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John Humphrys: My Battle with Alcoholism
28 May
Summary
- Presenter John Humphrys discusses his past struggles with excessive drinking.
- A Washington on-air incident involving President Nixon's resignation marked a turning point.
- He now moderates his drinking, often opting for non-alcoholic options.
Veteran broadcaster John Humphrys has openly discussed his past issues with excessive alcohol consumption during his initial years at the BBC. Starting his career in 1966, Humphrys eventually became a familiar voice on programs like Radio 4's Today and Mastermind. His move to the United States in the 1970s coincided with a pivotal moment in his life.
In Washington in 1974, while preparing to report on President Richard Nixon's resignation, Humphrys had consumed a significant amount of alcohol during lunch. His broadcast assistant confronted him about his sobriety, and he managed to get through the report just barely. This incident, he stated, was the last time he drank.
Motivated by family history with alcoholism, Humphrys ceased drinking entirely. He later reflected in interviews that his career and life were likely saved by this decision. Currently, Humphrys hosts a show on Classic FM and maintains a significantly reduced alcohol intake, often choosing half-alcoholic beer with his evening meal.
