When one thinks of talented people like Stephen King, actress Elizabeth Taylor or renowned painter Vincent Van Gogh, surely the first thing that comes to mind is their work and the mark it has made on history. But did you know that all of them are famous alcoholics?
In truth, it’s difficult to instantly label them as addicts or celebrities ruined by alcohol because they do not fit the traditional image of an alcoholic, except for maybe Van Gogh, who cut off his ear and took his own life.
The fact is that just like millions of not-so-famous people suffering from alcohol use disorder or abuse, these well-known alcoholics have had their lives torn apart by this disease. Read on as we dive into the stories of famous alcoholics in history, those who have recovered (and some still struggling) with it.
Famous Alcoholics Who Made History
Alcoholism is a disease that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status, profession, or level of fame. Throughout history, many influential figures have struggled with addiction to alcohol, leading to personal and professional challenges.
From writers and actors to politicians and artists, these famous alcoholics have not only made their mark on the world but have also shed light on the complex nature of addiction.
Betty Ford
The former First Lady of the United States became well-known for her public battle with alcoholism and addiction, which she openly discussed. Unlike many alcoholics and famous drug addicts of her time, she took the initiative by becoming a true advocate for the importance of seeking treatment.
In the 1970s, alcoholism was still seen as a taboo topic, particularly for women, but Betty Ford’s openness about her struggles helped to break down the stigma surrounding addiction and encouraged others to seek help. Four years after her rehabilitation, she co-founded the Betty Ford Center, a treatment facility for substance abuse which is operational to this day.
Stephen King
One of the most widely recognized authors and celebrity alcoholics is Stephen King, the writer who has sold more than 350 million copies and has written books that have been turned into movies like The Shawshank Redemption, The Shining, and IT.
Unfortunately, throughout his career, King struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, which he has spoken about openly in interviews and his memoir, On Writing. King has described his addiction as a way of coping with the pressures of his success, as well as the trauma of a near-fatal car accident in 1999.
Buzz Aldrin
When it comes to famous alcoholics in history, the story of the American astronaut Buzz Aldrin who was the second person to walk on the moon is one worth sharing. After being part of such a monumental moment, Aldrin’s life deteriorated, and he caved into depression and alcoholism.
He has been open about his addiction and the role it played in his personal life, including his divorce and strained relationships with his family. Aldrin sought treatment and has been sober for many years.
Ulysses S. Grant
The 18th President of the United States of America, Ulysses S. Grant, is one of the most famous functioning alcoholics of the modern age as his diseases caused concerns about his ability to lead the country.
Grant’s addiction began during his military career and continued into his presidency. He ultimately sought treatment and was able to overcome his addiction, but his struggles with alcoholism were a significant part of his legacy.
Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway was an American writer and journalist known for his spare, minimalist prose and his adventurous lifestyle. What is not so widely known about the legendary Hemingway is that he is one of the many famous people who had bipolar disorder, paranoid delusions, and alcoholism.
Hemingway’s addiction led to strained relationships with family and friends, as well as physical and mental health problems. Despite attempts at sobriety, Hemingway continued to struggle with alcoholism throughout his career, and his addiction is thought to have contributed to his eventual suicide in 1961.
Vincent van Gogh
Dutch post-impressionist painter known for his bold use of color and expressive brushwork is also one of the famous people with alcoholism and manic depression. Van Gogh was addicted to absinthe, a highly potent alcoholic drink popular among artists in the 19th century.
His addiction exacerbated his already fragile mental health, leading to episodes of psychosis and hospitalization. Despite attempts at sobriety, van Gogh continued to struggle with addiction throughout his life, which ultimately contributed to his suicide in 1890.
Carrie Fisher
Among the many female celebrity alcoholics is the American actress and writer, Carrie Fisher, known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise, Carrie Fisher.
Fisher’s experiences with addiction inspired her to write several memoirs, including Postcards from the Edge, which was later adapted into a film. In doing so, Fisher became one of the first alcoholics in Hollywood to speak openly about addiction and mental health issues, paving the way for others to do the same.
Famous Recovering Alcoholics
Over the years, many celebrities have struggled with addiction to drugs or alcohol, leading to public displays of erratic behavior, legal trouble, and negative media attention. However, some celebrities have also been able to successfully overcome their addiction and achieve long-term recovery. Here’s a list of famous people in recovery.
Kit Harington
British actor known for his role as Jon Snow in the TV series Game of Thrones is one of the many celebrities with depression and alcohol abuse disorder.
In 2019, after the end of the series, he checked himself into a wellness retreat to work on his mental health. Harington revealed that just like many actors who are alcoholics, he was struggling to cope with the stress of ending a show that made his career and the pressure that came with it.
Daniel Radcliffe
It seems “the boy who lived” is also the man who drinks a lot, or at least he did. Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as Harry Potter, is yet another one of the many celebrities who are recovering alcoholics.
Radcliffe has been open about his use of alcohol as a coping mechanism and has said that he would often show up to work on the set of the films still under the influence. Since seeking help in 2010, Radcliffe has been sober and has spoken out about the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help when struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Zac Efron
The American actor and singer, Zac Efron, who you may know from the High School Musical franchise, has had a well-publicized journey out of alcoholism. Efron has shared that his addiction started while he was filming movies and dealing with the pressures of fame.
His struggles came to a head in 2013, when he, like many celebrities who went to rehab, decided to address his addiction and restore his health. Efron has credited exercise and healthy habits, such as meditation and cooking, with helping him stay on the path to recovery.
Kristin Davis
Another victim on our list of Hollywood alcoholics is Kristin Davis, the American actress best known for her role as Charlotte York in the television series Sex and the City. Davis has shared that her addiction began in her early 20s and continued for many years, leading to difficulties in her career and personal life. She has since sought help and has been sober for over 30 years.
Bradley Cooper
When it comes to famous people in AA, actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper has been most generous in crediting the support of Anonymous Alcoholics, family, and friends in maintaining his sobriety.
Cooper was struggling with alcohol addiction that started while he was in his late teens and continued into his early 30s. In 2004, the actor made the decision to quit drinking and has been sober ever since.
Gerard Butler
Scottish actor famous for his role in 300 and rom-com PS I Love You is not only among the celebrities who are lawyers but also one of the celebrities who were alcoholics and are struggling to stay sober one day at a time.
Butler has shared that his addiction started in his early 20s and continued into his 30s. He has spoken about how it affected his personal and professional life, and how it made him unreliable and difficult to work with. In 2012, Butler checked himself into rehab to address his addiction and has been sober ever since.
Anthony Hopkins
From knighthood and Academy Award winner for best actor in a leading role to one of the most famous recovering alcoholics in the movie industry, Sir Anthony Hopkins has been open about his struggles with alcohol abuse which started in the 1970s.
In a 2011 interview, Hopkins revealed that he had been sober for over 35 years, after deciding to quit drinking in 1975. He has spoken about how his decision to quit drinking saved his life and how sobriety has had a positive impact on his career and personal life. Hopkins has been open about his journey in hopes of inspiring others to seek help and prioritize their own mental health.
Ben Affleck
The American actor, writer, and director, has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and shared on his Facebook page that he is among the many celebrity alcoholics in recovery. He shared that he first entered rehab in 2001 and has since sought treatment multiple times.
Affleck has credited therapy, medication, and the support of his family with helping him overcome his addiction. He has also been vocal about the importance of maintaining a support system and prioritizing his sobriety in all aspects of his life though he still hasn’t managed to kick his smoking habit, which also places him on our list of celebrity smokers.
Famous Female Recovering Alcoholics
Alcohol addiction is more common among male celebrities than it is among females, according to studies. In fact, mental health is a number one issue for celebrity women, followed by alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and eating disorders.
Over the years, there have been a few women labeled as famous alcoholics who have struggled with more than one addiction and came out on the winning end. Below is our list of some of the most incredible celebrity alcoholism stories:
Selma Blair
The Hellboy actress, who is also one of the few celebrities diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, has shared the details about her alcoholism in her memoir, Mean Baby.
Blair shared that she had been struggling with alcohol addiction for years, sought help, and entered rehab in 2016, where she received treatment and began her journey to sobriety. Despite the difficulties arising from her deteriorating illness, Blair has been sober since the day she checked into rehab.
Christina Ricci
American actress and producer, Christina Ricci has been very vocal about battles with both alcoholism and anorexia.
In interviews, Ricci has spoken about how she began drinking alcohol at a young age and struggled with addiction for many years. But she is also among famous people with mental illness and has spoken quite a lot about her struggles with anorexia, which she developed in her early twenties.
Lana Del Rey
In 2012, singer Lana Del Ray admitted that she had started drinking at the age of 14 and that it was the reason why she was sent to boarding school. Eventually, Del Ray checked into rehab at the age of 18 and has been sober ever since.
Given that Del Rey’s songs are full of references to drugs and alcohol, it’s hard to think of her as a person who is battling to maintain her sobriety. However, many celebrities who are recovering alcoholics find it easier to talk about it through their work.
Eva Mendes
Everyone was shocked when Eva Mendes checked herself into rehab for alcohol abuse in 2008. Her experience demonstrates how well actors with drinking problems can conceal their addiction and isolate themselves from potential support.
Following her release from rehab, Mendes expressed how happy she is that she is now one of the celebrities who are sober and how proud she is that she has found the strength to battle her demons.
Jane Lynch
American actress and comedian Jane Lynch is among the many celebrities who are sober and have stayed sober despite the fact that they have been struggling with multiple addictions.
In her interviews, Lynch shares that she has been struggling with alcoholism, depression, and cold medicine addiction but has maintained her sobriety since 1991. However, despite her struggles, Lynch has had a successful career in film, television, and theatre, winning numerous awards for her performances.
Famous Alcoholics Who Died From Alcoholism
Even though the number of famous alcoholics who quit drinking has been growing mostly because rehabilitation facilities and programs have improved significantly, there have also been a lot of unfortunate deaths over the years. Here is a list of famous alcoholics who drank themselves to death.
Amy Winehouse
Singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse died on July 23rd, 2011, from alcohol intoxication. She was 27 years old.
Dolores O’Riordan
Lead vocalist of the Irish band The Cranberries died on January 15th, 2018, from drowning due to alcohol intoxication. She was 46 years old.
Billie Holiday
American jazz singer Billie Holiday aka Lady Day, died of cirrhosis on July 17th, 1959, at the age of 44.
Dylan Thomas
Welsh poet Dylan Thomas died of alcoholism on November 9th, 1953, at the age of 39.
Daniel Webster
United States Secretary of State, Daniel Webster died on October 24th, 1852, from alcohol-related liver cirrhosis at the age of 70.
Vincent Jackson
American NFL player, Vincent Jackson died on February 15th, 2021, from chronic alcohol use. He was only 38 years old.
Truman Capote
American novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and actor, Truman Capote died on August 25th, 1984, at the age of 59. The cause of death was liver disease from excessive alcohol intake.
The Takeaway
The stories of famous alcoholics we’ve outlined in this article demonstrate the impact that addiction can have on individuals, regardless of their fame, success, or social status. Unfortunately, history has seen many brilliant minds lost to this disease so it’s up to the famous alcoholics who got sober to serve as an inspiration to others to seek help and prioritize their mental health.
