Jamie Lee Curtis Celebrates 26 Years of Sobriety

The actress reflects on her personal journey, including avoiding a role in 'The Exorcist' as a child.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:18pm

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Actress Jamie Lee Curtis is celebrating 26 years of sobriety, opening up about her personal struggles with addiction and the support that helped her achieve this milestone. Curtis revealed she was almost cast in the iconic horror film 'The Exorcist' as a child, but her mother intervened to preserve her childhood. The actress also discussed her family history of addiction and her dedication to breaking the cycle, honoring the memory of a close friend who was instrumental in her recovery process.

Why it matters

Curtis's openness about her sobriety journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of support, community, and the ongoing effort required to maintain a sober life. Her story underscores the growing trend of celebrities using their platforms to destigmatize addiction and encourage others to seek help.

The details

In a recent conversation, Curtis revealed that as a child, she was almost cast in the iconic horror film 'The Exorcist', but her mother, actress Janet Leigh, intervened to prevent her from taking the role, wanting her to maintain her childhood. Curtis also shared her sobriety journey on Instagram, acknowledging the support she received from her friend and colleague, Richard Philip Lewis, who passed away in 2024. She described the 'miracle of sobriety' as needing just one person to connect with your feelings, and how that connection can be transformative.

  • Jamie Lee Curtis celebrated 26 years of sobriety on February 3, 2026.
  • Richard Philip Lewis, a close friend and colleague of Curtis, passed away in 2024.

The players

Jamie Lee Curtis

An American actress known for her roles in films such as 'Halloween', 'Freaky Friday', and 'A Fish Called Wanda'. She has been open about her personal struggles with addiction and is celebrating 26 years of sobriety.

Janet Leigh

An American actress and the mother of Jamie Lee Curtis. She intervened to prevent her daughter from auditioning for the role in the iconic horror film 'The Exorcist', wanting her to maintain her childhood.

Richard Philip Lewis

A close friend and colleague of Jamie Lee Curtis who was instrumental in her recovery process. He passed away in 2024.

Tony Curtis

An American actor and the father of Jamie Lee Curtis. He struggled with alcohol, cocaine, and heroin throughout his life and passed away in 2010.

Nicholas Curtis

The brother of Jamie Lee Curtis who died from a heroin overdose in 1994.

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What they’re saying

“A producer called my mom and said, 'I'm producing the movie of the book The Exorcist. Will you let Jamie audition?' But, thank God, my mother wanted me to stay a child and prevented me from starring in The Exorcist. She really wanted me to have a childhood.”

— Jamie Lee Curtis

“The miracle of sobriety is that it just takes one other person to relate to how you're feeling and THAT can change everything.”

— Jamie Lee Curtis (Instagram)

“We don't drink or use no matter what and this is a big f—— no matter what.”

— Jamie Lee Curtis (Instagram)

The takeaway

Jamie Lee Curtis's openness about her sobriety journey and her commitment to recovery serve as an inspiration, highlighting the power of support, community, and the ongoing effort required to maintain a sober life. Her story underscores the growing trend of celebrities using their platforms to destigmatize addiction and encourage others to seek help.