Jason Isaacs, best known for playing Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has opened up about his journey to sobriety. The 57-year-old actor, who gave up drugs and alcohol at 35, credited hypnotherapy with helping him overcome his addiction. 'I was a drug addict, and all my relationships were experienced through that prism,' he said, adding that he would apologise to anyone who met him before he turned 30.
Isaacs, who studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama, reflected on seeing himself age on screen. 'I am confronted with my own ageing all the time on the big and little screens in horrendous high definition,' he said. The actor, who also starred in The Patriot and TV series such as Star Trek: Discovery and The OA, lives in London with his wife and two children.
He recalled an embarrassing moment when he accidentally insulted a Hollywood mogul. While discussing baby names with his pregnant wife, Isaacs joked that if the baby had been named Bertha they would have thought again—only to be reminded that the mogul's wife was called Bertha.
Isaacs, who is trolled online, said the worst thing anyone has said to him is: 'I want you dead and, if I meet you, I’ll make it happen.' Despite this, he values compassion and counts his Liverpool accent as his most treasured possession. His guiltiest pleasure? Watching singing competition shows under the duvet after his wife goes to sleep.
The actor, who stars in the new film Skyfire, out on digital, DVD and Blu-ray on 28 November, said the most important lesson life has taught him is 'to be of service – self-service is a black hole.' He added: 'And also, crisps: just say no.'
