JASON DONOVAN on Dr*gs, Partying in the 90s & Why Having His Daughter Changed His Life

Video Description

Jason Donovan is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. I grew up knowing him as the golden boy from Neighbours so, it was surprising to hear how desperate he was to shake off that teenage heartthrob image. Fame hit him young and fast, and before he’d had chance to figure out who he was, Jason found himself trapped in a world that expected him to stay the same blue eyed, blonde haired version of himself that everyone had fallen in love with. In the ‘90s, he pushed back hard: three-day bender, a coc*ine overdose at LA’s Viper Room and using dr*gs to escape the squeaky-clean persona that followed him from Neighbours to the West End. He doesn’t regret those years, but says they taught him a hell of a lot about himself. We cover: - His need to shake off the teen heartthrob image and be “cool” - Bingeing on coc*ine at the height of his fame - How becoming a dad changed everything and led him to quit dr*gs - His relationship with Kylie and how it’s followed him throughout his career - What it’s like to age in the public eye This conversation is a reminder that even the brightest stars carry shadows and that facing them can be the most powerful comeback of all. Jason Donovan is Great Company. This episode contains sensitive topic discussions including substance abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by anything in this episode and need support, please see the suggested helpline and website links below. Cocaine Anonymous UK 0800 612 0225 [email protected] Frank talktofrank.com Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212 ukna.org If you enjoyed the show, you can also follow us: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greatcompanypodcast/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@greatcompanypodcast And if you've got thoughts, questions and comments, you can email us at: [email protected] Chapters: 00:00 Coming Up 01:53 Amazon stole Jason’s cat?! 04:30 Jason’s dad was his hero 06:52 Jason’s relationship with his mum 09:05 Originally turning down Neighbours 12:34 Being offered Scott Robinson 13:26 The power of saying no 15:57 The iconic Neighbours wedding 17:30 Fame is a double-edged sword 22:00 The real reason Jason sued The Face 27:40 Jason didn’t drink alcohol until his 30s 29:00 ‘Addiction is a total disease’ 30:36 Passing out in Viper Rooms 36:41 Jason’s catalyst for change 38:53 ‘I’m having my teenage years in the public eye’ 41:24 How do you find your true self? 45:00 Jason’s relationship with the press 47:55 How did Kylie and Jason get together? 49:38 Was Jason in love with Kylie? 52:00 Jason’s love for his wife 55:09 The Doin’ Fine Encore Tour 56:51 Hair transplants 1:00:28 Men and ageing 1:03:38 Final 8 questions