Jason Bateman Reflects on Getting Sober to Ease 'Tension' with Wife

The 'Ozark' star opened up about the 'negotiations' he had with his wife Amanda Anka over his 'annoyingly predictable' partying habits.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a new interview, actor Jason Bateman revealed that he decided to get sober after years of drinking caused 'tension' in his marriage to wife Amanda Anka. Bateman said Anka had asked him when the 'spigot was going to completely turn off' on his 'annoyingly predictable' partying, leading to 'a few negotiations' about his sobriety. The 'Ozark' star said he was able to get sober, get married, and land his breakout role on 'Arrested Development' all within a 12-to-24 month period.

Why it matters

Bateman's candid discussion about his decision to get sober sheds light on the personal struggles that even successful celebrities can face with addiction and its impact on their relationships. His story highlights the importance of open communication and compromise when addressing substance abuse issues within a marriage.

The details

Bateman said his drinking habits, which included alcohol and cocaine, had become 'annoyingly predictable' and caused 'tension' with his wife Amanda Anka. She asked him when the 'spigot was going to completely turn off' on his partying. Bateman recalled having 'a few negotiations' with Anka about his sobriety, saying 'I was like, 'Well, I feel like my [sobriety] ETA is six months away, but if I could land this plane now, it would alleviate a lot of the tension, so let's just f--king do it.'' Bateman has been sober from alcohol and cocaine since then, though he still smokes marijuana.

  • Bateman got sober in the same year he married Anka in July 2001.
  • Bateman's sobriety, marriage, and breakout 'Arrested Development' role all happened within a '12 to 24 month' period.

The players

Jason Bateman

A 57-year-old actor known for his roles in shows like 'Ozark' and 'Arrested Development', who decided to get sober after years of drinking caused tension in his marriage.

Amanda Anka

Bateman's 57-year-old wife, who expressed concerns about her husband's 'annoyingly predictable' partying habits and prompted him to get sober.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“[She] didn't demand that I completely absolve, but that was sort of the back-and-forth. I was like, 'Well, I feel like my [sobriety] ETA is six months away, but if I could land this plane now, it would alleviate a lot of the tension, so let's just f--king do it,'”

— Jason Bateman, Actor (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

Bateman's sobriety and commitment to his family and career have been crucial to his success in the decades since getting sober. As he continues his acting work, fans will likely be interested to see how he maintains that balance going forward.

The takeaway

Bateman's story underscores the importance of open communication and compromise when addressing substance abuse issues in a marriage. His willingness to get sober for the sake of his relationship and future goals serves as an inspiring example of how individuals can overcome personal challenges with the support of their loved ones.