Introduction: Who is Leif Garrett?
Leif Garrett is an American actor, singer, and television personality who rose to fame in the 1970s as a teen idol. He gained popularity for his roles in various TV shows and movies, including “My Three Sons” and “Walking Tall.” He also had a successful music career, with several hit songs and albums. Despite his early success, Leif has faced numerous personal struggles throughout his life, including drug addiction and legal troubles. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Leif Garrett, from his early days as a child actor to his latest projects in 2020.
Early Life and Career: From “My Three Sons” to “Walking Tall”
Childhood and Family Background
Leif Garrett was born on November 8, 1961, in Hollywood, California. He was the son of Carolyn Stellar and Rik Nervik, who was an actor and stuntman. Leif’s parents divorced when he was young, and his mother remarried to actor and director Peter H. Behn. Leif grew up in a showbiz family and began his acting career at a young age.
Early Acting Career
Leif Garrett made his television debut at the age of five in an episode of “Three for Jamie Dawn.” He then appeared in several TV shows, including “Family Affair” and “Gunsmoke.” In 1969, he landed a recurring role on the popular sitcom “My Three Sons,” playing the character of Chris, the adopted son of Steve Douglas (played by Fred MacMurray). Leif’s performance on the show earned him widespread recognition and led to more acting opportunities.
Music Career: Hit Songs and Albums
Early Music Career
In addition to his acting career, Leif Garrett also pursued a career in music. He released his first album, “Leif Garrett,” in 1977, which included the hit single “Surfin’ USA.” The album was a commercial success, and Leif went on to release several more albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including “Feel the Need” and “Can’t Explain.”
Later Music Career
Although Leif’s music career slowed down in the 1990s and 2000s, he continued to perform and release new music. In 2010, he released the album “Three Sides of…” which featured a mix of new songs and covers of classic rock songs. He also appeared on the reality TV show “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” in 2010, where he discussed his struggles with addiction and performed a song on the show.
Personal Struggles and Legal Troubles
Drug Addiction and Recovery
Leif Garrett has struggled with drug addiction for much of his life. He has been in and out of rehab several times and has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction. In 2010, he appeared on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” where he received treatment for his addiction and discussed his recovery process.
Legal Troubles
Leif Garrett has also faced numerous legal troubles throughout his life. In 1979, he was arrested for possession of cocaine and heroin, which led to a stint in rehab. In 2006, he was arrested for possession of drugs and sentenced to 90 days in jail. He has also had several DUI arrests and has been in and out of court for various legal issues.
Recent Projects and Where Leif Garrett Lives
Recent Projects
Although Leif Garrett has faced personal struggles and legal troubles throughout his life, he has continued to work in the entertainment industry. In recent years, he has appeared in several movies, including “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time” and “Dead Ant.” He has also continued to perform music and has made appearances on various TV shows and reality shows.
Where Leif Garrett Lives
Leif Garrett currently lives in Los Angeles, California. He has been a resident of the city for much of his life and has been involved in the entertainment industry there for decades. Although he has faced personal and legal challenges, he has remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and continues to work on new projects.
Conclusion: Leif Garrett’s Legacy
Leif Garrett’s life and career have been marked by both success and struggle. He rose to fame as a teen idol in the 1970s and had a successful career in both acting and music. However, he has also faced numerous personal and legal challenges throughout his life, including drug addiction and legal troubles. Despite these challenges, Leif Garrett remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and continues to work on new projects in 2020 and beyond.
