Brad Pittis many things to many people – but even Hollywood A-listers and film industry legends need help sometimes.
The 72 year old and dad of six could win over anybody in any room with his easy demeanor and dashing smile, but – in a move that’s only endeared fans to him more – he’s been very candid about his journey with alcohol addiction.
He had fans teary eyed during a recent acceptance speech at the National Board of Review Gala, during which he credited mate and fellow heartthrob Bradley Cooper – who also happened to be presenting the award – with getting him sober.
During a jokey but meaningful speech, Brad gushed: “Bradley just put his daughter to bed and rushed over here to do this.
Brad had some very moving words for pal Bradley(Image: Getty Images for National Board)
Brad’s now sober after battling alcohol addiction(Image: Getty Images)
“He’s a sweetheart. I got sober because of this guy and every day has been happier ever since.
“I love you and I thank you.”
The crowd burst into applause – not least because Brad has been an open book in detailing his addiction woes.
Brad seems humbled by his addiction journey – and it’s been a rough ride for the superstar.
He previously detailed to The New York Times
Brad looked to the bottle as his marriage to Angelina fell apart(Image: Getty Images)
**************
Brad and Jen were the Hollywood dream couple before their split(Image: WireImage)
Angelina filed for divorce in (******************************************************************, Brad’s second marriage to end after he and first wife Jennifer Aniston called it quits in (******************************************************************.
Brad revealed that the group sessions – during which people Discuss their experiences with alcohol addiction – was an emotional breath of fresh air.
He found the honesty and candor to be the change that he did know he needed .
“I had taken things as far as I could take it,” Brad said, “So I removed my drinking privileges.
(*******************He described alcohol as an ‘escape’
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)*****************************
“You had all these men sitting around being open and honest in a way I have never heard.
“It was this safe space where there was little judgement, and therefore little judgement of yourself.”
He added that the sessions helped him confront his addiction head on, saying: “It was actually really freeing just to expose the ugly sides of yourself.
“There’s great value in that.”
Since becoming sober, Brad also feels he’s better able to deal with emotions, telling (GQ Style) ******** months after Angelina filed for divorce that he had been “running from feelings.”
Brad and Anthonyhave worked together before, with the two opening up to each other in a tell-all interview (********************************** Read More (********************************************** Showbiz editor’s picks
Chatting with fellow film star and multiple times collaborator Sir Anthony Hopkins in a recent piece for Interview
“Well, I saw it as a disservice to myself,” he explained, “As an escape.”
He went on to say that his drinking got to such a point that he thought of himself as a “professional.”
“Truthfully, “he revealed,” I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka.
“I was a professional. I was good. “
Alcohol is not the first substance he’s faced battles with – marijuana became a strong presence in his life after his meteoric rise to fame in the s.
Unlike the booze, though, Brad cut weed out of his life when he and Angelina started their family.
************************************
******************************************** ()
(************************************************** (Read More) ************************************************
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings