Home

Boxing

“I Was a Pig, High on Cocaine”: Mike Tyson’s Miserable Life Before ‘The Hangover’ Crew Rescued Him

Published 01/27/2023, 7:15 PM EST

Follow Us

via Getty

In an interview with Graham Bensinger in 2012, Mike Tyson opened up about the dark period in his life. He talked about how it led to his role in the hit comedy film The Hangover. Tyson revealed that he had hit rock bottom. And that the support and encouragement from the director and cast helped him turn his life around

Mike Tyson who is known for his fierce fights and multiple controversies is one of the most iconic figures in the world of boxing. But before his role in the hit comedy film The Hangover, Tyson was in the midst of a personal and professional downfall.

From the Ring to Rehab: The Mike Tyson Story

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The late 90s and early 2000s was a turbulent time for Mike Tyson. He had lost the heavyweight champion title, and his personal life was in shambles. The boxer admitted to being a “pig” and being ‘high on cocaine’ during this time.

“I was a pig, high on cocaine,” Tyson said.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

He added, “I was out of control. I was in a dark place and I didn’t know how to get out of it.”

Even during his childhood, one can see that he was heading towards a dark path. He had been arrested 38 Times by Age 13.

Tyson’s drug use and partying had taken a toll on his health, and he was in poor physical shape. He had also lost touch with reality and didn’t understand the gravity of the situation.

How Did Mike Tyson Lose His Millions and Gain It Back?

Rescued by the Hangover Crew-

Mike Tyson’s experience on the set of the hit comedy film The Hangover was a turning point in his life. At the time, Tyson was struggling with drug addiction and poor physical condition.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

When Tyson was first offered a role in The Hangover, he was hesitant due to his lack of acting experience and poor physical condition. But after reading the script and meeting with director Todd Phillips, he changed his mind. Phillips, and the cast, welcomed Tyson with open arms and helped him to feel comfortable on set. The boxer said that the cast and crew were like a family to him and that the chemistry between them was undeniable.

via Getty

The filming process and the support of the cast and crew was a turning points for Tyson. He realized that he had hit rock bottom and that he needed to change his ways. The Hangover was a box office hit. It grossed over $465 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time at the time of its release.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In conclusion, Mike Tyson’s experience on the set of the Hangover was a great opportunity for him to showcase his talent. But it was also a transformative experience that helped him to turn his life around and find  new purpose. The support and encouragement of the cast and crew played a crucial role in his recovery. And the film will always have a special place in his heart.

Watch This Story- Ip Man 3, The Hangover, and More: Mike Tyson’s Greatest Movie Appearances

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Chirag Radhyan

2,066Articles

One take at a time

Chirag Radhyan is a Boxing Writer at EssentiallySports. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English Honors and is a keen follower of Western Boxing. His journey of love for the sport bloomed in his puberty when he first saw a video of the fight where Mike Tyson TKO'ed Donovan in the seventh round.
Show More>

Edited by:

Arijit Saha