Was Sir Alec Guinness an alcoholic at some point in his life?

Years ago what little biographical information I did pick up seemed to indicate this, however recently I got really in to the Ealing comedies and started to look into this actor’s biography and it doesn’t seem to be mentioned.

Does anyone else know?

From his authorized biography (by Piers Paul Read), page 431:

"Although Alec liked to have a drink in the evening", Eileen Atkins recalled, "none of us ever saw him drunk. He drank properly; a drink before dinner; wine with dinner; but I have never seen him drunk or even slightly pissed."

I can’t find any other mention of Alec being a drunk. I would have to say that he drank, but it seems he drank responsibly.

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3 Responses to Was Sir Alec Guinness an alcoholic at some point in his life?

  1. Bon Bon says:

    most were♥
    References :

  2. stephen k says:

    Perhaps hinted at, but not the caliber of drinker as a Richard Burton or Peter O’Toole
    References :

  3. hypoluxa says:

    From his authorized biography (by Piers Paul Read), page 431:

    "Although Alec liked to have a drink in the evening", Eileen Atkins recalled, "none of us ever saw him drunk. He drank properly; a drink before dinner; wine with dinner; but I have never seen him drunk or even slightly pissed."

    I can’t find any other mention of Alec being a drunk. I would have to say that he drank, but it seems he drank responsibly.
    References :