Gary Oldman has described his behavior on the set of the 1995 film The Scarlet Letter as unprofessional and issued an apology to co-star Demi Moore. Oldman stated his drinking problem at the time affected his conduct during production.
Oldman played Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale opposite Moore's Hester Prynne in the adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel about forbidden love.
During an interview with the Radio Times, Oldman recalled having "intermittent bouts of boozing" while filming. He admitted being in a "very dark place" and drinking during the lunch hour before a scene.
He said he completed the scene but felt guilt afterward. He remembers apologizing to Demi Moore the next day.
Oldman recounted telling Moore, “I’m so sorry, you must hate me.” He said she responded, “I don’t hate you. It’s OK. I’m just disappointed.”
Oldman, now 28 years sober, stated he has no desire to drink. He stopped drinking in 1997.
He has discussed how sobriety has changed his life and career. Since 1997, he has received three Oscar nominations and won Best Actor in 2018 for playing Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
Oldman recently returned to the screen portraying author John Cheever in the film Parthenope. Cheever also battled alcoholism before becoming sober later in life.
Reflecting on the incident with Moore and disappointment, Oldman said, “I think the worst thing you can do is inspire disappointment.”
