Actor Barry Keoghan has opened up about his journey to sobriety, revealing that he technically died for a few seconds during his battle with addiction.
Barry Keoghan has shared a harrowing account of his past, revealing that he technically died for a few seconds during his struggle with addiction.. The acclaimed actor, known for his roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, credits a sudden moment of clarity at age 32 for his ongoing sobriety.
After three separate stints in rehabilitation, the Dublin native has now been clean for two and a half years. He described a surreal, near-death incident in London where he experienced a vivid, painful vision that he later realized was the sensation of medical professionals working to save his life.
This candid admission highlights the extreme personal costs often hidden behind the glamour of Hollywood stardom.
Keoghan’s decision to commit to a clean lifestyle was heavily influenced by his family history.. He noted the poignant symmetry of turning 32—the same age his mother was when she passed away—and decided it was time to change his trajectory.. He now avoids all alcohol and substances, focusing instead on his career and his role as a father.
Beyond his battle with substance misuse, the actor also recounted a terrifying brush with a rare, life-threatening condition.. During a period of psychosis, he contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacterial infection, following an incident where he was struck by a bottle.. This injury occurred shortly before he was set to begin filming for his breakout roles.
The scars on his arms serve as a reminder of these past events.. Keoghan explained that he spent time in a state of crisis, dealing with physical trauma and mental health challenges simultaneously.. Despite these intense hardships, he maintains that he has finally found a sense of peace and presence in his daily life.
Reflecting on his current state, Keoghan described his outlook as sharper and more vibrant than ever before. He emphasized that he is now fully accountable for his actions and deeply content with the path he has chosen for himself and his family.
Ultimately, his story serves as a testament to the power of personal accountability and the possibility of finding clarity after enduring profound darkness.