Hollywood actor Bruce Willis almost destroyed his career through excessive use of drugs and alcohol. The 52-year-old actor - who found fame at 29 - says he spent his first years in Hollywood "out of his mind" in a haze of parties and late nights. But Willis credits his marriage to Demi Moore and the birth of their three children to overcoming his battle with alcohol.

He says, "When I first hit the big time, I went out of my mind. I did not understand or accept any of it. I was just an actor and here I was, being asked to sign cocktail napkins when I went out to eat. I started to party and thought, 'Hey, this is great.' I became 'the party king'."

"I was enjoying my freedom, making great money and living a rock'n'roll lifestyle. I lapped up all the drink, the fast cars and late nights that I could take. Now I know that I can have a couple of drinks. I like a Martini or straight-up ice-cold vodka, but I never go overboard."

I always liked Bruce. I'm glad he overcame his problems. It never reflected in his work though.