Brian Delate has been in continual recovery since 1988. He served as a decorated non commissioned officer in the Vietnam War, and has had a rewarding career in theatre, film and TV. At present, he is bringing the film version of his solo show Guardian Angels to the world.

guardianangelsfilm.com

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?

A. Mostly alcohol. Marijuana and cocaine sometimes. 19 Nov 1988.

Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety toolkit that helps keep you sober?

A. All the tools depending on the situation. God first. But I’ve benefited tremendously from sponsoring, both sides of it. Prayer and meditation. The Steps and Traditions. Meetings. Service.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?

A. All of the above. These concepts have helped me to objectify myself and those around me.

Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?

A. I grew up in Bucks County, PA. After the Army and college I spent many years in NYC. Been here in Los Angeles for the last 8 years.

Q. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

A. Seeker.

Q. Describe how you came to your “rock bottom” point.

A. I should’ve gone into recovery after the Vietnam war. But the straw that broke the camel’s back was one night before a very important meeting for my career. For the 2 years prior I was doing my own abstinence. I would slip every 3 months or so. On Nov 11th I drank and did coke. I made a fool of myself for that meeting. I called a friend and started going to meetings. I felt the true surrender on the 19th. Hence, my sobriety date.

Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?

A. The ocean. It’s been a power greater than myself since I can remember. But I love all bodies of water. Even the rain. But I love mountains and the desert.

Q. How do you measure success?

A. With my associations with people. Starting with my family and friends and people I work with. Sometimes with material gains.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?

A. Bullies. I was a terror up until I was 8 years old. After an incident where I bullied another kid I was repulsed by my behavior. I changed then and there. After that I grew into the role of a protector.

Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to?

A. The veterans community and Red Cross. I’ve donated B+ now since the 80s. Heading for the 12 gallon club.

Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?

A. Too many guardian angels to name. Starting with my parents and Uncle. There were key teachers and friends who provided guidance or stopped me from foolish mistakes.

Q. If you could give advice to your younger self what would it be?

A. Listen more. Especially outside of my own head. And trust and be patient.

Q. Who made you feel seen growing up?

A. My parents at times and my uncle. My uncle gave me my first telescope at age 10 when I expressed an interest in astronomy. My father gave me a small sailboat when I was 13. And my first tennis racket. And I have to mention the mentors I worked with as an actor and writer.

Q. Which living person do you most admire?

A. Ellen Burstyn. She has been inspiring. And became a good friend.

Q. What major event or realization shaped who you are?

A. The war in Vietnam. I was forever changed. Then college which helped me to find a new normal after the war. And of course, AA.

Q. What do you love most about living sober?

A. Feelings. The good, the bad and the ugly. With that comes Acceptance. And connecting with the world around me.

Q. Which part of your treatment and recovery do you feel was the most interesting or unexpected?

A. God. I had no idea I had been a Seeker. But Forgiveness was truly an epiphany. That came in Step Five. I realized after completing that part of the work that I had done the best I could as an untreated alcoholic. Now, I could do better with the spiritual principles at hand. So, the journey out of selfishness grew exponentially.

Q. What’s your concept of a Higher Power?

A. I start with the evidence in the world around me. Anything or anybody that smacks of Truth, Beauty and Goodness (Step Three comes to mind.)

Q. What is your Astrological sign?

A. Aries.

Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?

A. Anthony Hopkins. We once spent time together talking about God and classical music.

Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?

A. Narcissus and Goldman by Herman Hesse. Profound lessons. And the Urantia Book. A ginormous outpouring of philosophy and spiritual wisdom.

Q. What books are you reading now?

A. The Women by Kristen Hanna. And I am always involved with the AA literature. Language of the Heart is rich with Bill Wilson’s reflections.

Q. If you were giving a dinner party for your 3 favorite authors, living or dead, who would they be?

A. Isaac Asimov. Ernest Hemingway. Kurt Vonnegut and Tim O’Brien

Q. Which film have you watched the most?

A. The Best Years of Our Lives. Lawrence of Arabia.  Paths of Glory. The Lady Eve.

Q. Who is your favorite film director?

A. Christopher Nolan. William Wyler. Elia Kazan. And others. I must mention Peter Weir. He directed me in The Truman Show. Great man.

Q. What book would you most like to see turned into a movie or TV show that hasn’t already been adapted?

A. My own series, Unknown Soldiers. The anthology of 8 stand-alone episodes. I’m transposing them into short stories.

Q. Are you binge watching any TV series?

A. Rewatching Mindhunter. Brilliant and gripping.

Q. What is your favorite App?

A. Grammarly premium.

Q. Who is your favorite performer, living or dead?

A. Al Pacino. I worked with him in Salome by Oscar Wilde on Broadway and out here in LA at the Wadsworth. Then there is James Stewart Ellen Burstyn. Frederick March. James Whitmore. Etc

Q. Who are your heroes in real life?

A. Anyone who has had the desire to overcome themselves. Asking for help only helps.

Q. What are some of the most memorable songs in your life?

A. Anything by Gershwin. Classical. Mahler Wagner and Debussy. Billie Holiday songs.  Pop — For what it’s Worth. Freebird. September.  How Deep Is Your Love. Stayin Alive. Baby I need your Loving. Dock of the Bay. And more…

Q. What is your favorite city?

A. New York. I really grew up there and also got sober there too. It’s ever changing and timeless.

Q. What is your favorite cuisine?

A. Northern Italian. It’s got everything.

Q. What is the best concert/performance/play you’ve ever attended?

A. The Mahler Second Symphony (Resurrection) at Carnegie Hall. The Allman Brothers Band at a private radio station concert 1971.  And Cirano at the Bucks County Playhouse. My first theatre experience as an audience and the seed was planted for what I would do after college.

Q. What is the best and or worse piece of advice someone has given you?

A. Succeed or fail, but don’t quit. I’ve taken it and given it.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve given someone else?

A. Don’t give up. Whether it’s the program of recovery or where risks are involved.

Q. What is your most treasured possession?

A. My sobriety. It’s given me most everything I value.

Q. What do you value most in a friendship?

A. Trust.  Without it there isn’t going to be real friendship.

Q. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

A. Success in my relationships. Starting with family and friends and with those I work with. But I’ve achieved breaking through old behaviors to go further with waking up to the present.

Q. What is your favorite compliment to receive, and why?

A. “You’re a good friend.”  Why? Because in most situations I’ll have earned it. I like building relationships. Especially with people that are on the same path.

Q. What is your biggest fear?

A. Failure. But I learn from Failure. Failure helps us to grow. So, it can be a teacher, too.

Q. Where do you go when you’re seeking solitude?

A. My yard or the ocean. Sometimes the library. Very little distraction there. And my car on occasion.

Q. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

A. A glassblower. I love glass and gemstones.

Q. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?

A. One where I’m sober once again and where I can fulfill God’s agenda. All the small things too. Make my bed. Do the pool or gym. Go to a meeting. Have some good food. Listen to music. Write. Coach an actor. Prepare an audition. Phone calls with program friends and watch a little tv. And smoke a cigar.

Q. What is your biggest regret?

A. Failing the women in my life before sobriety. I’ve made amends but wish I could’ve behaved better.

Q. What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?

A. Participating in the Vietnam War. Experiencing fear beyond the limits of human experience. The risks that followed were scary — college, the entertainment industry and marriage. I was blessed with all three.

Q. Which living person do you most despise?

A. Any bully you can name.

Q. What is something you’ve learned about yourself in the last six months?

A. Sometimes I need to say no. Especially if it contrasts with what I need to say yes to.

Q. What is something you are currently curious about?

A. Genetics. Have been for some time. With AI what’s possible?

Q. What do you love most about yourself?

A. My curiosity. Sometimes curiosity coincides with risk. Especially with people. My deeper listening helps tremendously.

Q. What is your greatest extravagance?

A. Cigars. I love them but don’t abuse. I love the social component. But they can be an expense I could probably live without.

Q. When did you realize you were a grown-up?

A. I’m still working on that. Joke. That’s a layered question for me. I felt grown up after the army. Again following college. Also, after intense psycho analysis. And the layers of awareness that has come from AA.

Q. How important are your pets to you?

A. Very important. The last pet, our dog, I and my late wife and daughter had was Honey. Had her 11 years. A pure bond of love affection and play. But animals in general can teach us so much.

Q. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

A. Probably ‘God help me.’ Or Love.