Gary Oldman Apologizes to Demi Moore for Unprofessional Behavior and Excessive Drinking on ‘The Scarlet Letter’ Set

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Gary Oldman Reflects on Past Struggles and Sobriety Journey
(Images: Gary Oldman at a recent event; a still from The Scarlet Letter; Oldman as Churchill in Darkest Hour; Demi Moore at the 2025 SAG Awards)

Oscar winner Gary Oldman, known for iconic roles like Winston Churchill and Slow Horses’ Jackson Lamb, recently opened up about his battle with alcoholism during the 1995 film The Scarlet Letter, co-starring Demi Moore. In an interview with Radio Times, the 67-year-old actor admitted to drinking heavily on set, calling it a “destructive” period.

A Dark Chapter
Oldman recalled showing up tipsy after lunch breaks while filming the romantic drama, where he played Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale opposite Moore’s Hester Prynne. “I was in a very dark place,” he said. After stumbling through a pivotal scene, he apologized to Moore the next day, fearing her resentment. Instead, she replied, “I don’t hate you. It’s OK. I’m just disappointed.” Her response, Oldman shared, became a turning point in his journey to sobriety.

Road to Recovery
By 1994, Oldman’s struggles led him to rehab, and he has now been sober for 27 years. He credits Alcoholics Anonymous for his recovery, once describing his addiction as so severe he “sweat vodka” and his tongue turned black. His 1991 DUI arrest marked a low point, but his post-rehab career soared with critically acclaimed roles.

Churchill and Career Risks
Oldman won an Oscar for 2017’s Darkest Hour, calling Churchill his “riskiest” role. Initially hesitant, he grew to admire the leader’s resilience: “He wrote 50 books, took on the Nazis, smoked cigars… I had great admiration.” The role contrasted sharply with his current character, the disheveled spy Jackson Lamb in Apple TV+’s Slow Horses. With Season 5 premiering soon and Season 6 in development, Oldman joked, “It’s Apple writing the cheques.”

Reconnecting with Demi Moore
Decades after The Scarlet Letter, Oldman praised Moore’s recent success in the horror film The Substance, for which she won a Golden Globe and SAG Award. “She’s such a wonderful person… I couldn’t be happier for her,” he told The Post. Moore’s grace during his struggles left a lasting impact, and Oldman now celebrates her career resurgence.

(Image: Demi Moore holding her 2025 SAG Award)

At 67, Oldman’s honesty about his past and dedication to his craft continue to define his legacy—both on-screen and off.