Jamie Lee Curtis, award-winning actress and best-selling author, had a the crowd silent as she addressed over 1000 supporters at the Hilton of the Americas. The charismatic star of films including True Lies and Freaky Friday told her story of substance abuse recovery.
“My recovery from drug addiction is the single greatest accomplishment of my life,” Ms. Curtis said.
“Jamie Lee Curtis is a shining example of someone who has had all the advantages of growing up with fame and fortune, and then faced the truth and challenges of addiction with honesty and grace,” said Mel Taylor, President and CEO, The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston. “She has a great amount to share with all of us.”
The daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis grew up in the privileged world of Hollywood royalty. After her debut as “scream queen” in Halloween, she later starred in Christmas with the Kranks, Trading Places, A Fish Called Wanda and others. Curtis co-starred opposite Richard Lewis in the sitcom Anything But Love, and performed in the title role in TNT’s adaptation of Wendy Wasserstein’s play, The Heidi Chronicles. Ms. Curtis is the best-selling author of several children’s books, with over 5 million copies in print.
Today Ms. Curtis speaks on behalf of those rarely heard, serving as the official spokesperson for CAAF (The Children Affected by Aids Foundation), where she is a serving member of their Executive Advisory Board. As a recovering alcoholic/addict, Curtis also serves on the Board of Directors of CASA (The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University).
The Waggoners Foundation Speaker Series Fall Luncheon is sponsored by June and Virgil Waggoner, whose personal tragedy—the loss of son Jay to alcoholism—became the inspiration behind their support of The Council’s luncheon series. Addiction affects one in four Houstonians and is included among cancer and heart disease as one of our nation’s most fatal diseases.
This year’s Spring Luncheon will be held Thursday, April 25, 2013, 11:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m., at The Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77002. Tickets, starting at $150 per seat, and tables can be purchased online at www.council-houston.org.
For additional information, call (281)200-9333.
