Irish actor and screen hunk Jonathan Rhys Meyers has just turned 33 and personally and professionally he's coming into his own. But it's been a rough few years for the Irish star - he's recently lost his mother, and he's had some bouts of public drunkenness that made the headlines. However now he says he has a fresh perspective and he's working to put his recent troubles behind him.
"It's time to start thinking seriously about things," the Tudors star told the press this week. "I wouldn't want to do the 20s again, you know? You go through your 20s sort of like a chrysalis in many ways, stretching into your own skin and trying to bust out of a cocoon. You want to be a butterfly and you just think of everything as, 'Ooh, what fun can I have here?'"
"But, after a while, you realize that things are getting in the way of you growing up and being who you really want to be. And when you look harder at exactly what it is that is getting in your way, you quite often find that it's yourself."
There's a good reason for putting his life in order, he says: "I just don't want to be sitting in the pub and someone says, 'See him - he could have made a fortune, but he just p****d it up against the wall.'"
Rhys Meyers first role was in the 1994 comedy A Man Of No Importance, which was released when he was just 17, and he has been working steadily ever since. And that, he has hinted, may well be part of his current problem.
"When you go all the way through from your late teens to your late 20s on film sets, it's a very strange introduction to the world," he says. "It can take a long time for some people to find out how to ground themselves, and film sets are an odd atmosphere to do it in - especially if, like me, you finished school early."
And being famous has been a doubled edged sword he says. "That's a funny thing, fame. People definitely do treat you differently. When you begin to be successful, people say, 'Don't go changing.' Well, that's easy to say, but the fact is, you don't change at all - other people do."
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.katiegent | Nov 05, 2010, 08:16 PM EDT
P.S. Reena Hammer is so far on the other side of the tracks from JRM, not meaning better, just different. While this may make for an interesting relationship, it may not make for a lasting relationship. Let's face it, I hear she scoped him out at a cafe and the rest is history...because when daddy's little girl wants something...the word "NO" does not exist in her world. I'm sure she'll make a great lifelong mate for someone, I just don't see it with him. Again, JRM, be careful, or she will really tie you to her by getting pregnant before you are ready! Katie Arizona (USA) The Valley of the Sun :)
katiegent | Nov 05, 2010, 08:10 PM EDT
I admire JRM not only for his acting gift, but his refreshing honesty when interviewed. I am not be surprised by the comments left by "teamjonathan", having experienced the most challenging time of my life recently, I found that people, (family & friends), that I knew for over 20 years, treated me unkind, lied to me, and were not supportive or compassionate. When you almost lose your husband, your priorities are extremely clear, and God reveals one's true character in times such as these. I hope Jonathan only the best, but must warn; beware of those you think you know, most times things are not as they appear. All the best! Katie in Arizona The Valley of the Sun :)
teamjonathan | Sep 08, 2010, 01:47 AM EDT
As an Actor, I'm @ Venice Film Fest. Sadly, I received a disturbing e-mail from Reena Hammer (sent to a group of her e-mail buddies) stating for the record that "JRM should not be working in this industry with his addiction problems. Also she told us,"After dating him many yrs, he is physically abusive, arrogant, self-absorbed, terrible lover, and a substance-abuse poser." Reena has been dating someone else secretly. With friends like Reena, who needs enemies? As an actor, I know people can be deceptive, but this is beyond deception, and ultimately, her words and actions are unforgivable. You have to appreciate the opportunity. There's wild speculation coming out and the intelligent people are quick to refute the rumours. They are all lies. Lies that can damage a career!!! I make conscious decisions to stay out of the limelight. With the details of that spell in rehab, it’s clear I'm a great believer in fighting my demons, no matter what it takes. Just be honest with yourself and face it. That’s everything in life for me. Jonathan Rhys Meyers needs to change his people, places, and things. One of the people I suggest he gets rid of Reena, due to the fact that she is only bringing him negative vibes. If he makes that change, Jonathan Rhys Meyers will be the most successful and best actor that ever lived. Change can be difficult, but when he focuses on himself, Jonathan will be on top of his game again. Team Jonathan!