What You Don't Know About Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman has been through a lot in his life, including a long-term struggle with alcoholism. The Sun writes that the actor spent much of the 1990s drinking. "After landing his first Hollywood roles in the early Nineties, with parts including Lee Harvey Oswald in 1991's JFK, he celebrated his success by hell-raising with fellow hard-partying stars including Kiefer Sutherland." The publication further notes that Oldman spent 24 hours in jail in 1991 after being charged with drunk driving.

Oldman credits Demi Moore with setting him on a path toward recovery. In 1995, the two were co-starring in The Scarlet Letter when he says she turned to him and told him he needed help. "Demi Moore said, 'You're very ill — you have to go away. I am very worried about you.'" Oldman eventually ended up in Alcoholics Anonymous. 

He said, "I was just worn out. It's like a three-headed dragon, it attacks you spiritually, emotionally and physically. It likes to claim people. And I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I knew that I was going to die. There were things I wanted to accomplish. But for the grace of God, I'm here today and people like River Phoenix aren't." (via The Sun).

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).