Title: White Lotus Star Jason Isaacs Admits He ‘Liked Not Being Himself’ During Decades-Long Drug Addiction While Celebrating 25 Years Sober

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Jason Isaacs Reflects on 25 Years Sober and Harry Potter Legacy

Jason Isaacs, celebrated for roles in Harry Potter and The White Lotus, recently opened up about his 25-year sobriety journey and past struggles with addiction. On Rob Brydon’s Brydon & podcast, the 61-year-old actor revealed he relied on drugs and alcohol to cope with feeling “uncomfortable in [his] own skin.”

“I liked being out of it—it was an equalizer,” he admitted, explaining that substance use masked his social anxiety. “When we were all high or drunk, we were in the same state. I loved that.” Despite his addiction spanning decades, Isaacs maintained a thriving career, starring in theater and film. “My work wasn’t affected, but my personal life was,” he said.

[IMAGE: Jason Isaacs at a 2024 event, captioned: Jason Isaacs celebrates 25 years sober.]

Isaacs also recalled his “sixth sense” for spotting fellow actors on set who’d join him in drug use. However, since getting sober, he’s embraced his iconic roles with newfound clarity—including Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films.

[IMAGE: Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, captioned: Isaacs as Draco Malfoy’s father in the blockbuster series.]

Despite the franchise’s global success, Isaacs confessed filming was “quite boring” due to extensive green-screen work. “The magic happened in post-production,” he told The One Show. Yet he acknowledges the films’ profound impact: “People say their lives were saved by these stories. I believe them.”

[IMAGE: Scene from The White Lotus, captioned: Isaacs in HBO’s The White Lotus.]

Reflecting on Harry Potter’s legacy, Isaacs shared emotional visits to studio tours, where fans express how the series provided belonging. “The soufflé rose perfectly—it created love worldwide,” he said.

When asked about his favorite installment by superfan Perri Kiely, Isaacs jokingly replied, “The one I’m not in!” (He missed The Half-Blood Prince).

[IMAGE: Isaacs in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, captioned: Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy in 2007’s Order of the Phoenix.]

Looking ahead, Isaacs humorously referenced HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV reboot, quipping he’d “auditioned for Hermione.” The series, set for 2026, aims to reintroduce the wizarding world to new generations.

Through candid reflections, Isaacs highlights both personal growth and the enduring power of storytelling—a journey from addiction to appreciation.

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