Shaun Weiss, Child Star From 'The Mighty Ducks,' Battled Drug Addiction — Photographs Of His Recovery Are Startling

Feb 08, 2022

Becoming an actor or an actress is something that many children dream about, but only a lucky few actually get to live out their dreams. Some children are fortunate enough to go on and find fame and success early in their lives and give themselves a great starting point for a long-lasting career ahead. However, for some, the pressure becomes too much, and these once doe-eyed innocent children sadly turn to substances or controversial measures.

Shaun Weiss is best known for being a child actor. He was born on Aug. 27, 1978, and attended school in the Detroit area in Michigan. Weiss was most active in the acting industry from 1986 until 2008, first starting out on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” He is most famous for his role as Greg Goldberg in the “The Mighty Ducks” movies, and has also appeared in a variety of television shows, including “Freaks and Geeks” and “Boy Meets World. 

Weiss was one of those kids fortunate enough to have a great start to a career full of potential. However, outside temptations and pressures became too much for the young actor, and he ended up going down a troubled path filled with consequences. Weiss struggled with addiction and was arrested multiple times for being in possession of drugs and for stealing. 

Fortunately, he had good people by his side, supporting him on his path toward recovery. Nowadays, Weiss looks better than ever and is celebrating a huge milestone in his sobriety journey. An Instagram post from January 2022 showed before-and-after photos of Weiss on his path to sobriety, showing just how far he’s come.

Once a child star, Weiss seemed to have it all. He first rose to fame with his breakout role as Greg Goldberg in “The Mighty Ducks” franchise. He was originally supposed to play a character with only one line, but his role ended up being expanded, allowing the striving star to prove his talents. Afterward, he went on to appear in the Disney film “Heavyweights,” followed by a stream of appearances on different TV shows. Weiss also appeared in commercials for Verizon Communications and Mobile ESPN.

Unfortunately, Weiss went through some hardships throughout his life. Back in August 2018, Weiss was arrested for public intoxication, according to Page Six. His mugshot shocked people all over the world. A year prior, Weiss was sentenced to 90 days in county jail for possession of suspected methamphetamine, and another 150 days in jail for stealing $151 worth of merchandise from an electronics store. He was also arrested in January 2020 for breaking into a man’s home while on drugs.

At the time, it seemed like all hope was lost for the former child star. “He has hit his bottom,” Weiss’ representative said at the time. “Hopefully, he will stay clean and sober when he gets out.” Fortunately for Weiss, he had people in his life that cared for him and wanted to be by his side to help him get better, including his friend Drew Gallagher.

Through the good times and bad times, Gallagher stayed by Weiss’ side. “He’s sick, he’s mentally ill… Everybody gives up on him,” Gallagher told PEOPLE in 2020. “He’s like a brother to me. I won’t abandon him.”

In January 2022, “The Mighty Ducks” star celebrated a huge milestone in his sobriety journey, as he was officially two years sober in his battle against his drug addiction, according to Page Six. Weiss’ longtime friend Gallagher proudly shared side-by-side photographs of Weiss on his Instagram, showing just how far he’s come in his journey. 

One picture showed what Weiss looked like back in 2020, looking very gaunt, while the other picture showed him looking healthy, happy and sober. “What a triumph!” Gallagher wrote, commending his friend for working so hard. “Congrats @shaunweiss on two years sober!!! So proud of you brotha – look at you now.”

Weiss shared the same photos on his Instagram with an important and inspiring message: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with 12 amazing steps.” According to Page Six, this was in reference to the standard 12-step recovery program most people struggling with addiction go through on their path toward recovery and sobriety. Many people left positive comments, calling Weiss an inspiration and commending him for staying strong.

TMZ reported that the former child star celebrated by getting takeout from Brent’s Deli in Los Angeles – the same restaurant he visited after being released from jail in 2017. Gallagher was originally set to join Weiss at the restaurant, but Weiss was feeling sick at the time and opted for takeout instead. According to Page Six, Weiss celebrated his first year of sobriety in 2021 by receiving a full dental treatment for free, as his addiction had destroyed his once bright smile. Fortunately, Weiss’ beaming smile has since returned.

What do you think about Shaun Weiss’ before-and-after photos that showcase his recovery journey? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones, too.