From childhood stardom to Hollywood’s demanding spotlight, Jason Bateman’s journey in showbiz has been anything but easy. Behind the charm that fans admire, he faced a prolonged anxiety intensified by alcohol and substance abuse, as he recently revealed in his latest CBS Sunday Morning profile. “There was a decade of deep anxiety that was probably exacerbated by the amount of partying I was doing,” the actor admitted, reflecting on that turbulent period. Landing Arrested Development marked a turning point, helping him regain stability, according to the outlet in discussion.

Now sober for around 25 years, Jason Bateman has honed his craft both in front of and behind the camera, earning acclaim for various Netflix gigs and solidifying his reputation as a versatile and resilient talent. Beyond acting and directing, Bateman has also embraced podcasting, co-creating the hit show SmartLess with Sean Hayes and Will Arnett. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the podcast became one of the five most listened to in the US, thanks to his natural conversational style. 

Notably, in January 2024, SmartLess signed a multi-year deal worth over $100 million with SiriusXM, offering exclusive distribution, early episode access, and unrestrained rights to the show’s library, highlighting how acclaimed audio networks were placing their trust in it. Meanwhile, alongside the podcast with his friends, Bateman also pursued theater and more, proving his renewed confidence and clarity. Bateman’s leap from insecurity on set to this milestone was not overnight, though.

Jason Bateman Brings Special 'SmartLess' One Night to Live Audience With Will Arnett and Sean Hayes to Hollywood Bowl

According to the Ozark talent, he would not be standing where he does today in the entertainment world if it had not been for therapy.

In his CBS Sunday Morning profile, Jason Bateman not only reflected on his struggles with anxiety but also shared how he overcame them. The actor revealed that he now feels confident in taking on responsibility fully, something that was not always the case. When interviewer Lee Cowan asked what helped him change, Bateman credited therapy and the support of good people in his life. He is now looking ahead to the release of Black Rabbit, his newest Netflix project.

Jason Bateman’s journey from a child star grappling with anxiety and substance abuse to a respected Hollywood multi-hyphenate is a testament to resilience. Through therapy, support from loved ones, and unwavering dedication to his job, he has inspiringly transformed personal struggles into professional triumphs. Now, as Bateman looks ahead to his future projects and continues to expand his creative endeavors, his story serves as a reminder that perseverance, self-awareness, and hard work can turn even the most challenging periods into lasting success.

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