When we think about famous people, it’s easy to assume they have everything handed to them. We often concentrate on their jobs, money, and social standing. However, behind the sparkle sometimes lies a lot of sadness.
This is the tale of an actor who appears to have it all but shares in his new autobiography just how much he has battled.
Keep reading to discover more about his experiences.
Josh Brolin recently released his memoir and shared details that many were unaware of before. Coming directly from the actor’s heart, this book offers a glimpse into his life and reminds fans of where he started.
In his memoir, he discussed a frightening trick that his mother used while raising him. In an interview regarding his book titled “From Under the Truck,” Brolin recounted a night filled with heavy drinking that ended with her boyfriend passing out under a car.
Memories from Childhood
His mother Jane was involved in wildlife conservation. When Josh Brolin and his brother Jess were little, she had a risky game she played with them. She would tell wild animals like cougars, coyotes, bobcats and others nearby to go ‘Sic ’em,’ after which those animals would chase after the boys.
Brolin wrote: “You knew if you didn’t get on the other side of that shut door within seconds you’d be cleaning up fresh bloody marks somewhere on your body for the rest of your day.”
Even though these tales sound scary, Brolin admits today he is “loath to say” they were terrifying. He mentioned in an interview that while being around her was tough at times; she was still someone he always wanted close by.
Brolin lost his mother in a car crash when she was 55 years old back in 1995. During periods when he struggled with addiction at its worst point; Brolin thought 55 years old seemed like an okay age to die because by then one would have lived well enough.
Josh Brolin Today
Now at 56 years old—one year older than his mom when she passed away—he understands now that thinking this way was wrong and realizes 55 isn’t really long enough for life! After battling addiction for quite some time; he’s finally found peace on the other side! His father is actor James Brolin who is married to iconic Barbra Streisand!
He has often spoken about how Streisand showed him ‘tough love.’ Once during an interview he said: “Well into our happily-ever-after I walked into their house one day saying ‘I’ll have some wine.’ She looked at me funny so I repeated myself again.”
He continued saying: “She took a slow breath then hit me with it: ‘Aren’t you an alcoholic?’ It took guts for her to say … She always had this way of cleaning up her words before talking.”
He added about their talk:” (I said) ‘I’m an alcoholic but I enjoy red wine’. (She replied) ‘You shouldn’t drink’.”
He remembers those moments fondly as tough love! Now at age 56; he enjoys what getting older brings too!
“I like aging—it’s like finally having permission just chill out—you don’t need constantly spin,” said Josh.
Addiction Battle
In his memoir; Josh discusses how addiction began for him! He recalls trying marijuana when only nine years old & dropping acid by thirteen! He also remembers showing up at grandma’s deathbed smelling strongly of alcohol which became final straw!
His grandmother aged ninety-nine lay dying as he arrived hungover from sleeping outside—it made him realize there are many more years ahead worth living!
“I knew right then it’d be last time I drank,” shared Josh—this happened back in twenty-thirteen & now over ten years later he’s embraced sobriety fully!
“I love being sober—I enjoy life more!” He stated confidently adding nothing feels worse than if he’d been drinking through everything.
We’re glad seeing Josh Brolin thriving today—share this story so other fans can understand how long & challenging journey has been!
