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.
Beliefnet
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posted January 10, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I feel that the readers that think Willie Aames is just seeking attention probably don’t understand people who are addicts. Even though he did wonderful for years staying clean and sober it is an every day struggle that doesn’t go away just because you do have a hold of it. Those people are lucky not to have that struggle or have a loved one that deals with it.
The stress that he was under probably built up and one to many things hit him at once which caused him to spiral. Once this happened after being clean for so long somewhere in there he realized he needed help and couldn’t remember how to get back there. So it sounds more than seeking attention it was a cry out for help.
I grew up with Willie and very much wish him the best in his road back to recovery. I know he will find it.
posted January 12, 2009 at 9:56 am
I believe being famous puts alot of stress on people.If something happens to me only a few people know but its not in mazines like with them.I wish Willie the best.
posted January 12, 2009 at 12:30 pm
It’s good that the article is coming from a place in which Willie has gotten the Help he needs. As a fan of his for many years I constantly pray for him and his ministry. Being a Christian does not mean we are perfect and we ALL struggle with desires that want to control our lives. I deal with it everyday both as a minister and a person. Willie, keep the faith brother we are all praying for you.
posted January 12, 2009 at 2:10 pm
We all struggle with something. I hope he gets the help he needs and I really don’t think it has anything to do with the attention. Addicts can relapse after many years. It is not that uncommon. I wish him all the best and hope he does find happiness.
posted January 12, 2009 at 4:24 pm
i really wish him the best, i myself am a recovering addict and we only live day to day moment by moment and some devastating things can make you slip thank GOD he didnt slip to the brink of no return , i will pray for for you willie and may god be with you always,
posted January 12, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I will keep you in my prayers, Willie! Remember, GOD is always there for us….HE never leaves us, so lean on Him and only Him!
posted January 12, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I thought this is the time when Christians are supposed to cleave to their god the most? When things are good all he does is shove his religion down other people’s throats, but when things go bad this is what happens. It doesn’t look like he’s leaning on this “him” person at all.
posted January 13, 2009 at 9:17 am
I agree with Concerned. I have watched people like Willie Aames and Gary Busey become so holy that they lose touch with reality and compassion. If Christians would stop judging and condemning everyone else, the general public would have more compassion on when they fall. I am surprised that he would go down this low; it looks like he was depending more on his wife than God. Where is religion when marriages fall apart? This is why I abhor religion and tout spirituality. Spirit is all around us no matter what you want to call it; it goes by many names and maybe if Christians can be more loving like Christ and less like a dictator, this world can embrace each other and help each other. Step one is to drop the titles, what if we were just humans having a spiritual experience instead of the religious titles?
posted January 13, 2009 at 7:10 pm
In Christ Jesus, there’s plenty of healing and forgiveness. People are people whether they embrace a dogmatic perspective of Christ’s teachings or see the Spirit of God filling their lives and hearts with Love. We all need healing and forgiveness –sometimes repeatedly. I pray for “concerned” and “lady” along with the seeking Willie Ames…none of us have a corner on truth and we are all capable of becoming the very thing we abhor.
posted January 13, 2009 at 10:24 pm
When a person is this low in their life, their faith is being blocked by Satan and his demons. It’s not so simple to cling when this is happening.
posted January 15, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Where is Chachi/Charles when you need him?
Good luck Willie!
posted January 26, 2009 at 8:56 pm
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.
posted February 9, 2009 at 7:29 pm
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.
posted February 18, 2009 at 2:41 pm
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.
posted March 8, 2009 at 11:00 pm
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!
posted March 28, 2009 at 2:15 am
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!
posted October 25, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Keep your head up Willie and stay in the Word…You’ll come out of this VICTORIOUS!