Governor actor reflects on grief, addiction, and 21 years of sobriety
Summary
– David Morrissey revealed he is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for 21 years
– The Walking Dead actor said he turned to alcohol after his father died when he was 15
– Morrissey credited acting and Alcoholics Anonymous for helping change his life
David Morrissey is opening up about one of the most difficult periods of his life.
During an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, The Walking Dead actor revealed he is a recovering alcoholic and has now been sober for 21 years.
Morrissey explained that his struggles with alcohol began after the death of his father, who passed away from a hemorrhage at age 54 while Morrissey was still a teenager.
The actor admitted he turned to drinking while trying to process trauma, anxiety, and depression during his younger years. According to Morrissey, alcohol initially became a way to manage severe social anxiety before eventually spiraling into a much more destructive problem later in life.
Morrissey revealed there were periods where he isolated himself and struggled heavily with self-destructive behavior. He admitted his addiction also deeply affected people close to him, including his former wife.
The Walking Dead star credited a fellow actor connected to Alcoholics Anonymous for helping him begin the recovery process. Morrissey explained that after reaching a breaking point, he contacted the man late one night, and the support he received changed his life permanently.
Even after becoming sober, Morrissey admitted the emotional struggles did not instantly disappear. He explained that recovery remained difficult because many of the underlying personal issues still existed long after he stopped drinking.
Morrissey also discussed how acting became a source of stability and safety throughout his life. He described discovering performance and theatre as an emotional escape that helped him better understand himself during periods of crisis.
Best known to many Walking Dead fans for playing The Governor, Morrissey said he still battles insecurity and self-doubt at times, but admitted he feels most comfortable and grounded while working creatively.
