Lars Eidinger: Actor opens up about alcohol problems

Lars Eidinger (48) spoke in a remarkably open conversation about his previous problematic dealings with alcohol. As part of his “Friedman in the Opera” event series, publicist Michel Friedman (68) conducted an almost two-hour interview with the Berlin actor on Tuesday evening, in which he provided unusually private insights.

“I used alcohol to get over the border and get rid of shame,” . He used alcohol as an aid, especially for his intensive theater performances. “I provoke presence on stage by giving up control,” the 48-year-old explained to the host.

The “highly obsessive” artist struggled with various addictions for a long time. When he tried to quit smoking, he experienced, in his own words, “one of the most terrible days of my life.” He was all the more relieved that it was easier for him to say goodbye to alcohol: “Life without alcohol is the same life – without alcohol! Not a mind changer,” says the busy star.

Today Eidinger completely abstains from alcohol; he no longer tolerates even non-alcoholic alternatives. After drinking a non-alcoholic beer, he recently felt severe discomfort: “I had such a hangover the next morning! I didn’t even know what it was,” says Eidinger.

Lars Eidinger conquered the Berlin theater stages from the mid-1990s. Most recently he shone as the title character in “Everyman” at the Salzburg Festival.

With his leading role in the episode as the sinister killer Kai Korthals in “Tatort – Borowski and the Silent Guest” (2012), he catapulted himself into the top league of the German acting scene. Most recently, he and the film team caused a stir with the film “Die” (2024). A few days ago Eidinger was honored nationally with the Bambi in the actor category – one of many awards.