Steve Coogan: From Cocaine Chaos to Grandfather Bliss
STEVE COOGAN UNLEASHES HIS WILD PAST: FROM CANNABIS-FUELED PARTIES TO SOBER MORNINGS
In a candid and revealing interview, Steve Coogan has opened up about his tumultuous life, from the highs of being a Hollywood star to the lows of substance abuse. The 59-year-old comedian, best known for his iconic character Alan Partridge, spoke to The Louis Theroux Podcast about his struggles with addiction, relationships, and finding happiness in fatherhood.
Coogan's life has been marked by high-profile romances and marriages that have all ended in heartbreak. His most notable ex-lovers include China Chow, Loretta Basey, singer Courtney Love, Downton Abbey actress Daisy Lewis, and TV presenter Melanie Sykes. The actor confessed to being a serial dater in his 20s and 30s, often finding himself in chaotic relationships that left him feeling empty.
"It was like delayed adolescence," Coogan explained. "When I first tasted success, I thought I could do whatever I wanted. I didn't have accountability; I had no idea how to be a grown-up."
The Philomena star admitted that cocaine was his primary substance of choice during this period, citing its instant gratification as the main draw. However, he soon realized the devastating consequences of his actions.
"When you self-destruct like that, everything becomes a problem," Coogan said. "Small things become enormous issues because you're not functioning cognitively properly. You're half-faking it."
It wasn't until Coogan hit rock bottom that he began to turn his life around. He credits sobriety with giving him a newfound sense of purpose and clarity.
"The payoff is so much better when you discover all these new things, like being able to cope with 20 things at the same time," Coogan explained. "Your relationships become more sustainable and enjoyable."
Coogan's journey towards sobriety has been long and winding. He claimed to have stopped drinking around 11 years ago but later relapsed before finally quitting for good.
"It's just easier when you don't drink," Coogan said matter-of-factly. "You don't have to worry about driving home or any of that nonsense."
The actor also spoke candidly about his decreasing sex drive with age, joking that he was now "beyond" the desire for frequent romance.
"My libido starts to subside as I get older," Coogan explained. "When you need it to happen, it can happen, but it's just not as... intense."
Coogan's current relationship status has also been making headlines. While he declined to reveal his new girlfriend's name, he described her as a wonderful partner who shares his love for quiet nights in.
"I'd rather watch Foyle's War than have a line of cocaine," Coogan quipped, referring to the British Sunday evening drama series that he and his girlfriend enjoy together.
The couple often spends their evenings watching TV, with Coogan revealing that his girlfriend is a huge fan of Foyle's War. He even took her on a trip to Sussex, where they visited the filming locations of the show.
In a touching tribute to his family, Coogan confessed that becoming a father had been one of the most significant experiences of his life. His daughter, Clare, 29, is expecting her first child with partner Jamie Demetriou, and Coogan couldn't be more thrilled.
"I've not been hugely successful in romantic love," Coogan said wistfully. "But my family gives me great satisfaction. Those relationships are the most important ones in my life."
Coogan's words of wisdom to his fans are clear: it's never too late to change your ways and seek help when you need it.
As he looks forward to becoming a grandfather, Coogan is grateful for the lessons he's learned along the way – including the importance of sobriety, stability, and quiet nights in.