Sometimes, finding your way back means leaning on people who’ve walked that same rocky path.
For Shia LaBeouf, the road to sobriety has been messy, painful, and very public — but it’s also been filled with unexpected support from some of Hollywood’s most seasoned stars.
Now 38, the actor is stepping back into the spotlight with a renewed sense of purpose, a new movie on the way, and some powerful allies by his side.
From Scandal to Second Chances: Shia’s Road Back
It’s no secret that LaBeouf has had a turbulent few years.
After explosive abuse allegations from his former partner FKA Twigs in 2020, his career and personal life seemed to spiral.
But rather than disappearing, he began quietly rebuilding.
His comeback is marked by the upcoming release of Henry Johnson, a film by legendary writer-director David Mamet, hitting theaters on May 9.
As LaBeouf gears up for the release, he’s also opening up about how he’s stayed sober — and who helped him get there.
Mel Gibson, Sean Penn, and Josh Brolin Stepped In When He Needed It Most
In an honest conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, LaBeouf shared that three iconic actors — Mel Gibson, Sean Penn, and Josh Brolin — played key roles in keeping him alive during his darkest moments.
“Mel held my hand when I was really sh***ing on myself,” Shia said, recalling how their friendship began in 2022.
The two connected during Shia’s research for a film, and Gibson introduced him to Latin mass services — something that became spiritually grounding for him.
“He really stepped up for me in big ways,” LaBeouf added.
“Big respect, big love. He’s always been very lovely to me.”
A Circle of Support and Spiritual Guidance
But it wasn’t just Gibson. Shia said both Sean Penn and Josh Brolin were instrumental in surrounding him with love and accountability.
“These guys got me to sobriety. They got around me and kept me alive,” he shared.
Penn, in particular, helped him push through his fear and even encouraged him to explore Henry Johnson as a stage play.
Penn, along with Sam Rockwell, showed up during the early days of the project, giving Shia the encouragement he needed to keep going.
“There were guys I’ve looked up to for years just showing up.
I had never felt that kind of love before — not like that,” he said emotionally.
Sobriety, Redemption, and a New Mission in Life
When asked if this support system could be his gateway to personal redemption, Shia didn’t shy away from the hope.
“I hope so,” he admitted. “I hope my whole life is about that now — squaring things, getting it right.”
He acknowledged that there’s a long way to go, but the fact that he still gets to act at such a high level feels like a “f***ing miracle.” His craft, he said, is now part of his healing.
Faith and Friendship at the Core of His Comeback
LaBeouf also opened up about how spirituality has become a major part of his recovery.
He and Mamet, his director on Henry Johnson, often engage in deep conversations about God and faith.
“I’ve been to temple with him. He’s been to church with me.
We go deep,” he shared. For Shia, it’s not just about staying sober — it’s about building a life rooted in meaning, connection, and service.
They’ve Been There Too: Why These Stars Get It
Each of the men who supported LaBeouf has his own history with addiction and redemption.
Gibson went sober in 2010 following a widely publicized scandal and eventually converted to Catholicism — something he and LaBeouf now share.
Josh Brolin has been sober since 2013, and Sean Penn has been deeply involved in helping his own son, Hopper, overcome crystal meth addiction.
These aren’t just celebrity friendships — they’re bonds built on shared pain, healing, and hard-won growth.