Mac Davis had always known how to captivate an audience, be it through his riveting performances or the charm he carried with him. But there was a secret that trailed him throughout his career—a love affair, so to speak, but one that was far from romantic. It was with alcohol.
As a young 13-year-old in Lubbock, Texas, Davis began drinking beer. The buzz gave him a sense of invincibility, making him feel “Ten feet tall and bulletproof.” Alcohol became a mainstay in his life, his “mistress,” subtly but steadily weaving its way into the fabric of his professional and personal worlds. It was a complicated relationship.
The Culture of Booze
As Davis’ career in the entertainment industry blossomed, so did his exposure to an environment where alcohol flowed like water. The glittering lights of Las Vegas, the sets of TV shows and movies, the Rat Pack—these were spaces where everyone seemed to always have a drink in hand. Davis prided himself on his ability to handle his liquor well, a dangerous skill that made it even more challenging for people to see that he was struggling.
Early Signs and Denial
While on the grueling 1970-71 tour, Davis had a moment that could have served as a wakeup call. During a solo performance, he thanked the audience for a “standing ovulation,” a statement considered distasteful at the time. But the real issue wasn’t the slip of the tongue; it was his inability to recognize alcohol’s impact on his life. Davis continued to believe he had it all under control, even as he drank through concerts, TV shows, and family life.
Crossing Lines and Breaking Trust
As time passed, Davis’ legendary tolerance for alcohol started to wane. He became belligerent at performances, sometimes repeating the same joke twice, unaware that he had already told it. The moment that truly shook him came during an event at Frank Sinatra’s home, where he made a poorly-timed joke about Jilly Rizzo, Sinatra’s right-hand man. Davis knew he had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed.
A Wake-up Call
But the moment that made Davis face his alcoholism head-on was far less glamorous. It was a simple afternoon where he couldn’t play “helicopter” with his young son Noah for fear of dropping him. It was then he realized he needed to change—not just for himself but for his family. After a heartfelt talk with his wife, Lisë, and despite trying to quit on his own, Davis eventually acknowledged the need for professional help. In November 1991, he checked into the Betty Ford Clinic.
The Road to Recovery
Four months to the day after leaving rehab, Davis gave his first-ever sober performance in the Broadway production of “The Will Rogers Follies” at the Palace Theater. He continued to tour with the show for over a year, sharing his journey to sobriety after each performance and encouraging others to seek help. This marked not only a transformation in Davis’ career but also his life.
The Legacy of Sobriety
While Mac’s story serves as a cautionary tale, it is also an inspiring narrative of redemption. After years of battling alcoholism, Davis managed to reclaim not just his career but also his life, serving as a living testament to the transformative power of admitting one’s faults and seeking help. His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to change course, to break free from the chains that hold us back, and to rewrite our own stories.
If you or someone you know is battling addiction, do not suffer in silence. There is help, there is hope, and there is life—beautiful and fulfilling—after the last call.