Wat-Not Staff
Josh Brolin’s memoir, From Under the Truck, offers a candid look at the actor’s journey through drugs, violence, and alcohol. The 56-year-old, known for his roles in No Country for Old Men and the Marvel franchise, shares personal stories that shaped his life.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Brolin discussed the challenges he faced and how they impacted his career and relationships.
Brolin’s memoir takes readers through his first experience with drugs, including an acid trip with his surfing group, the Cito Rats. He also recounts a harrowing incident in 2013 when he was stabbed in the belly button while in Costa Rica.
Despite the brutal attack, Brolin wrote, “The injury ultimately saved my life, as the stab wound was stopped by the dense umbilical ligament, preventing more serious damage.”
These incidents are just a glimpse into the struggles Brolin faced before his transformative journey towards sobriety. The actor credits a turning point with his 99-year-old grandmother in 2013 for helping him change his life for the better.
Turning Point: Sobriety and a New Outlook on Life
In a September interview on Where Everybody Knows Your Name, Brolin recalled his last night of drinking before turning his life around.
After a reckless night of drinking, Brolin said, “I had a hit-and-run incident at Del Taco. I woke up on the sidewalk, not knowing where my car was.”
Brolin was supposed to visit his grandmother, who was on her deathbed. When he finally arrived at the hospital, his grandmother smiled at him, which he described as a life-changing moment. “If this woman could get through 99 years on life’s terms, how dare I not?” he reflected. This encounter marked the end of his destructive habits.
The actor, who had spent years battling addiction and had been arrested nine times, realised, “I wanted to live differently.” He decided to dedicate the second half of his life to living sober and making better choices.
Brolin Reflects on His Family, Sobriety, and Ageing Gracefully
Today, Brolin’s life is focused on his family and the lessons he has learned through his experiences. He is now married to Kathryn, his wife of eight years, and they have two young daughters together. Brolin also shares two older children, Trevor and Eden, with his ex-wife Alice Adair.
Reflecting on his marriage and fatherhood, Brolin acknowledges how age has brought him clarity. “The fears and insecurities I once felt don’t bother me as much anymore,” he says. “I just have no interest in going backwards. What a gift.”
Brolin’s journey from addiction to sobriety has shaped his perspective on love and relationships. He believes that “the key to a successful relationship is self-improvement,” and alcohol didn’t contribute positively to his past relationships.
His memoir is not just a reflection of his past but a celebration of his personal growth and the second chance he has given himself.
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