Barry Keoghan, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in major films such as Dunkirk, The Banshees of Inisherin, and the upcoming Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man, has openly discussed his struggle with drug addiction and the personal impact it has had on his life.
In a candid interview with Hollywood Authentic, Keoghan revealed the physical and emotional scars left behind by his past, while emphasizing his journey towards acceptance and recovery.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Keoghan admitted to being drawn into the party scene, which ultimately led to his drug use. “I’m not in denial anymore,” he said. “I understand that I do have an addiction, and I am an addict. When you accept that, you finally can move on and learn to work with it.”
Keoghan’s struggle with addiction was not just a personal battle; it was also deeply intertwined with his family history. He lost his mother to a heroin addiction in 2003, and other family members, including his father, two uncles, and a cousin, also succumbed to drug-related issues.
Despite these tragic experiences, Keoghan found himself unable to resist the allure of drugs. “That should be enough to go, ‘OK, if I dabble here, I’m fucked.’ But your curiosity is a powerful thing. Sometimes it’s beneficial, and sometimes it’s detrimental. For me, it was detrimental,” he explained.
Keoghan’s journey took a significant turn when he became a father. His son, Brando, was born in August 2022, but Keoghan’s addiction caused him to miss important moments in his child’s life. He also suffered physical scars as a result of his drug use. “I’ve got scars here to literally prove it. They’re a result of using,” he said.
At 32, Keoghan is now focused on moving forward and embracing a healthier, more fulfilling life. He has found peace and clarity, recognizing the importance of being present for his family and taking responsibility for his actions. “I’m at peace now, and responsible for everything that I do. I’m accepting. I’m present. I’m content. I’m a father. I’m getting to see that haze that was once there—it’s just a bit sharper now, and colorful,” he shared.
Keoghan’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact addiction can have on individuals and their loved ones. However, it also highlights the possibility of redemption and healing through acceptance and personal growth. “I feel like I’ve arrived. I apologize, too, mainly to myself more than anything else for all the pain I’ve put people and myself through,” he concluded.
By sharing his journey, Barry Keoghan hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges and demonstrate that it is never too late to seek help and find a path towards a brighter future.
