Jeremy Miller, the beloved Ben Seaver from the iconic 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, charmed audiences as a child star. But behind the scenes, his rise to fame came with personal struggles that began shockingly early. Now 48, Miller’s life has been a journey of resilience, transformation, and rediscovery.
Despite early success on screen and voice roles in Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! and Snoopy the Musical, Miller battled insecurity and addiction from a young age. He first encountered alcohol at just 4½ years old, a coping mechanism that escalated into a serious dependency by his teens, fueled by fame and family challenges. His addiction intensified in his twenties, leading to daily blackouts, volatile relationships, and numerous failed recovery attempts.
A DUI arrest and betrayal by a trusted recovery sponsor became turning points, prompting Miller to take control of his life. In 2011, he began his path to sobriety, discovering a passion for cooking that offered a creative and fulfilling outlet. Inspired by his grandmother’s love for food and generosity, Miller trained as a chef, teaching private classes and finding purpose in helping others.
Today, Miller balances acting with his culinary career and advocates for those battling addiction and homelessness. As a stepfather to three sons, he’s rebuilt his life, using his experiences to inspire others to overcome adversity.
Miller’s journey from a child star to a chef and advocate serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. His resilience and dedication have turned his struggles into a beacon of hope for many.