Some actors have taken the phrase “method acting” to a new level by actually indulging in alcohol on set, especially for scenes where their character had to appear intoxicated or loosened up. Here’s a look at some actors who chose to bring authenticity to their roles by drinking during filming.
Denise Richards and Neve Campbell: Margaritas for Courage in Wild Things
The steamy pool scene in Wild Things between Denise Richards and Neve Campbell remains iconic, but filming it was no easy feat for the actresses. Denise Richards recalled to Entertainment Weekly that filming an intimate scene with a co-star, especially one of the same gender, felt nerve-wracking. To calm their nerves, Richards and Campbell shared a pitcher of margaritas in Campbell’s trailer before filming. Richards later shared, “Neither of us had ever kissed another girl… Everyone has a first time.” The result was a memorable scene, fueled by a bit of liquid courage.
Daniel Radcliffe: Struggles with Drinking on Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe grew up on the set of Harry Potter, and by his late teens, he was struggling with alcohol dependency. He shared with British GQ that he relied on alcohol to deal with the pressures of fame and his self-doubt. Although Radcliffe maintained that he never drank on set, he admitted to arriving at work still intoxicated from the night before. “I can point to many scenes where I’m just gone,” he revealed, noting that his struggle with drinking led to some hard-to-watch scenes in retrospect. Fortunately, Radcliffe has since been sober for several years.
Olivia Wilde and Anna Kendrick: Real Beer in Drinking Buddies
In Drinking Buddies, the cast found themselves sipping on real beer while filming, given that much of the story was set in a brewery. Olivia Wilde revealed on Off Camera with Sam Jones that drinking actual alcohol made the scenes feel more authentic. For Anna Kendrick, this was a surprise. Expecting to sip water on her first day, Kendrick took a gulp and found herself tipsy almost instantly. Wilde joked, “Welcome to Drinking Buddies,” as Kendrick adjusted to the unexpected real-life drinking on set.
Margot Robbie: Tequila for Confidence in The Wolf of Wall Street
Margot Robbie’s breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street featured some intense scenes, including one where her character had to be completely exposed. Robbie was so nervous she almost backed out, but a crew member offered her tequila to calm her nerves. After three shots, Robbie felt steady enough to tackle the scene, later advising that tequila was the secret to overcoming her jitters.
Jennifer Lawrence: Wine and Nerves in Passengers
Filming a romantic scene with co-star Chris Pratt in Passengers was daunting for Jennifer Lawrence, particularly since it was her first time filming such a scene with a married co-star. To ease her anxiety, she got “really, really drunk” beforehand, though she later admitted to feeling guilty about it. She even called her mom for reassurance after filming, proving that even Hollywood stars experience nerves on set.
Brad Pitt and Edward Norton: Impromptu Drinking in Fight Club
In Fight Club, Brad Pitt and Edward Norton’s characters bond over a mutual disregard for societal norms. To capture this carefree energy, the actors themselves got into character by drinking on set. In one scene, the two were filmed hitting golf balls while slightly inebriated, capturing the playful chaos of their characters’ relationship. Director David Fincher noticed their chemistry and decided to keep the scene, which added to the film’s gritty realism.
Martin Sheen: The Real Struggle in Apocalypse Now
Perhaps one of the most harrowing tales of on-set drinking comes from Martin Sheen’s experience on Apocalypse Now. On his 36th birthday, Sheen was filmed in a hotel room, intoxicated and struggling emotionally. The scene was intense, as he channeled his real-life struggles and personal demons into his character. Reflecting on the experience, Sheen said he didn’t want to see the footage, as it brought back memories of his difficult journey during filming.
Shia LaBeouf: Moonshine in Lawless
To play a bootlegger in Lawless, Shia LaBeouf thought it only fitting to consume real moonshine while filming. However, his method acting made co-star Mia Wasikowska so uncomfortable that she reportedly tried to exit the film. Despite the tension, LaBeouf continued to drink on set to achieve the “drunk bloat” he felt was essential for his character.
Billy Bob Thornton: Fully Committed in Bad Santa
In Bad Santa, Billy Bob Thornton’s character is a foul-mouthed, perpetually intoxicated Santa Claus. To truly embody the role, Thornton made sure he was, in his words, “completely into it.” His commitment to portraying a drunken mall Santa helped the film achieve its gritty, dark humor, though Thornton admitted that alcohol played a role in helping him disregard his usual fondness for kids while playing his unruly character.
Jan Michael Vincent: A Dark Descent in No Rest for the Wicked
Jan Michael Vincent’s story is more tragic than humorous. Once a highly-paid actor, Vincent’s career fell apart due to severe alcoholism. By the time he starred in No Rest for the Wicked, his addiction had taken a dark turn, and his drinking on set was a symptom of a much larger struggle. His story serves as a sobering reminder of the potential toll of substance abuse in Hollywood.
Bill Murray in Lost in Translation
In Lost in Translation, Bill Murray plays a disillusioned actor filming a whiskey commercial, and the line between fiction and reality blurs in one particular scene. A Hollywood adage comes to mind: “If they’re drinking whiskey, it’s tea. If they’re drinking tea, it’s whiskey.” Murray’s character, however, seems to suggest that a splash of the real stuff could elevate his performance. It’s not uncommon in Hollywood for actors to keep their drinks “authentic”—and sometimes it shows in memorable ways.
These actors’ experiences with on-set drinking show how far some are willing to go to add authenticity to their roles. From moments of courage to times of personal struggle, their stories offer a glimpse into the sacrifices they make to bring their characters to life.