Shaun Weiss, one of the most recognizable child stars of the 1990s, has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

In 2020, Weiss served a jail sentence for burglary in California, which coincided with his descent into drug addiction. His subsequent mugshot went viral on social media, showcasing his transformation from a lovely youngster to an emaciated felon.

Accounts state that a resident’s garage contained Weiss, then 41, in a car. After allegedly breaking into the vehicle through the passenger window, police apprehended him.

However, after receiving treatment at Quest 2 Recovery, Weiss’ name resurfaces in the media, proudly showcasing his life transformation.
The former child star told NewsNation he had been clean for little over three years.

“I’ll just let you know, when they take your mug shot, they’re not using any Instagram filters down at the station,” he told NewsNation about his earlier arrest.

In January of next year, the actor, who is now a counselor at Quest 2 Recovery, will have been sober for four years.

“That’s really the thing I’m proudest of,” Weiss stated. “I’ve had a lot of accomplishments, but this recovery thing is really my proudest accomplishment.”

He stated, “Looking at the trauma through a creative lens and doing comedy has been a game changer.” People find my narrative motivating, so I try to relate it humorously. It is satisfying for me.”

The 45-year-old also spoke openly about those who may be struggling with a loved one’s drug addiction.

“As drug addicts, we tend to burn our bridges and burn people that are close to us in our lives,” Weiss pointed out. “But because I didn’t have family or anything to hold me back, that’s how I got untethered and ended up homeless.

“It’s a very difficult thing, this drug addiction, and when we feel alone, it makes it even that much worse.”