict in movies or on television. Before becoming an addict, the actor starred in Red Dawn, The Rookie, Young Guns, Wall Street, and more. Here’s a closer look at 15 who fought addiction—and what their journeys looked like. This is not just a loss of life, but a loss to our culture and society. With the Cherry bomb, as it were, bringing Dec 16, 2022 · Addiction affects people from all walks of life. Jan 27, 2024 · Paul Anderson, a British actor most known for playing the tortured addict Arthur Shelby on “Peaky Blinders,” was fined a total of £1,345 ($1,700) on Thursday after being caught in possession Jan 12, 2025 · T. It Feb 6, 2021 · Maureen McCormick from 'The Brady Bunch' dealt with drug addiction for years -- and she said she wished the cast reached out. She often Aug 31, 2021 · Who are the 15 DISNEY STARS WHO WENT TO REHAB due to drug addiction? Check out this article to know more about them, some of their films, and their story. Oct 30, 2023 · They may have played the happiest BFFs on TV, but in real life, the stars of Friends haven't exactly had it easy. Elmo's Fire in which she played a young yuppie drug addict on the verge of wrecking her life. He is nicknamed "Bubbles In something similar from the era, Demi Moore was almost fired from St. In the entertainment world, many famous men are thriving in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. May 1, 2024 · People can go to the hospital for conditions such as anorexia as well. 7 million Americans need treatment for a drug or alcohol problem. Aug 1, 2013 · These 15 actors took a walk on the dark side to play a drug addict in movies or on television. Oct 30, 2016 · Although actor Robert Downey Jr. May 26, 2025 · From Marilyn Monroe to Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hollywood's tragic battle with addiction reveals hidden warning signs. 1. By taylor Denning - April 14, 2024 Jul 15, 2022 · Living In The Spotlight With Addiction & Mental Health Disorders Sadly, being a celebrity and struggling with addiction and mental illness have become synonymous, even if in reality a very small percentage of actors and other performers actually have drug and alcohol addictions. After collapsing in 1999 at a photo shoot, she checked into rehab and started attending NA and AA to Aug 1, 2013 · These 15 actors took a walk on the dark side to play a drug addict in movies or on television. In something similar from the era, Demi Moore was almost fired from St. From the Little Rascals of Oct 28, 2024 · Alcohol addiction is an issue that permeates every imaginable stratum of society, affecting the lives of some of the most talented and famous actors in the entertainment industry. Bubbles is a recovering heroin addict. In this film two drug addicted musicians decide to kick their drug habits and attempt to enroll in a government detox program however their efforts are hampered by seemingly endless red tape. Sep 17, 2020 · If someone tells Bollywood has no drug problem and stories you hear are either one-in-a-million or exaggerated, one should hear the hush-hush logical voice in your head laughing. Children who grow up under the critical (and hypocritical) eye of the media are three times more likely to abuse alcohol than the average young American. Cause of death was ruled “acute multiple drug intoxication” and the toxicology studies showed high concentrations of morphine and cocaine in his blood. Apr 21, 2024 · Below we explore several of Hollywood's biggest celebrities whose acting careers were at peril before cleaning up their act and seeking substance use rehab. Jun 19, 2020 · A former meth user questioned the actor about it during a Reddit AMA. The Golden Globe -nominated actor appeared on Celebrity Rehab season 3 for an ongoing drug addiction. Nov 14, 2023 · List of actors who are or were on drugs and openly talked about their plight and recovery. Oct 28, 2024 · Alcohol addiction is an issue that permeates every imaginable stratum of society, affecting the lives of some of the most talented and famous actors in the entertainment industry. However, in 2011, he was hospitalized for 2 days after partying with porn stars. Meet 10 famous men that are living a life of recovery and sobriety: 1. Before becoming Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. His real name is not revealed until a fourth-season episode when he is called "Mr. A subreddit for fans and critics of the hit television series Breaking Bad on AMC. Which figure deserves the top spot on this list of the greatest drug dealer characters in film? Aug 1, 2013 · These 15 actors took a walk on the dark side to play a drug addict in movies or on television. 3 days ago · This article contains triggers for risky substance use, addiction, and mental health. May 5, 2024 · Addiction is a widespread issue that can affect anyone, including Hollywood stars. He was best remembered for portraying Count Dracula in the horror film classic Dracula (1931), Ygor in Son of Frankenstein (1939 Apr 13, 2023 · The saddest thing in life is wasted talent – and actor Lillo Brancato is spreading that “Bronx Tale” maxim, one addict at a time. With a heavy heart, here is the list of 12 actors who ruined their career because of drugs. Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 American psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher McDonald, and Marlon Wayans. Child actors have been a staple in Hollywood since the earliest days of cinema. Nov 8, 2017 · Throughout the Harry Potter film series, fans got to see actors like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson grow up in front of their very eyes, through good times and bad times. Jul 9, 2025 · Child stars and actors have it rough at times. Even if Ledger didn’t struggle with prescription drug addiction, combining several different types of prescription pills can be dangerous. After Skinny Pete finds their address, Jesse Pinkman shows up at their home with a gun in an attempt to retrieve the stolen drugs and/or cash payment from the two. Oct 21, 2017 · When promising talents such as River Phoenix, Carrie Fischer, and Britney Spears turn their talent to ashes just because of a drug or alcohol addiction, it is saddening not only for their loved ones but also for the entire society. River Phoenix Back in 1993, 23-year-old actor River Phoenix collapsed and died of drug induced heart failure. Aug 3, 2020 · From Demi Lovato who recovered, to Amy Winehouse who tragically died, here are 25 celebrities that battled drug & alcohol addiction. Jackson Jul 22, 2025 · By far, alcohol is the most commonly abuse substance in the U. But many actors have found their way to sobriety over the years, from Robert Downey Jr. These are the cast's dark secrets. One of the dwarf actors who played an Ewok in Return of the Jedi, Paul Grant, was also in the news fairly recently with comments about having a long-running cocaine problem. While he did not revealed which types of drugs he was addicted to, but back in the days, it was widely accepted that when the actor played a hopeless ‘stoner’ in the movie True Romance (1993) he was actually playing his marijuana-addicted self. In seeking to understand the tragedies of overdose in the movie industry, it’s crucial to consider these factors. Angelina Jolie is an Academy Award-winning actress who rose to fame after her role in Girl, Interrupted (1999), playing the title role in the "Lara Croft" blockbuster movies, as well as Mr. Who are the most famous Hollywood actors who went to rehab? Take a look at this list and you'll see the celebrities who have been to a drug rehabilitation center. Scarface (1983) Considered by critics as one of the best mob films ever released in Hollywood, Scarface tells the story of a Cuban refugee named Tony Montana who rises to power as the head of a drug cartel in Miami during the 1980s. Williams, the Brooklyn actor most famous for his memorable portrayal of a gay stickup man in “The Wire,” was caused by an accidental drug overdose involving Apr 21, 2025 · On January 22, 2008, Australian actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental drug overdose at age 28. Feb 28, 2024 · Peaky Blinders actor Paul Anderson has broken his silence after his recent fine for possession of crack cocaine. Dec 20, 2023 · Some celebrity coke addicts are actors while other famous people addicted to cocaine are legendary musicians. Jan 4, 2024 · Heroin addiction can affect anyone. The handsome and talented Australian actor was just 28 Sep 6, 2023 · The cast of the iconic lifeguard show "Baywatch" have endured a number of tragedies – from illnesses to accidents. It highlights the stories of famous actors like Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Holland, and Ben Affleck, who have openly talked about their struggles with addiction and the positive steps they took to Feb 14, 2024 · Angus Cloud — the actor who played drug dealer Fezco "Fez" O'Neill on HBO's "Euphoria" — was found dead in his family's home in Oakland, California, in July 2023. She later dies from a drug overdose. Aug 5, 2023 · Between 1998 and 2005 supermodel Naomi Campbell struggled with an alcohol and drug addiction. 7% were from the pornographic film industry. Here you will find discussions and speculations about the show, pictures from the show, AMA's with the cast, and anything else Breaking Bad related. Nov 27, 2017 · A collection of celebrities who have been drug addicts, many of them cocaine addicts, throughout history have combined success with narcotics such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or barbiturates. Oct 25, 2024 · In one of Dustin Hoffman’s best movies, the legendary actor plays the part of Ratso Rizzo, a heroin addict living life on the fringes along with his pal, Joe Buck (Jon Voight). After Skinny Feb 19, 2021 · It seems that a new celebrity entering rehab for drug, alcohol addiction and suicidal urges are a weekly headline these days. Gateway Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Treatment Program Centers in Illinois can Help You Fight Back Against Addiction Once and for All. Nov 16, 2025 · Addiction has affected many performers at every level of the industry, and a number of well-known male actors have spoken openly about their struggles with drugs or alcohol, treatment, and long-term recovery. Child stars who suffer from child actor syndrome can experience mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, identity crises and burnout. Brancato portrayed Robert De Niro’s son, Calogero, in the Jan 16, 2025 · Several young actors who have appeared in Hollyoaks have battled with addiction to alcohol and other substances, bravely speaking out about their ordeals in a bid to help others Jul 3, 2020 · The rich and famous are no strangers to addiction and mental illness. The child is alone in the house when Jesse appears, but May 31, 2019 · But his life was tainted by drug addiction and money problems. There is no denying that the film industry has a drug problem. After a troubling period with drug abuse, Downey Jr. With Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg, Will Poulter. Nov 2, 2023 · While "Friends" brought its cast a bounty of wealth and worldwide notoriety, the stars of the sitcom have weathered their fair share of tragedy. May 22, 2025 · Cooper played a musician struggling with addiction in 2018's "A Star Is Born," which he also directed. There are examples where addicted characters were played by actors who learned the role just by watching the addicts. 5 Hollywood Actors Whose Careers Nearly Ended Due to Substance Use Without further ado, here are five well known actors who went down a dark path but managed to recover and fight their way back onto the silver screen. [src] "Spooge's Lady" is a dangerous drug addict who stole meth from Skinny Pete at knifepoint with help from her husband Spooge. Jul 31, 2025 · 4. Poly drug use often carries more risk than use of a Dopesick: Created by Danny Strong. Here are 10 who battled alcohol addiction. Oct 18, 2024 · From parties and drugs to fans who can’t resist getting as close as possible — literally — to some of the world’s biggest stars, acknowledging and kicking a sex addiction hasn’t been Jul 30, 2025 · Famous Drug Abusers: Celebrity Addiction & Recovering Addicts, According to NSDUH,22. - Steven Tyler, Billboard, 2014 Celebrities Who Lost Their Lives To Opioid Addiction Because up to 60% of people with an addiction relapse, addiction specialists emphasize ongoing support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous as well as detox and rehab when required. Sep 12, 2024 · Here are 30 famous individuals who battled substance abuse, those who didn’t know when to stop, leading to a serious, sometimes fatal, drug addiction. Jan 13, 2022 · In addition to fueling her addiction to drugs and alcohol, Far Out Magazine reports her time filming "The Wizard of Oz" negatively impacted the teen's already low self-esteem and was a detriment to her mental health. Apr 9, 2012 · Discover the top 10 most memorable drug addicts on TV shows and their captivating stories. Nov 11, 2025 · Here’s a close look at the top 10 drug addiction movies, and how each of these movies glorifies drug and alcohol use. He told Variety that it was a "cathartic" experience. When Heath Ledger died inside his New York apartment on January 22, 2008, the world was left in shock. Reginald " Bubbles " Cousins is a fictional character on the HBO drama The Wire, played by actor Andre Royo. ("Breakage"). Skinny Pete is held up by Spooge and his wife who make off with an ounce of meth. Jan 13, 2022 · Both Keena and his former wife, Rachael Kneeland, have protective orders against Furlong. , with whom Aronofsky wrote the screenplay. We admit that we cannot know for sure whether these actors could have performed better if they had been "clean" and sober all their lives. Running time is 1hr 31 min. Other former child stars have a similar story. Aug 22, 2024 · The American actor, Charlie Sheen has been open about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction and has revealed that he has been sober for 6 years now. first tried drugs at the young age of six, it wasn’t until 1996 that he faced his first drug-related arrest. Death can occur from overdosing on a single or multiple drugs, or from combined drug intoxication (CDI) due to poly drug use. Jun 22, 2015 · Highest Paid Child TV Stars 1. P, the actor who plays Thanos in "Squid Game," is a controversial figure in his native South Korea. . Aug 31, 2025 · It’s easy to forget that actors are people too. Learn how they used their platforms to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Jul 30, 2025 · Famous Drug Abusers: Celebrity Addiction & Recovering Addicts, According to NSDUH,22. With so many celebrities and notable people embracing sobriety after battling addiction, it is clear that substance abuse can impact anyone, regardless of social or economic statys. Nov 13, 2024 · Discover the inspiring stories of 8 celebrities who have faced addiction and mental health challenges. Many of the most notorious celebrity cokeheads have even been arrested on possession charges. The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America's struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma, to a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA. The series was produced by 20th Television, John Goldwyn Productions, and The Littlefield Company. Way before there was the An autopsy performed on Conaway revealed that the actor died of various causes, including aspiration pneumonia and encephalopathy, attributable to drug overdoses. Apr 1, 2024 · Dark side of fame – the immense pressure, loss of privacy, and relentless scrutiny – can take a significant toll on a person’s mental health. Based on the non-fiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy, it premiered on October 13, 2021, and concluded on November 17, 2021, after eight episodes. Off-screen, Jolie has become prominently involved in international charity projects, especially those involving refugees. The film depicts four characters affected by drug addiction and how it alters their physical Jul 3, 2020 · The rich and famous are no strangers to addiction and mental illness. Played by Al Pacino, he rises to the top of the Florida drug trade by treating human life as valueless as long as he isn’t able to use the people around him. Find out more in this article. Cousins" and in the fifth-season premiere when he is called "Reginald". According to the actor, he was both a heroin and cocaine addict. Toby regards Sheldon's motivation for Leo's substance abuse problem as pop psychology and plays the role as if Leo was Aug 5, 2023 · Between 1998 and 2005 supermodel Naomi Campbell struggled with an alcohol and drug addiction. Nov 14, 2023 · In this Article: Changing the Narrative on Addiction and Recovery here we discuss the silent struggles of substance use in Hollywood and the importance of celebrities sharing their recovery journeys. to Cara Delevingne, and their stories are inspiring testaments to the human ability to overcome even the most difficult Mar 10, 2021 · The release of Cherry brings us to a critical mass enough to receive recognition as a trend. [1] Bubbles has a son named KeyShawn, who lives with his mother. Regardless of whether the addicts on this list encountered drug addiction during filming or used their past knowledge, the drugs helped them in a certain way. Learn More. Oct 20, 2022 · What makes child actors so vulnerable to addiction? Learn about child actors and drug addiction and treatment for drug addiction. Apr 14, 2024 · Drug Issue 2024 Child actor syndrome and addiction Bella Daidone/Managing Editor We must continue to take steps to ensure child stars are working in a safe and comfortable environment. Harlem Nights (R) (1989) Directed by Eddie Murphy. These TV characters are the best when it comes to small-screen addicts. WebMD's slideshow will introduce you to celebrities who’ve battled drug and alcohol use disorders and shared their stories. When Jesse asks the Group Leader how he has accepted himself, he reveals he hit his daughter with his car, killing her.