Actors Who Were Alcohol Addicts

Many beloved screen stars have been open about struggling with alcohol at different points in their lives, and their candor has helped reduce stigma and encouraged others to seek support. Below are male actors who have publicly discussed alcohol addiction, treatment, and long-term recovery, along with brief notes on when they spoke about it and how it intersected with their careers.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. has spoken about years of alcohol and drug addiction, legal trouble, and multiple attempts at rehab before getting sober in the early 2000s. He has credited a structured recovery program, therapy, and lifestyle changes for maintaining sobriety. His comeback included leading roles in ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ which he has discussed as opportunities made possible by sustained recovery. He frequently acknowledges ongoing maintenance of sobriety as part of his life.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck has publicly described alcohol addiction and several treatment stays, including intensive rehab and outpatient care. He has said that co-parenting and personal accountability were key motivators for getting help. Affleck has continued to work steadily, directing and starring in projects like ‘Argo’ and ‘The Way Back,’ and has used interviews to underscore that recovery is not linear. He has emphasized relapse prevention and long-term support.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper has shared that he quit drinking in his late twenties after recognizing escalating alcohol misuse. He has described early career pressures and personal health as catalysts for change. Following sobriety, he took on major roles in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘A Star Is Born,’ and he has discussed how clear-headed work habits support his craft. He occasionally mentors younger actors about the risks of substance abuse.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe has said that he used alcohol heavily during and after his time on the ‘Harry Potter’ films and chose to stop when it began affecting his life and work. He has credited friends, time away from nightlife, and professional help with achieving sobriety. Since then, he has focused on varied roles across stage and screen, including ‘Swiss Army Man’ and ‘Guns Akimbo.’ Radcliffe has encouraged seeking help early and being open about setbacks.

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins has spoken candidly about hitting a personal low with alcohol and finding sobriety many decades ago. He has credited a moment of clarity and ongoing participation in recovery communities for sustaining abstinence. Hopkins continued a prolific career with acclaimed performances in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘The Father.’ He often marks sobriety milestones publicly to share hope with others.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor has discussed quitting alcohol after realizing it was harming his relationships and day-to-day functioning. He has described therapy and a conscious reset of his lifestyle as central to change. McGregor’s subsequent work included ‘Moulin Rouge!,’ ‘The Ghost Writer,’ and the return to ‘Star Wars’ in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi.’ He has highlighted how stability in recovery supported long, demanding shoots.

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell sought treatment after years of heavy drinking and later returned for preventative care when he felt old patterns re-emerging. He has described replacing alcohol with routines that protect sleep, fitness, and mental health. Farrell’s career surged with roles in ‘In Bruges,’ ‘The Lobster,’ and ‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’ He has used interviews to normalize asking for help before a crisis.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson’s alcohol problems became highly public after a DUI arrest and subsequent rehabilitation. He has acknowledged the impact of alcohol on his behavior and discussed efforts to remain sober. Gibson returned to directing and acting, including ‘Hacksaw Ridge,’ while speaking about accountability and treatment. He has pointed to structured programs and faith as parts of his recovery.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has stated he stopped drinking in the mid-1980s after recognizing a serious problem with alcohol and drugs. He has credited early intervention and complete abstinence for changing the course of his life. Baldwin continued with stage and screen projects and became widely known for ‘30 Rock.’ He has described sobriety anniversaries as reminders to maintain daily practices that keep him well.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams was open about long periods of sobriety, a later relapse, and returning to treatment. He discussed touring and isolation as triggers and emphasized structured support when he sought help again. Williams continued working, including roles in ‘Good Will Hunting,’ ‘Insomnia,’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ while sharing lessons about vigilance in recovery. His openness has been cited by peers and clinicians as meaningful for public understanding of addiction.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry detailed his alcohol addiction alongside prescription drug misuse in interviews and a memoir, outlining hospitalizations, treatment programs, and long sober stretches. He advocated for recovery resources and helped fund treatment access. Perry continued acting after ‘Friends,’ including ‘The Odd Couple’ and stage projects, while speaking at length about relapse, humility, and service to others in recovery. His public storytelling provided practical insight into the realities of long-term maintenance.

If there’s someone you think belongs on this list—or a story you feel more people should know—share your thoughts in the comments.