Whether you knew him as Tommy on "Eight is Enough," Buddy Lembeck on "Charles in Charge," "that guy who yelled at the cameraman" on "Celebrity Fit Club," or even occasional alter ego Bibleman, Willie Aames has been in and out of the news for decades, and often not for the best of reasons.
Last year, Beliefnet's Dena Ross interviewed Aames and then-wife Maylo Upton-Aames about "Grace is Enough," the Christian-themed book they'd just published about how to keep their marriage and faith strong in the face of challenges like drug addictions and other destructive behaviors. But recently, after his wife left him, Aames spiraled out of control, according to the star in a new interview with Star magazine renting a room from a friend, from whom he stole a bottle of Jack Daniels and took his first drink in 20 years. Then it was all downhill:
"I was also taking antidepressants and antianxiety pills. It got so bad, I put a knife to my throat and cut myself in six places. The police came, put me in handcuffs and whisked me away. I was completely devastated... I kept asking, 'What did I do wrong?'"
The interview is only partially available online, so one of our readers will have to chime in with more information about how Wilile got his life back on track and what role faith now plays in his life.
Some commenters on the Star article have noted that Aames seems like he's just seeking attention. But Idol Chatter hopes that the interview means that Aames is coming to terms with his demons, and making his way back toward a life of meaning.
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Wow.. I'm surprised at some of your comments. I think I can fairly say that I am a personal friend to both Maylo and Willie- I've watched them from afar and close up. I've seen them both minister and preach with such sincerity and I watched as other's lives were changed because of that..
Willie is a very talented, anointed man. I pray for peace from the depression. I know. I've been there. When you are in a very real clinical depression, it is very hard to tell the difference between up or down. The pain is unbearable. I hate knowing Willie is having to fight that battle, I really do.
Maylo has become family to me. As far as I'm concerned, we might as well share the same blood (we do through Christ) but she is a woman of upmost integrity and unshakeable faith in God.
Being Christians doesn't automatically mean a marriage won't struggle or even fall a part. I wish it weren't so because I love them both, but I know sometimes, there is no other option if you, yourself want to stay well and survive.
Just please don't judge people you don't know. They don't deserve that in the midst of this valley.
God bless you both...surround yourselves with loving people...let others care for you and love you...pray..keep strong...He is with You--no matter what.
I am a pastor's wife. My husband and I were saved in 1991 at the age of 27. We had a very hard past as well. My heart breaks for both Willie and Maylo. Their families let them down, Hollywood did them dity, and then when they finally found the Lord and began to serve Him, Believers jumped at every oppurtunity to judge them and even use them.
I have no idea what denomination they belong to, but it is my prayer that Willie and Maylo will stay in the Word of God. Letting it speak to and heal their hearts. I pray Willie will put all the pain, depression and fear at the feet of Jesus. Letting Him rebuild the broken pieces.
It is obvious that Maylo loves him very much and it may just be that God has taken them apart in order to put them back together the right way.
Romans 8:28-29
They are in my prayers.
Our family loves you Willie Aames and I felt led to pray for God to Bless you for the wonderful Bibleman movies we recently discovered. I too went through something similiar as you, and just as rough as you. Jesus will take care of you. WE LOVE YOU IN CHRIST JESUS!
I, like a lot of folks, have "grown-up" being a fan of Willie Aames, both when I was not yet "born-again-believer" and afterwards. Willie, I am praying for you & your wife and for there to be TOTAL restoration. Satan is a liar! I stand in agreement, that satan must get under our feet and go...Willie & Maylo are children of God, washed in the blood of Jesus and satan and his demons have no place or authority to destroy this anointed family's lives, nor any of the children of God. Willie, you will be restored in Jesus name, and it has already begun in the spirit. I am speaking into you , complete restoration of your marriage, in your family, in your finances, in your spirit. Addiction and depression, you must go! I command you to leave now, in Jesus name and go to the dryest places on earth, never to plant seed or return again-By the blood of Jesus, I pray a double portion hedge of protection around Willie & Maylo and their family. For the generations here on this earth and the generations to come. And everything shall be returned to you with compound interest, in Jesus mighty name. AMEN!
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