Hollywood shines bright, but beneath the glitter lies a darkness few ever see. While the world watches the red carpets and award shows, many of the industry’s biggest names have fought silent, devastating battles with alcoholism. Some rose again. Others were lost forever.
These are the 50 most powerful and painful stories of alcohol addiction in Hollywood—stories of icons whose lives were altered by the bottle.
1. Anthony Hopkins
The legendary actor of The Silence of the Lambs once drank so heavily, he couldn’t remember filming scenes. He later said, “Without alcohol, I’m finally myself.” Now 86, Hopkins is a symbol of recovery.
2. Ann-Margret
The ’60s icon and Elvis muse spiraled after a severe accident in 1972. Alcohol silenced her career for decades. Now 83, she lives a quiet life, far from the spotlight.
3. Glenn Ford
A face of classic Westerns and noir, Ford’s drinking cost him close relationships. He died in 2006 at 90, having faded into solitude.
4. Drew Barrymore
America’s sweetheart from E.T. entered rehab as a child. Now 49, she’s candid about her lifelong battle: “I’ve never been fully free of addiction.”
5. Peter O’Toole
After Lawrence of Arabia, he drank to excess—destroying hotel rooms and nearly himself. He sobered up later in life, dying in 2013 at 81.
6. André the Giant
Known for his massive frame and gentle heart, André drank 119 beers in one night. He died in 1993 at just 46 from heart failure.
7. David Hasselhoff
The Baywatch star became a tabloid story when his daughter filmed him drunk on the floor. He says he’s sober at 72, still repairing his image.
8. Cary Grant
Elegant on-screen, tormented off. Grant sought therapy and even tried LSD in his later years to battle alcohol. He died in quiet retreat at 82.
9. Mel Gibson
Oscar winner turned tabloid trainwreck. A DUI and racist outbursts nearly ruined him. Now 69, Gibson still faces the shadows of his past.
10. Richard Burton
With a thunderous voice, he was a giant. But he once drank three liters of vodka a day and died at 58 after decades of failed rehab attempts.
