Former child star Edward Furlong reveals new teeth after meth and heroin addiction

The actor says his drug problems began because he was too young when he became famous

Kate Ng
Wednesday 13 July 2022 04:38 EDT
Comments
Actor Edward Furlong arrives at Columbia Pictures’ ‘The Green Hornet’ premiere at Graumans Chinese Theatre on 10 January 2011
Actor Edward Furlong arrives at Columbia Pictures’ ‘The Green Hornet’ premiere at Graumans Chinese Theatre on 10 January 2011 (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Edward Furlong, who found fame as a child actor in Terminator 2: Judgement Day, has received a new set of teeth following years of drug addiction.

The 44-year-old opened up about his abuse of meth and heroin throughout his twenties and thirties, which led to his overdosing a “couple” of times.

Furlong starred opposite Arnold Schwarzeneggar in the Terminator film when he was 13, also appearing in American History X with Edward Norton and Before and After with Meryl Streep and Liam Neeson.

However, his struggles with drug addiction led to several convictions, the most recent of which was in 2016 for being under the influence of drugs.

He has now been sober for four years. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Furlong opened up about his new lease of life, including his new set of teeth to replace those that had rotted due to meth abuse.

Ed Norton and Edward Furlong star in the movie “American History X” in 1998
Ed Norton and Edward Furlong star in the movie “American History X” in 1998 (Getty Images)

“It sounds weird for me to be talking about teeth because I don’t live and breathe the way I look,” he told the publication.

“But every time I looked in the mirror, it just bummed me out as a reminder of what I had done for all those years.

“It’s nice to get a second chance. It was a no-brainer, I’m super glad I did it.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Furlong said that becoming successful at such a young age was where his troubles began.

Actor Edward Furlong attends the premiere of "Spun" at Pacific's Cinerama Dome Theater on March 17, 2003
Actor Edward Furlong attends the premiere of "Spun" at Pacific's Cinerama Dome Theater on March 17, 2003 (Getty Images)

He “didn’t have too many people looking out for me” and was “left to run wild” as a young actor, he revealed.

“I didn’t know how to manage my money. If I was older, I wouldn’t have made so many bad decisions.”

Furlong says his addiction to drugs and alcohol began after he started to feel as though he fit in better with other people when he was high, adding: “That’s how it started.”

Furlong, who recently finished filming a project in Texas, shares his 15-year-old son Ethan Page Furlong with ex-wife Rachael Bella. The couple were married from 2006 to 2014.

If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here.

In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in