Gary Oldman on 25 Years of Sobriety and How It Changed His Life

Gary Oldman, who portrayed Sirius Black in the Harry Potter films, might not have spent 12 years in Azkaban, but he’s all too familiar with what it’s like to be imprisoned, so to speak. Oldman has been very open about having been an alcoholic, but he managed to escape that figurative prison in 1997 when he decided to quit drinking for good.

His career has flourished since, but Oldman isn’t shy to speak about his past and how thankful he is that he quit drinking for good. He revealed to Metro that he recently celebrated 25 years of sobriety and that he couldn’t be more thankful that he turned his life around.

All the things I’ve enjoyed and had to deal with, good and bad, in that 25 years have been possible because of that, because of sobriety.

Oldman added that he isn’t entirely sure he’d even still be here if he didn’t give up alcohol. He then proceeded to list all the things he’s thankful for, like his wife, kids, grandkids, and amazing career.

But I think sobriety, that moment where I knew that I was done with this, and I’m going to hopefully put it behind me – I think that’s the big one.

Oldman’s openness about his struggle with addiction no doubt inspires many others to seek the help they need. He’s proof that there is hope and that change is possible.