Lukas Gage: Insights into his memoir, trauma, and Hollywood Journey

Lukas Gage, star of The White Lotus and Euphoria, has revealed the intimate details of his life in a revealing interview with The Guardian. His “premature celebrity memoir,” I Wrote this for Attention, tackles abuse, family dysfunction, personality disorders, shame, and heartbreak. Gage’s candid reflections illuminate the messy realities behind Hollywood glitz, offering insight into the personal struggles that shaped his career.

Early Life and Family Struggles

Gage, 30, grew up in San Diego, navigating a childhood marked by a search for validation and a difficult relationship with his father. He recalls moments of rejection, including a party at age four where he wore high heels and Playboy bunny ears, only to be met with his father’s evident disgust. These formative experiences fueled his need to perform and adapt, traits that would later define his acting career.

He also faced family challenges with addiction. His older brother struggled with heroin, and his mother’s gambling habits added further complexity to his upbringing. Gage describes these experiences with humor but does not shy away from the lasting impact on his emotional development.

Trauma and Early Acting Influences

Acting summer camps provided an outlet for Gage’s flamboyant energy, but also exposed him to trauma. He recounts a disturbing incident at camp that left lasting guilt and shame. Therapy later helped him process these experiences and revealed a borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis, which provided clarity on his patterns of behavior and relationships.

Hollywood Struggles and Breakthrough Roles

Gage’s acting journey was not without setbacks. His early role in Mad Men fell through due to visible tattoos, highlighting Hollywood’s strict expectations. Persistence paid off with roles in Assassination Nation, Euphoria, and The White Lotus. In The White Lotus, Gage and co-star Murray Bartlett proposed a bold sex scene that ultimately became one of the series’ most talked-about moments.

Gage also gained attention online after a viral audition video revealed a director’s judgment of his living situation, a moment that sparked public discussion but also boosted his visibility in Hollywood.

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Memoir and Personal Reflection

Gage’s memoir is both humorous and serious, exploring personal hardships without the gloss of celebrity. He discusses his early relationships, queer identity realization, and the highs and lows of fame. Despite setbacks, he emphasizes the cathartic power of writing and sharing his story, aiming to inspire those with unconventional upbringings to embrace their own “messiness.”

Marriage, Divorce, and Mental Health

The memoir also delves into Gage’s brief marriage to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, officiated by Kim Kardashian and celebrated by Shania Twain. The rapid divorce highlighted challenges tied to impulsivity and his BPD diagnosis. Today, Gage has adjusted his medication and developed strategies to manage relationships and personal growth.

Moving Forward: Career and Creativity

While acknowledging he is still a “work in progress,” Gage is optimistic about his future. He recently sold a screenplay and continues to pursue acting with renewed focus. His memoir’s honesty underscores the importance of embracing imperfection, resilience, and the complexity of human experience.

FAQ

Q1: Who is Lukas Gage?

A: Lukas Gage is an American actor known for his roles in The White Lotus and Euphoria. He has gained attention for his candid discussions about mental health and Hollywood experiences.

Q2: What is Lukas Gage’s memoir about?

A: Titled I Wrote this Book for Attention, Gage’s memoir explores his childhood, family dysfunction, trauma, borderline personality disorder, career struggles, and personal relationships.

Q3: Why did Lukas Gage go viral in 2020?

A: He leaked an audition video in which a director criticized his living situation, drawing public attention and sparking discussions about fairness in Hollywood.

Q4: What traumatic experiences did Lukas Gage face?

A: Gage experienced childhood neglect, sexual abuse at acting camp, family addiction, and early relationship challenges, which he discusses openly in his memoir.

Q5: How did Lukas Gage start his acting career?

A: Gage began acting in commercials and auditioned for TV shows, facing rejections before landing roles in Assassination Nation, Euphoria, and The White Lotus.

Q6: What is Lukas Gage’s mental health diagnosis?

A: Through therapy, Gage was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), which helped him understand his behaviors, relationships, and personal challenges.

Q7: Is Lukas Gage married?

A: He was briefly married to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton in 2023 but filed for divorce the same year.

Q8: What does Lukas Gage say about Hollywood and fame?

A: Gage highlights the challenges of fame, the fleeting nature of opportunities, and the importance of embracing imperfection and resilience in his career.

Q9: How does Lukas Gage describe his childhood?

A: He describes a search for validation, struggles with family dynamics, early flamboyance, and the challenges of fitting in while exploring his identity.

Q10: What are Lukas Gage’s future plans?

A: Gage is pursuing new acting roles, has sold a screenplay, and continues to focus on personal growth while sharing his story with authenticity.