Wes Bentley Thanks Robert Downey Jr. for Helping Him Escape Drug Addiction
In a candid revelation to the New York Post’s Page Six columnist, the actor behind Yellowstone urged fans to recognize the power of honesty, after a friend’s openness opened a door for his own recovery.
What Went Wrong
- After starring in American Beauty (1999), Bentley felt unprepared for the perks of fame.
- Without finances or a solid support system, he fell into the clutches of heroin.
- By 2009 the anger that once fueled him turned into a desperate reliance on drugs.
The Turning Point: a Call from a Former Addict
“I met a guy who’d been sober and didn’t know I was spiralling,” Bentley explained. “He was laughing over a beautiful life, staring at trees, and I realized I missed that. I wanted it back.”
That conversation was a life‑jacketing moment. Bentley went to 12‑step meetings and, more importantly, found a higher power to guide him.
Robert Downey Jr. – A Living Example of Openness
When Robert Downey Jr. was famously candid about his own drug use, Bentley saw an anchor in his stubborn truth.
“I was at death’s door, and I saw him be bold and brave and open. That saved me. If I could do that, I could maybe help someone else.”
That moment of bravery sparked a pledge: if I can turn my story around, I’ll try to pass the positivity along.
Word to the Wise
“I’ve been clean since 2009,” Bentley says, looking back at the 44‑year‑old star’s chill haven. “I never had the money to pay for rehab at first. Now, I convert that energy into it.”
He reminds us that great things are possible when someone shows genuine vulnerability. If you’ve been far from the light, you’re not alone.
