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Jamie Lee Curtis says today she would be ‘diagnosed with a learning disability’
'I moved to three high schools in four years,' Halloween actor says
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Your support makes all the difference.Jamie Lee Curtis has opened up about how she used to struggle academically at school, saying that, were she in school now, she believes she would likely be "diagnosed with some learning disability or learning difference".
While speaking with The New Yorker, the Halloween star stated that she became a "jokester" as a young child as she made up for "lack of any school success" with her personality.
The actor explained that the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where her mother studied, was the only academic institution that would take her with her "D average plus 840 combined SAT".
"Today I'd be diagnosed with some learning disability or learning difference," Curtis told the magazine.
"I am a great reader, but I don't retain that much. I moved to three high schools in four years."
During her interview, Curtis also spoke about how she developed a substance addiction after undergoing plastic surgery.
The Freaky Friday star said that she decided to have cosmetic surgery when one day while filming the 1985 film Perfect her appearance was criticised by a cameraman.
"Right after that movie I went and had an eye job. That’s when I found Vicodin, and the cycle of addiction began with that," Curtis said.
Vicodin, a medication that contains an opioid, is used to treat severe pain.
On 3 February 1999, Curtis decided to go sober after reading an article in Esquire, in which writer Tom Chiarella revealed he had an addiction to Vicodin.
"For the first time, I understood that I wasn’t alone," the actor said.
Curtis recently took part in a cover story for Variety, titled "The Recovery Issue", which features notable individuals from the entertainment industry offering their "insights on navigating a sober life in Hollywood".
"I figured if I did that in Variety, maybe somebody who is at home, secretly dealing with an opiate addiction—maybe they would seek help," the 61-year-old stated.
For guidance and support on drug addiction, you can contact the 24-hour Frank helpline on 0300 123 6600, text the charity at 82111 or email at frank@talktofrank.com.
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