Josh Brolin reflects on addiction, sobriety, and losing Philip Seymour Hoffman

In his memoir From Under the Truck, actor Josh Brolin shares deeply personal stories about his struggles with addiction, his path to sobriety, and the tragic loss of his friend, Philip Seymour Hoffman. The book paints a raw picture of Brolin’s battle with substance abuse, shaped by his upbringing and tumultuous early years.
One poignant memory Brolin revisits is a chance encounter with Hoffman in 1992, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. At the time, Brolin was battling addiction and spiraling from heavy drinking and drug use. Hoffman, newly sober and at the beginning of a brilliant career, crossed paths with Brolin, leaving an impression that stuck with him for decades. Reflecting on the moment, Brolin described how Hoffman’s glance carried an understanding of his struggles, yet also a quiet disappointment.
Hoffman’s death in 2014, following a relapse, hit Brolin hard. The two had maintained a connection, with Hoffman even discussing a stage project he hoped to direct starring Brolin. Sadly, their collaboration never materialized. Hoffman’s death served as a stark reminder of the dangers of addiction, especially for someone like Brolin, who had narrowly escaped a similar fate.
In the memoir, Brolin writes about his chaotic upbringing as the son of an alcoholic mother. From witnessing dangerous drinking contests to experimenting with drugs as early as age 9, Brolin’s early years were fraught with instability. His struggles led to multiple arrests, bar fights, and brushes with death.
Eventually, Brolin decided to turn his life around. He recalls the pivotal moment that pushed him to sobriety—arriving intoxicated at his grandmother’s deathbed. Her forgiving smile made him realize how much he was wasting. From that day forward, he chose clarity over chaos, giving up alcohol for good.
Now sober for over 11 years, Brolin says he feels a responsibility to live fully, honoring the friends he lost along the way. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to rebuild a life after years of addiction.