…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media. Simon Pegg, renowned actor known for his roles in films like the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, recently opened up about his battle with alcoholism during the filming of Mission: Impossible III.
In an interview with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Pegg shared that despite his rising fame, he was silently fighting against alcohol addiction.
The Hidden Struggle with Alcoholism
Pegg confessed that he became adept at concealing his alcoholism from his co-stars while filming Mission: Impossible III.
He explained to Laverne that addiction makes a person incredibly cunning, as it relentlessly seeks to sustain itself without detection.
Pegg admitted, “You become very sneaky when you have something like that in your life.
You learn how to do it without anyone noticing because it takes over.
It wants to sustain itself and it will do everything it can to not be stopped.”
The Breaking Point and Recovery
Pegg acknowledged that there came a moment when he could no longer hide his alcoholism.
Fortunately, he found the strength to confront his addiction head-on.
Reflecting on his past, he shared that when he watches Mission: Impossible III, he sees a version of himself—an unhappy, lost alcoholic.
However, he expressed gratitude that he was able to emerge from that dark phase.
A Bond with Tom Cruise
During his time working on the Mission: Impossible franchise, Pegg developed a close friendship with Tom Cruise.
When asked about what it’s like to have an A-list pal like Cruise, Pegg conveyed that their relationship has been effortless.
He explained that meeting the real person behind the public persona, rather than the overwhelming mythology surrounding Cruise, has given him a different perspective.
Differing Views on Fame
Pegg highlighted the stark contrast in their attitudes toward fame.
While Cruise thrives on and embraces the immense attention, Pegg confessed that he finds it stressful and overwhelming.
He stated that he prefers a more low-key approach and appreciates the level of fame he currently has.
Light-hearted Jokes
Pegg playfully shared that he often teases Cruise about his fame and the exclusive experiences it affords him.
Their friendship includes good-natured banter about the privileges Cruise can access due to his celebrity status.
Memorable Experiences
Pegg recounted a particular day during filming in South Africa when Cruise surprised him by flying him in a helicopter to a seaside location, where they went swimming with sharks.
Pegg described it as a quintessential “Tom Cruise kind of day,” filled with adventure and excitement.
Avoiding Personal Belief Discussions
While Pegg and Cruise share a strong bond, there is one aspect they deliberately avoid discussing—Cruise’s personal beliefs as a Scientologist.
Pegg explained that he refrains from delving into those topics, feeling it would be an abuse of the privileged access he has to Cruise.
Their relationship remains simple, amiable, and focused on friendship.
Conclusion:
Simon Pegg’s candid admission of his hidden alcoholism during the filming of Mission: Impossible III sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals battling addiction in the spotlight.
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