Black Actors Who Were Heavy Drinkers (But Are Sober Now)

Navigating the pressures of Hollywood can be an overwhelming experience, often leading many talented individuals down a path of substance abuse. For these Black male actors, the bright lights of fame came with a dark shadow of heavy drinking and addiction that threatened to derail their careers and lives. From legendary Oscar winners to beloved television stars, these men faced their demons head-on and made the life-changing decision to get sober. Their stories of recovery serve as powerful testaments to resilience, discipline, and the possibility of redemption.

Samuel L. Jackson

This iconic actor is one of the most recognized faces in Hollywood, but his early career was plagued by a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol. Jackson has been open about his struggles during the 1980s, admitting that he often prioritized getting high over his craft. His turning point came in 1991 when his wife and daughter found him unconscious in their kitchen, prompting him to enter rehab. He has been sober ever since, often crediting his recovery for his skyrocketing success in films like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Denzel Washington

While he never described himself as “strung out,” this two-time Academy Award winner admitted to a fifteen-year pattern of heavy wine consumption. Washington revealed in interviews that he would often drink up to two bottles of wine a day, a habit that caused significant damage to his body over time. He made the decision to stop drinking completely just before his 60th birthday to prioritize his health and longevity. Now approaching his 70s, Washington celebrates over a decade of sobriety and clarity.

Tyler Perry

The media mogul and creator of the ‘Madea’ franchise used alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with the grief of losing his mother. Perry confessed that he would drink heavily to help him sleep, relying on cognac to numb his emotional pain. He realized he was heading down a dangerous path and decided to quit drinking to regain control of his life and health. Perry now focuses on his massive production empire with a clear mind and disciplined lifestyle.

Louis Gossett Jr.

The late, great Louis Gossett Jr. battled a severe addiction to alcohol and cocaine during the height of his fame in the 1980s. After winning an Oscar for ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’, the pressure and party lifestyle contributed to his downward spiral. He eventually sought treatment and became a vocal advocate for recovery, sharing his story to inspire others. He spent his later years sober, focusing on his foundation and acting work until his passing.

David Harewood

Best known for his roles in ‘Homeland’ and ‘Supergirl’, David Harewood has spoken candidly about his experience with psychosis, which was exacerbated by heavy alcohol and cannabis use. As a young actor in London, he used substances to cope with the stress of auditions and racial identity struggles, leading to a mental breakdown. He was sectioned in a hospital, an experience that forced him to reevaluate his relationship with intoxicants. Harewood is now sober and uses his platform to discuss mental health awareness.

Terrence Howard

The ‘Empire’ star struggled with addiction to alcohol and cocaine, which he admitted caused him to lose jobs and damage relationships. Howard’s volatility and legal issues were often fueled by his substance abuse during the early years of his career. He eventually sought professional help and entered rehab to address his dependency. Howard has since adopted a more focused lifestyle, often discussing how sobriety saved his career.

Columbus Short

Former ‘Scandal’ star Columbus Short faced a highly public battle with alcoholism and drug use that led to his dismissal from the hit show. His addiction contributed to legal troubles and domestic issues that nearly destroyed his reputation. Short has since completed treatment programs and speaks openly about the dangers of substance abuse. He is now rebuilding his life and career, celebrating his sobriety and newfound stability.

Morgan Freeman

This legendary actor admitted to struggling with a drinking problem during the 1970s when he was starring in ‘The Electric Company’. Freeman revealed that he would drink daily, often consuming quarts of whiskey a week, which led to blackouts and strained relationships. He decided to quit drinking in 1979 after realizing the toll it was taking on his life and marriage. Freeman has remained sober from alcohol for decades, cementing his legacy as one of cinema’s greatest talents.

Kid Cudi

Scott Mescudi, known as Kid Cudi, has acted in films like ‘Don’t Look Up’ and the series ‘We Are Who We Are’ while battling severe depression and substance abuse. He checked himself into rehab in 2016 for depression and suicidal urges, which were fueled by heavy drug and alcohol use. Cudi has been transparent about his journey to sobriety, stating that he needed to stop self-medicating to save his life. He continues to thrive in both music and acting, serving as a role model for mental health recovery.

Gucci Mane

Rapper and actor Gucci Mane underwent a massive transformation while incarcerated, kicking a severe addiction to “lean” (codeine syrup) and alcohol. He admitted that his substance abuse had made him bloated, erratic, and numb to the world around him. Upon his release in 2016, he emerged sober, fit, and focused, launching a successful second act in his career. His sobriety has been key to his sustained success and business ventures.

Wiz Khalifa

While famous for his cannabis entrepreneurship, Wiz Khalifa made headlines by announcing he had quit drinking alcohol. The rapper and actor, who appeared in ‘Mac & Devin Go to High School’, realized that alcohol was hindering his productivity and health. He describes his lifestyle as “Cali Sober,” avoiding alcohol entirely while still using cannabis. He credits cutting out liquor for his improved physique and mental clarity.

Dennis Rodman

Former NBA star and actor Dennis Rodman has had a well-documented struggle with alcoholism that played out in the public eye. He appeared on ‘Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew’ and has checked into treatment facilities multiple times over the years. Rodman has openly discussed the difficulty of staying sober and the impact his drinking had on his family and career. He continues to work on his recovery, striving for a healthier life away from the court.

Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom’s battle with addiction to drugs and alcohol led to a near-fatal overdose in a Nevada brothel in 2015. The former athlete and reality television star suffered multiple strokes and kidney failure, which served as a wake-up call. Odom has since worked hard to maintain his sobriety, using his story to warn others about the dangers of addiction. He has appeared in various television projects, focusing on his health and redemption.

Gary Dourdan

Best known for his role on ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’, Gary Dourdan faced serious legal troubles stemming from drug and alcohol possession. His addiction issues contributed to his departure from the show and a period of career instability. Dourdan has since been sober for many years, focusing on his music and acting. He remains a talent who overcame personal demons to find stability.

T.I.

Clifford “T.I.” Harris, a rapper and actor in films like ‘Ant-Man’, faced a highly publicized addiction to painkillers and alcohol. His dependency led to legal issues and a prison sentence, which became a turning point for him. T.I. has spoken about the clarity that sobriety brought him and the importance of setting a better example for his children. He has since maintained a successful career in film, music, and business.

Lil Rel Howery

Comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery, the breakout star of ‘Get Out’, decided to stop drinking to take his life and career to the next level. He revealed that quitting alcohol was a crucial part of his fitness and mental health journey, leading to significant weight loss and happiness. Howery stated that removing alcohol helped him uncover and heal from past traumas. His transformation has inspired many of his fans to prioritize their own well-being.

Hannibal Buress

Stand-up comedian and actor Hannibal Buress quit drinking after a disorderly intoxication arrest in Miami served as a wake-up call. He realized that alcohol was costing him money, opportunities, and his physical health. Buress has incorporated his sobriety into his comedy, joking about the clarity and boredom that comes with the lifestyle change. He continues to act in major films like ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ while maintaining his sober status.

Mike Tyson

Heavyweight champion and actor Mike Tyson battled severe drug and alcohol addiction for years, which he admits turned him into a person he didn’t like. Tyson has been very vocal about his journey to recovery, stating that he is now a different man who prioritizes his family and business. While he is a cannabis entrepreneur, he has largely abstained from alcohol and hard drugs to maintain his mental stability. His resilience is a central theme in his one-man shows and podcast.

Flavor Flav

Public Enemy hype man and reality TV star Flavor Flav struggled with addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol for decades. He spent years in the throes of substance abuse before finally seeking lasting sobriety. In recent years, Flav has proudly celebrated milestones in his sobriety, stating that he is finally clear-headed and healthy. He continues to perform and appear on television, grateful for his second chance.

Bobby Brown

R&B legend and actor Bobby Brown’s life was tumultuous due to heavy drug and alcohol use, which often played out in the tabloids. After years of tragedy and legal issues, Brown made the commitment to get clean and sober. He has spoken about breaking the cycle of addiction for the sake of his remaining children and his own health. Brown now tours and acts, focusing on his legacy and recovery.

Timbaland

Super-producer and ‘Empire’ music contributor Timbaland battled a dangerous addiction to OxyContin and alcohol that nearly cost him his life. He revealed that he was taking pills and drinking heavily to cope with stress and pain, eventually suffering a near-death overdose. Timbaland quit cold turkey and transformed his body through fitness and boxing. He is now sober and back to creating chart-topping music.

Will Smith

While not a “heavy drinker” in the traditional sense of addiction, Will Smith revealed he stopped drinking for over a decade to achieve the extreme discipline required for his rise to superstardom. He realized that alcohol was a distraction that he could not afford if he wanted to be the biggest movie star in the world. Smith has spoken about the “bucket list” mindset that keeps him focused on health and performance. His choice to abstain was a strategic move for career longevity.

Future

Rapper and producer Future, who curated the ‘Superfly’ soundtrack, often rapped about drug use but revealed in interviews that he was afraid to tell fans he was actually sober. He admitted that he quit drinking and using drugs but worried it would damage his “rockstar” image. Future eventually opened up about his sobriety, acknowledging that the lifestyle he portrayed was not his reality. He focuses on his massive musical output and family.

Meek Mill

Philadelphia rapper and actor Meek Mill has faced legal battles and addiction issues involving pills and syrup, but has since turned his life around. He publicly stated that he doesn’t drink or smoke anymore because he wants to be sharp and healthy. Meek Mill focuses his energy on criminal justice reform and his business endeavors. His sobriety is part of his maturation as a man and leader.

French Montana

After a severe health scare that landed him in the ICU, rapper and actor French Montana decided to quit drinking to save his life. Doctors warned him that his lifestyle of partying and exhaustion was unsustainable. He celebrated his sobriety by showing off a physical transformation and a renewed focus on his music. Montana is now an advocate for health and wellness in the hip-hop community.

Busta Rhymes

Hip-hop legend and actor Busta Rhymes underwent a dramatic health transformation after realizing his heavy drinking and smoking were killing him. He found himself breathless and overweight, which prompted him to quit his vices and hit the gym. Busta is now in the best shape of his life and attributes his energy to his sober lifestyle. He continues to tour and act with the vigor of a man half his age.

Rick Ross

Rick Ross, known for his “Boss” persona, had to make drastic lifestyle changes after suffering multiple seizures linked to codeine and alcohol use. The rapper and actor quit the heavy substance use and lost a significant amount of weight to save his health. Ross now promotes a lifestyle of wealth that includes taking care of one’s body. He remains a major figure in the industry, operating with a clearer mind.

Joe Budden

Broadcaster and reality TV star Joe Budden has been transparent about his past addiction to angel dust and alcohol. He often discusses his recovery journey on his popular podcast, serving as a cautionary tale and inspiration. Budden has been sober for years and credits it with allowing him to transition from a rapper to a media mogul. He is a vocal critic of the glorification of drug culture.

NLE Choppa

Young rapper and actor NLE Choppa made a radical shift from a lifestyle of drugs and alcohol to one of holistic wellness and spirituality. He quit drinking and smoking to focus on meditation, veganism, and positive energy. Choppa uses his platform to encourage young people to avoid toxins and embrace a healthy lifestyle. His transformation has been both physical and mental, influencing a new generation.

Shad Moss

Shad Moss, also known as Bow Wow, admitted to a secret addiction to “lean” and alcohol that affected his mood and behavior. The actor and rapper revealed that he was drinking the syrup daily while working on television shows, leading to a collapse. He has since quit the habit and focuses on his hosting and acting duties. Bow Wow speaks about the dangers of the drug and the pressure of child stardom.

Soulja Boy

DeAndre Way, known as Soulja Boy, decided to quit drinking and using drugs, famously stating in an interview that he wanted to make better changes for his life. He admitted that “lean” and other substances were holding him back from his full potential. Since adopting a sober lifestyle, he has focused on his various business ventures and gaming career. Soulja Boy encourages his fans to stay focused and healthy.

K-Ci Hailey

As a member of Jodeci and K-Ci & JoJo, K-Ci Hailey’s battles with alcoholism were documented on ‘Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew’. His addiction caused on-stage collapses and threatened his singing voice and life. Hailey worked hard to overcome his dependency and has had long periods of sobriety. He continues to perform, grateful for the chance to share his gift.

August Alsina

Singer and reality personality August Alsina has been open about his family history of addiction and his own struggles with alcohol and pain medication. After suffering health scares and an autoimmune disease diagnosis, he realized he needed to live a cleaner life. Alsina has pursued sobriety to manage his health and emotional well-being. He uses his music to process his trauma and healing.

Master P

Hip-hop mogul and actor Master P is known for his clean lifestyle, often stating that he avoided the drug and alcohol traps that claimed many of his peers. While not a “recovered addict” in the traditional sense, his rejection of the “heavy drinker” norm in the industry makes him a sober icon. He instills these values in his children and his artists. Master P proves that success doesn’t require intoxication.

Method Man

Wu-Tang Clan member and actor Method Man decided to reevaluate his lifestyle, including his smoking and drinking habits, to prioritize his health. He has spoken about the clarity he gained from stepping back from the party scene and focusing on fitness. Method Man’s physical transformation in recent years is a result of this disciplined, sober-minded approach. He remains one of the busiest actors in television.

Todd Bridges

Child star Todd Bridges, known for ‘Diff’rent Strokes’, suffered through a notorious period of crack cocaine and alcohol addiction in his youth. He faced serious legal charges and was written off by Hollywood before turning his life around. Bridges has been sober for decades and works as a motivational speaker and actor. His survival story is one of the most remarkable comebacks in the industry.

Orlando Brown

Former Disney Channel star Orlando Brown faced a highly publicized downward spiral involving meth and alcohol addiction. After years of erratic behavior and arrests, he entered a faith-based recovery program and has reportedly found sobriety. Brown has reconnected with his family and speaks about the role of faith in his recovery. Fans continue to root for his sustained health and comeback.

We’d love to hear which of these recovery stories inspired you the most; please share your thoughts in the comments.