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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Jason Bateman Proves That Child Stars Can Survive

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(Newser) – Jason Bateman ought to be a drunk or dead by now. A child star on Little House on the Prairie and a slew of forgettable '80s roles, Bateman turned to boozing, snorting, and smoking up on wild all-nighters. "Shutting that off was key," he tells Steve Kandell for a Details profile. Bateman's turning point was a lonely Christmas morning when his wife demanded he come clean—and went on vacation without him.

Since then, rehab has transformed his addictions into hobbies—like horse-racing and baseball—and helped win him acting gigs. A role in Arrested Development led to parts in Hancock and Juno. Now 40, he's being re-launched into stardom in films alongside Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney. The pressure is on. "Things are going better now than ever, but in 24 months?" says the boyish actor. "I could be hearing crickets."

Jason Bateman arrives at the 2008 Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008.
Jason Bateman arrives at the 2008 Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Jason Bateman, a co-star in the Oscar-nominated best film
Jason Bateman, a co-star in the Oscar-nominated best film "Juno," left, and his wife, actress Amanda Anka arrive for the 80th Academy Awards Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Actors Zach Braff, left, Amanda Peet, center, and Jason Bateman arrive to the premiere of
Actors Zach Braff, left, Amanda Peet, center, and Jason Bateman arrive to the premiere of "The Ex" in New York on Thursday, May 3, 2007.   (AP Photo/Adam Rountree)
Actor Jason Bateman rrives with his wife actress Amanda Anka at the Vanity Fair Oscar party on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, in West Hollywood, Calif.
Actor Jason Bateman rrives with his wife actress Amanda Anka at the Vanity Fair Oscar party on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, in West Hollywood, Calif.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
Actor Jason Bateman arrives at the 2009 Film Independent's Spirit Award nominations press conference held at Sofitel L.A. on December 2, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Actor Jason Bateman arrives at the 2009 Film Independent's Spirit Award nominations press conference held at Sofitel L.A. on December 2, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.   (Getty Images)
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Booze was what would make me want to stay out all night and do some blow or smoke a joint or whatever, so shutting that off was key. It's like ketchup and French fries—I don't want one without the other. - Jason Bateman

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5 comments
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Deebles
Jul 10, 09 7:37 PM CDT
The only thing better than trumping your DNA is having the humility to know that the battle is always on. Lovely, happy article. Reply
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+1
DarkFrancis
Jul 10, 09 7:40 PM CDT
Great story. He's doing great work. Looking forward to seeing him in Gervais' new movie. Reply
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+2
No118
Jul 11, 09 12:23 AM CDT
Yeah, but... Who's this again? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
2-bits
Jul 11, 09 1:57 AM CDT
If you've seen arrested development you'll recognize him instantly. He's more or less the main character. By the way, you should DEFINITELY check out that show. The whole thing is on Hulu. Start from season one, episode one and away you go.
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DontLikeYou
Jul 11, 09 7:16 PM CDT
I liked him in Hancock. Reply
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