Wes Bentley was poised for stardom.
Unfortunately, a struggle with substance abuse derailed his career and led to the collapse of his first marriage.
Decades later, his life looks completely different.
The actor is sober, happily married, and a proud father.
He’s also managed to turn his career around.
His substance problems began after “American Beauty” catapulted him to stardom.
With his new lifestyle came lots of partying.
And Bentley quickly became addicted to cocaine, which led to heroin use.
His addiction impacted his acting career, as he prioritized heroin over reading new scripts.
He then entered rehab and began the process of turning his life around.
“He even begged me to get sober in an email,” Bentley told Men’s Health.
He just wanted me to be better," he reflected.
Eventually, Bentley had to accept the reality that his friend was gone.
He wanted to attend Ledger’s memorial service but couldn’t because he was still using.
“I was really messed up, and I felt like that wasn’t right.
So I got out of the cab on the way to it,” he said.
Though he’ll always regret missing the service, he believes Ledger would have understood.
However, the role was challenging for Bentley even when the cameras weren’t rolling.
He previously married aspiring actress Jennifer Quanz in 2001.
They were together during the worst of Bentley’s addiction issues, which reportedly fractured their relationship.
He was often absent as he tried to hide his drug use from his wife.
Bentley and Quanz separated in 2006 and began living apart due to Bentley’s constant drug use.
The “Yellowstone” star filed for divorce in 2009 due to irreconcilable differences.
He petitioned the courts to deny spousal support as well.
This could have been because Bentley was already suffering from tremendous financial problems.
“I didn’t want to be a teen heartthrob.
I didn’t want to be a sex symbol.
I never wanted to be an action star,” he told Men’s Health.
“I didn’t want to do it, because at the time, comic-book movies weren’t appealing.
They were not cool,” he said.
For most of the 2000s, Bentley lost his love for acting.
Although it took time, Bentley has made huge strides in his career and personal life.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
