Barry Keoghan, 32, opened up about his struggles with addiction and sobriety in a recent interview. He lost his mother to heroin addiction when he was 12, which influenced his own path toward drugs despite the impact of his upbringing. Keoghan acknowledged his addiction, stating, “I’m not in denial anymore,” and reflected on the tragic losses in his family due to substance abuse. Now a father, he feels at peace and responsible for his actions. He often thinks of his mother and recognizes the challenges of her struggles, gaining perspective through his own experiences in parenthood.
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ESSENTIAL INSIGHT
- Barry Keoghan experienced the loss of his mother to heroin addiction during his childhood
- The Saltburn actor, 32, disclosed that “curiosity” led him to drugs as well
- “I have scars to show it,” Keoghan mentioned in a recent interview with Hollywood Authentic
Barry Keoghan is candid about his journey towards sobriety.
In a conversation with Hollywood Authentic, published on May 1, the Saltburn star, 32, shared memories of his mother’s death from heroin addiction when he was just 12. He mentioned that despite this tragedy and the arrival of his son Brando, now 2, he found himself drawn to drugs.
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“I’m not in denial anymore. I see that I do have an addiction and I am an addict,” Keoghan remarked, according to the outlet. “Once you accept this, you can finally progress and learn to manage it.”
He went on to say, “I lost my father to similar issues, and my mother to it as well. I’ve lost two uncles and a cousin to drugs. That should be enough to say, ‘OK, if I experiment, I’m in trouble.’ But curiosity is a formidable force.”
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Keoghan shared with Hollywood Authentic that he has felt significant pressure since his rise in Hollywood.
“I have scars that truly serve as proof,” he expressed to the outlet. “They are a result of my past usage. I’ve found peace now and take accountability for my actions. I’m more present and content. As a father, I’m beginning to see clearly—life is more vivid and colorful now.”
The Hurry Up Tomorrow actor reflected on memories of being kept away from his mother during her struggles with heroin.
“I remember being young, hearing my mum cry at the door, asking for us, while she was battling her addiction and trying to find money for drugs,” he recounted to Hollywood Authentic. “We were told to stay in bed and not to go down to comfort her.”
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This reflection follows Keoghan’s earlier comments to GQ about feeling isolated and often thinking about his mother.
“I always think of my mother, even though many years have passed,” he said. “It’s especially poignant during achievements—because I wish I could celebrate them with her.”
He also recalled that his mother was not very present in his life leading up to her death, noting, “She was facing a lot of challenges.”
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Back in January, Keoghan stated in a video for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office that becoming a parent has helped him comprehend the difficulties his mother encountered.
Discussing children’s social care, Keoghan, who experienced some time in foster care, remarked, “Having my own son has made me realize the immense challenges she faced, and fortunately, there was a supportive care system in place, which is crucial.”