John Goodman, the celebrated actor, recently marked his 70th birthday. Before his iconic roles in films like The Flintstones, Blues Brothers, Raising Arizona, and The Big Lebowski, he faced personal hardships that left him feeling downcast.
Throughout his career, Goodman openly confronted his 30-year battle with alcoholism, admitting that it significantly impacted his life and acting career. In a 2012 interview, he acknowledged the detrimental effects of his drinking on his profession.
Goodman, who finally quit drinking in 2007, disclosed the daily struggle to remain sober. He even experienced dreams of bourbon, realizing the need for restraint.
Acknowledging the constant fear of unemployment in the acting profession as a contributing factor to his drinking, Goodman recognized that he often sought excuses for his excessive drinking due to life’s stressors.
Despite his accomplishments, he struggled with self-doubt, even forgetting his lines due to alcohol-induced memory lapses. He described the accompanying depression as a profound and pervasive discontent with life.Now, in his seventh decade, Goodman finds solace in his passion for acting, valuing the unique rush it brings, despite its challenges, in contrast to the monotony of movie-making. His enduring battle with alcoholism and depression has shaped his journey, which he continues with resilience.