The Bear's Matty Matheson Celebrates 12 Years of Sobriety

In a heartfelt Instagram post, acclaimed chef and actor Matty Matheson—beloved for his role as Neil Fak in the Emmy-winning series The Bear—marked a monumental milestone: 12 years of sobriety. The 43-year-old restaurateur shared an emotional reflection on his journey, celebrating resilience, gratitude, and the "wild and beautiful" life he's built since choosing recovery.

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A Journey Marked by Raw Honesty

On November 12, 2025, Matheson took to Instagram to commemorate his 12th year free from drugs and alcohol. His caption was raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal:

"12 YEARS OF CHOOSING NOT TO PICK UP DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. THIS LIFE IS WILD AND BEAUTIFUL AND FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS EVERY DAY. WE GET TO CHOOSE WE GET TO HURT WE GET TO HEAL WE GET TO FEEL WE GET TO LOVE AND BE LOVED!"

Matheson expressed profound gratitude for his family—his wife of 11 years, Trish Spencer, and their three children, Macarthur, Rizzo, and Ozzy—calling them "the best thing ever." He also highlighted his passion for his work, emphasizing how his career allows him to "ripple laughter and stupidity" while serving others.

From Heartbreak to Hope

Matheson's path to sobriety wasn't easy. In 2024, he shared a stark photo of himself hospitalized at age 29 after a near-fatal heart attack directly linked to his substance abuse. He revealed the harrowing reality of his past:

"All the industry clichés are real. Lots of drinking and doing drugs. Live like that for 10 years? You get kinda burnt."

Despite his struggles, Matheson maintained his work ethic until his body gave out. Friends and family staged a life-changing intervention on November 12, 2013—the same day he now celebrates as his sobriety anniversary.

Matheson shared this raw photo of his 29-year-old self hospitalized after a heart attack caused by substance abuse. - Image from https://duckduckgo.com/?origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=Matty+Matheson+hospitalized+heart+attack+age+29&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fimageresizer.static9.net.au%2FCcwVD8i1M5YleHIoGFLaaScE-Dk%3D%2F0x0%3A1440x810%2F1200x628%2Fsmart%2Fhttps%253A%252F%252Fprod.static9.net.au%252Ffs%252Ff8559992-2413-4353-98df-e54b02d8563a

Family as Anchor and Inspiration

Matheson frequently credits his wife and children as his anchors. In August 2025, he celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary with a tribute: "YOURE THE ONE THE BEST PARTNER EVER BEST EVERYTHING." Their relationship, spanning 26 years, has become a testament to love and partnership through adversity.

Culinary Stardom and New Heights

Beyond his recovery journey, Matheson has flourished professionally. As both executive producer and star of The Bear, he's garnered critical acclaim, winning a SAG Award for his ensemble cast performance. His culinary empire—rooted in Toronto's acclaimed Parts and Labour—continues to thrive, mirroring his personal transformation.

A Message of Universal Resilience

Matheson's Instagram concluded with a rallying cry for hope:

"EVERYDAY IS A NEW DAY EVERY HOUR IS A NEW LIFE! THERES ROOMS THAT WILL LOVE YOU UNTIL YOU CAN LOVE YOURSELF! WE LOSE WE WIN BUT WE GET TO TRY EVERY SINGLE DAY!"

His words resonate far beyond Hollywood—offering solace and strength to anyone navigating recovery. As he signs off with "HAVE A BLESSED ASS DAY YOU FREAKS! 😍," Matheson embodies the joy and possibility of second chances.

For fans of The Bear, this milestone is a reminder that the show's chaotic kitchen scenes mirror life's unpredictability—and that perseverance, like a perfectly plated dish, can turn struggle into something beautiful.