At just 4 years old, he had his first taste of alcohol. Years later, betrayal by a trusted confidant during his recovery nearly derailed his fight for sobriety. Today, he has transformed his life and is happy to have found new passions and a purpose.
As a child, he captured hearts with his role on “Growing Pains,” a beloved sitcom that defined the 1980s. His portrayal earned him widespread recognition and he quickly became a household name. His success extended beyond the show, with notable voice-acting roles.
Photo of the “Growing Pains” cast, dated June 27, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
By the time he reached adolescence, insecurities about authenticity in relationships began to surface. His home struggles overshadowed the supportive atmosphere on set and left a lasting mark. By the end of the show, he had developed a reliance on alcohol—a habit that would follow him into adulthood.
The actor poses for a portrait, circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Early Stardom and Career Highlights
Before his struggles came to light, he enjoyed a thriving career and close bonds with his on-screen family. He first captured the spotlight in 1985 as Ben Seaver, the youngest child in the beloved sitcom “Growing Pains.”
Throughout seven seasons, his humor and charm endeared him to millions, making him a standout among a talented cast. The series’ success also led to two reunion films, further cementing his role as a memorable figure in 1980s television.
Tracey Gold, Alan Thicke, and the rest of the cast of season 3 of “Growing Pains,” circa 1987 | Source: Getty Images
While “Growing Pains” remained his most iconic role, his talent extended beyond the show. He voiced the beloved character Linus Van Pelt in “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown” (1985) and “Snoopy the Musical” (1988), showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Despite his young age, his career flourished, and he quickly became a household name. On the set of “Growing Pains,” he found a second family. The atmosphere starkly contrasts the darker experiences many child actors of his time have recounted.
The actor poses for a photo on July 22, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
“I don’t have the horror stories from Hollywood,” he once shared. “Our set was amazing, and we had a ball. I had a 200-person family; the cast, the crew—everybody looked out for you.” Among his closest bonds was with Alan Thicke, who played his on-screen father.
But even the supportive environment on set couldn’t save him from the pressures of fame, home troubles, and the struggles that would define the next phase of his life.
The actor and Alan Thicke on the set of “Growing Pains,” circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images
The Beginning of Personal Struggles
While his professional life appeared picture-perfect, his personal challenges began early. Shockingly, he revealed that his first encounter with alcohol occurred at just 4 ½ years old. This early exposure planted the seeds for a dependency that would grow over time.
By the time he was 12, he often questioned the authenticity of those around him. He admitted to testing people by claiming “Growing Pains” was getting canceled, gauging whether their interest in him was genuine.
The actor poses with his onscreen family during season 3 of “Growing Pains” in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
At home, unresolved issues contributed to a growing sense of unease. Growing up with a stepfather who undermined his confidence and self-worth left lasting emotional scars.
These experiences not only eroded his sense of security but also fueled the insecurities that followed him into adulthood. Turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism, he sought solace in the temporary escape it provided.
The former child star photographed with a fellow actor in 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Alcoholism and Hitting Rock Bottom
As he entered adulthood, his reliance on alcohol deepened, evolving into a full-blown addiction. By his mid-20s, daily blackouts and destructive behavior had become the norm.
He described himself during this period as a “mean drunk,” recounting episodes of breaking lamps and punching holes in walls while under the influence. The turning point came during a particularly volatile argument with his fiancée, Joanie Miller.
After a disagreement at a wedding, he lashed out physically, an act that left him devastated. “I threw her off my back,” he later recalled, describing the guilt and shame he felt for hurting the person he loved most.
The incident forced him to confront the severity of his addiction. Financial difficulties further compounded his struggles. During one low point, an argument with Joanie led him to storm out of their home, stopping at a liquor store before being arrested for driving under the influence.
“It’s the only DUI I ever got, [but] I deserved many more,” he admitted. His journey to sobriety was fraught with challenges. Desperate to escape the grip of addiction, he tried everything from in-patient and outpatient rehab to hypnosis and herbal therapies, but nothing seemed to work.
Despite these efforts, his cravings persisted, pulling him back into the cycle of alcohol dependency. Amidst these setbacks, a betrayal by someone he trusted shook his resolve, but it also became a turning point in his eventual recovery.
Recovery and Redemption
His path to recovery was far from straightforward. After years of failed attempts at rehab and other treatments, he found himself at a crossroads. Initially, he kept his struggles private, attending recovery meetings under pseudonyms to protect his identity.
Sadly, his trust was betrayed when his first sponsor attempted to sell his story to a tabloid. Although the story never ran, the betrayal left him shattered and led to another relapse. It wasn’t until 2011 that he managed to achieve lasting sobriety.
Reflecting on his early reluctance to share his story, he later admitted that secrecy only prolonged his struggles. Over time, he found strength in speaking openly about his experiences.
“When I realized I wanted to talk about it, I wanted to shout it from the mountaintop if I could help just one person,” he recounted. This decision to be transparent had a profound impact on others.
One of his most rewarding moments was when a woman, inspired by his story on “Dr. Oz,” sought treatment for her addiction. She later became sober, started a family, and began running a rehabilitation center.
He described the experience as one of many blessings he has had in helping others find hope in their battles with addiction. He also took a more hands-on approach, mentoring individuals struggling with substance abuse and advocating for those in recovery.
The actor attends the Engine Co. No. 28’s 110th anniversary celebration at Engine Co. No. 28 on July 24, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
His openness and willingness to share even the darkest moments of his journey made him a source of inspiration for many. As he rebuilt his life, he discovered a second passion that allowed him to channel his creativity and connect with others on a deeply personal level.
Life as a Chef and Advocate
Rebuilding his life after addiction, he discovered a passion that had been quietly nurtured since childhood: cooking. His grandmother, a self-taught chef, had instilled in him a love for the culinary arts.
During holidays, she would open her home to the neighborhood, providing meals to anyone in need. He fondly recalled spending days by her side, preparing multiple turkeys, hams, and pies as a way to express care and love.
This early influence guided him to pursue formal culinary training. Over the years, he honed his craft, teaching private cooking classes, hosting events, and working as a private chef. Cooking became more than just a career; it was a means of self-expression and a way to bring joy to others.
“When I’m behind the stove and I’m cooking, that’s home,” he said. Beyond the kitchen, he dedicated himself to advocacy work. Drawing from his own experiences of financial instability and recovery, he focused on helping those facing homelessness and addiction.
Together with his fiancée, Joanie, he launched initiatives to support the homeless, providing meals and resources to those in need. Despite his success in these new ventures, he maintained strong ties to his past, often reuniting with his “Growing Pains” family.
The actor with some of his castmates from “Growing Pains” pictured in 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Reunions and Future Prospects
In 2022, he reunited with co-stars Kirk Cameron and Tracey Gold, reflecting on the impact of their shared experiences. The bond they formed on set remained intact, with regular communication and a sense of mutual support.
The “Growing Pains” cast pictured in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
His relationship with his on-screen dad held a special place in his heart. Thicke, who passed away in 2016, had been a mentor and second father to the younger cast members. Long before reboots became a television trend, Thicke had begun developing plans to revive “Growing Pains.”
While initial interest from networks was limited, the idea resurfaced years later as the cast discussed the possibility of bringing the Seaver family back to screens.
The “Growing Pains” cast pictured in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
During their conversations, the cast expressed enthusiasm about revisiting their iconic roles and exploring the dynamics of the Seaver family in a modern context.
Although nothing definitive has come of these efforts, he expressed excitement at the idea of a reboot. “It’d be fun to do,” he stated, reminiscing about the positive memories and unique camaraderie the cast enjoyed.
As he continued to pursue new opportunities, he has remained deeply appreciative of the support from fans and his enduring connections to the series.
At 48, Jeremy Miller has built a life defined by resilience, transformation, and a commitment to giving back. While many remember him as the endearing Ben Seaver from “Growing Pains,” his journey since then has revealed a man who has faced his challenges head-on and emerged stronger.
Jeremy and Joanie Miller attend the opening of The Hollywood Museum’s Exhibit “This Joint Is Jumpin” on February 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Today, Miller splits his time between his two passions: acting and cooking. Beyond his professional pursuits, he plays a vital role in his personal life.
Jeremy Miller attends the FYC screening of the new series “RZR” on May 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Jeremy and Joanie Miller at The Hollywood Museum on June 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As a stepfather to three sons, he has embraced his family responsibilities with dedication and appreciates them for supporting him when he battled alcoholism.
Jeremy’s story serves as an inspiring example of perseverance and reinvention.
From his early struggles with alcohol to his work helping others overcome similar battles, Jeremy has turned his experiences into a source of hope for those who face their own challenges.
