‘True Blood’ Chris Bauer Opens Up About Drugs & Alcohol Past: Sheriff Andy Bellefleur Says ‘It Was A Slow-Motion Catastrophe!’ [Watch Video]

On the hit HBO show, True Blood, Sheriff Andy Bellefleur lives in a town where vampires and humans harbor their own dark secrets and illicit temptations. In real life, actor Chris Bauer is most like his TV alter ego because they share a common struggle with drugs and alcoholism.

In an interview with People, The Wire actor talks about being sober for seven years. For the past previous decades, he has had a long battle with drugs and alcohol that almost ruined not only the relationship with his family, but also his acting career.

The Devil's Advocate co-star reminisces how challenging the path to sobriety was, "It was a slow-motion catastrophe. I wasn't just out of control. I was 100 percent off my path."

When the 8MM actor took one look at his own daughter after one of his drunken hazes, he knew things immediately had to change, "The next thing I remember, I was home, my tie was undone and my 5-year-old daughter was standing in front of me going, 'What?'" Bauer continues, "That's a really good memory for me to stay connected to. I just had this moment of clarity. My purpose is to be a solid, present, protective guide for my children."

Check out Chris Bauer's interview here:

The True Blood actor admits to sobering up after the popular show's pilot hit TV screens. The change can be physically seen on and off screen. Notice how gradually Sheriff Andy lost weight over the past seasons and currently, he looks in great shape.

As reported here, we have a recap of the final season premiere of True Blood. There is a memorable scene in which Sheriff Andy Bellefleur stays in control during a standoff.

True Blood continues Sundays on HBO at 9PM. Readers, what do you think of Chris Bauer opening up about his dark past?