Claudia Christian on her friendship with Jeff Conaway - Babylon 5 & Celebrity Rehab

[@TeranIcer]

I've always loved this woman's voice.

[@HilarityBribo]

Babylon 5 still my favorite space opera.

[@DrMaxPlank]

I do not think so because it has the end it was written before they started filming

[@MikeJw-je4xk]

My favorte sci-fi show of all time.

[@jogymogy3691]

A true classic

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

As much as I want to thank you profusely for opening up about a very difficult and personal subject in order to try and help others... I can't help but be mildly amused by "the Sinclair Method". Also, to whoever downvoted this video... Claudia is always right. You will listen to Claudia. You will not ignore Claudia's recommendations. Claudia is God. And, if this ever happens again, Claudia will personally rip your lungs out.

[@makonaima1]

pixel girl: She did Apologize to God, who is himself so great at irony i'm sure he forgave her. lol

[@jaredrobinson7071]

@@makonaima1 Claudia is Death Incarnate, and the very last living thing any of us will ever see.

[@merlin9943]

I understood that reference!

[@Scottlp2]

@Baron Tuck pixel girl's comments refer to lines from a TV series Babylon 5 said by a character Claudia played.

[@AsianTheDomination]

@Rebbel Baron Truck Well atleast she exists

[@roninmarketing4048]

Poor Jeff. Always felt bad about what happened to him. A lot of people get on the wrong side of addiction due to back issues... also Glad to also see that Claudia is just a genuinely great person off screen too. Hope Jeff is at peace.

[@brazil7028]

I have to agree that Babylon 5 for me is still to this day the best Sci fi series. The story, the characters, the acting. Fantastic show. Glad you are doing well Claudia and have to say still a very beautiful woman 😊

[@johngaltjr7309]

My best friend died from an overdose when I was in Afghanistan. We always told each other that we would speak at our funeral. I wasn't able to. I was stuck at a crummy combat Outpost. We had problems and hadn't spoken in a while. I was ready to close the curtain and reconnect. While I was making my way back to FOB Shank, we stopped at an international base. I called his mom and got his new number. I figured I would wait until I got back to base to call him. I hadn't had a shower in 5 weeks so I waited. He died a few hours after and I didn't find out until I got to Shank. Now I have a rule; tell people how much they mean to you because life is uncertain at best. Cherish it and those that are on the same crazy journey. Thanks for being amazing. You are awesome.

[@UnlimitedFlyers]

Claudia Christian. I always thought, and still DO, that you are an incredible actress and an incredible person. Never, ever, give up!!! :)

[@scottdorfler2551]

Maybe that's why I love Babylon 5 so much. I identify with many of the actors and their battles with addiction. I just found out today about Michael O'hare's battles with schizophrenia. It's awesome that Straczynski kept his secret all those years. I always thought something was strange with the way he left the show. Why spend an entire first season developing a strong captain just to bring in a new guy. Now I get it and it was classy to try to get him the help he desperately needed. Such a tragic story.

[@alienlife7754]

And I also like the way they handled the exit of his character. He didn’t just disappear with some vague excuse like a transfer or something, never to be heard from again. Like Talia Winters.

[@The_Frozen_1]

I absolutely LOVE that picture of the Babylon 5 cast joyfully flipping the bird! @0:35 I would so love to have a copy of that.

[@Robert_Douglass]

I noticed that Mira Furlan, may she rest in peace in the Place Where No Shadows Fall, was flipping a rather different bird. Czech version?

[@billsbadficbookclub]

I was a borderline alcoholic and struggled horribly with addiction as a young bisexual man, trying to come to terms with my identity in a deeply traditionalist Conservative home. Claudia, I don't know if you'll ever see this, but seeing you as Cmdr. Ivanova on "B5" when I was a young man was a spot of hope. Seeing a character that was like me in so many ways, that shared so many of my struggles, but still managed to triumph in the face of adversity and heartbreak, gave me the confidence to come out to my family, to break up with a lousy boyfriend, and later, to confront my addiction. It was rough for a while, but I did it, and I've been clean for nearly a decade. But I still remember being a wide-eyed kid, barely a teenager, watching the arc between Susan and Talia, and realizing that maybe I wasn't as alone as I thought. Thanks for giving a much younger, lonelier me the hope that things could get better, and that I could find a place in this crazy world.

[@erictaylor5462]

The Sinclair method works until "Mr. Bester" comes along and utterly destroys your life.

[@shep9231]

Jeff Conaway was a good man. He will be missed.

[@changandy6565]

I am a Babylon 5 fan, and very very saddened by all these tragic events happening to the actors~ can't believe these occurred to almost third of Babylon crew~

[@plunmeister1093]

Shady rest: think about what the show was REALLY about. The coming police state. If the powers that be wanted this info suppressed... well, just food for thought. I remember how the network did everything it could to NOT show this show. I wondered whyany network could treat its best show like they did, now I wonder lesss. Excuse me, my aluminum hat is dry.

[@wclark3196]

@Suicide Booth Uh, life is a death sentence. There are always going to be some at the extreme ends of the bell curve. It's sad for their loved ones though.

[@elmerfudd8680]

Unfortunately, Mr. Katsulas was a heavy smoker & one might say that he was a nicotine addict.

[@TheShootist]

@@elmerfudd8680 if you use tobacco for any length of time you are an addict. But you probably wouldn't rob a 7-11 to get a fix.

[@elmerfudd8680]

Scott McCloud Not all addicts commit crimes to financially support their addiction.

[@marcusanton95]

Huge fan of all your work Claudia. Your beauty hasn't faded.

[@bruisedhelmet8819]

It is ridiculous it took me this long to come upon this channel. My wife and I are re-watching B5 for who knows what time, and missing the crew. Rediscovering our love for some of the best characters and deepest stories to tug at our hearts. And slowly introducing our daughters to this world. This level of Sci-Fi is sorely missing.

[@bigbob1699]

A class act , why the hell don't we see more of her ??

[@xaenon]

*BECAUSE* she's a class act. Sad but true. Hollywood glorifies sleaze.

[@Daehawk]

As a kid I watched Jeff in Taxi then Grease. I couldn't believe it when I saw he had died. Miss that goof .

[@madisonh9350]

:(

[@guerradan1958]

Claudia I’m sorry to hear of this traumatic experience you have gone through. I’ve never felt an ache in my heart quite like this before for you and for Jeff. I recently joined your Facebook and a young woman who has gone through such an ordeal as you are looking absolutely beautiful especially in pink. A truly heartfelt relief to see you’ve bounced back. TCLY

[@danielledeschamps3769]

This woman is amazing, it’s my first interview I’m seeing of her. I love that she helps people, my boyfriend went through addiction. But he made it out as well, very proud of him. Bless her!

[@Fenris77]

Jeff Conaway's death was maybe one of the most tragic. I saw an episode of this celebrity rehab and I was totally gobsmacked at seeing him there.

[@Aivottaja]

Indeed. He was a tortured soul.

[@Troubleshooter125]

Genuinely enjoyed her work as Susan Ivanova and what she brought to the _Babylon 5_ ensemble. That she befriended Jeff Conaway just adds that much more to a personality I very much admire.

[@SilverKnight16]

0:37 That is the greatest ensemble pic of all FUCKING TIME.

[@kennethconnors5316]

excellent actress and great looking girl , never forget Babylon 5 , her chewing out aliens

[@billcurls8871]

I was a huge fan of Jeff C. He was great in everything he played in. I also heard that even though he had his demons, he always showed up for work sober and on time while he was on B-5. I never knew about his problems until he was on celebrity re-hab. R.I.P. Jeff!

[@alienlife7754]

There was a story about how he did show up to work on the set of Taxi one day stoned. Danny DeVito and Judd Hirsch allegedly talked him into going to rehab. Unfortunately that only works if the person is committed. Conaway had demons.

[@WhostheMAC1]

Great actress, sad to see you weren't in season 5, as you are one of my Favs! I plan on buying your book as well..

[@InfernosReaper]

The sad part is, other than running the station, I can't think of anything she actually could do in Season 5. At best, she could do some guest episodes where she carries on her carrier. Crusade would've been a great place for her, though, and probably would've helped that show out considerably.

[@markgowans]

Interesting thing about season 5 was that if Claudia had stayed on the show it would have been her character Ivanova and not Lita that become involved with the rogue telepath Byron.

[@100mmtubeofjustice7]

@@InfernosReaper , sorry but nothing could have helped that wreck not even her.

[@warrenrobinson3368]

@WhostheMAC1 I went out and bought Claudia's book the same week it came out as well as Patricia Tallman's. I finished both books within two weeks. It was surprising to me how much Claudia had tetered on the edge with her drinking. A lot of her admitted bad decisions came from it. I still love Claudia and support everything she has done. From movies to tv to writing and music. She's very talented in all aspects. ❤⚘ you Claudia.

[@daddykoolest]

Fantastic, I’ll never forget how you made my day in Edinburgh as you patiently and kindly signed my wonky fan art. Thank you from Scotland.

[@jeffman52001]

Claudia Christian, you are so awesome, your words are from the heart. Jeff Conaway was an awesome man who had problems just like everyone else, was still a good man. I will always remember him with fondness. his role as Zack Allan on "Babylon 5" is awesome. Thank you for speaking for Jeff Conaway. When he passes away back on May 27, 2011 that hit me hard, I was saddened big time.

[@nexusreplicant143]

Very brave of you on your comments! Love and wish you the best, Claudia! Me too I very much appreciate Jeff's work. Unfortunatelly didn't have the opportunity to know him as person.

[@thehellyousay]

I unabashedly fell in love with Claudia Christian on sight when I first saw her in Babylon 5. I still am.

[@DodgeThis2k]

The reason I've never done drugs is that I was afraid I would like them. (that is NOT a judgement on others) I always enjoyed both Claudia and Jeff in whatever I saw them in. I'm glad Claudia is doing well. I wish the help he sought had stuck for Jeff.

[@redpillcommando]

I miss Babylon 5.

[@chuckymcnubbin1518]

Thank you Claudia. There were many of us who were, at first, shocked at hearing about Jeff's passing. Heartbreak followed immediately after. He is still very much missed today. Much respect to you for your honesty and strength to share with us your struggles as well. Kudos. 👍😉.

[@ehsnils]

Thanks for the story. It's not always we get to hear and see the real persons behind the roles, but at the same time I think that some of the acting wasn't necessarily just a role, that was the real person. Since this was made we have also sadly lost Jerry Doyle and Stephen Furst.

[@TXndj9375]

I miss all of you guys from Babylon 5. That show holds a very special place in my heart. I was heartbroken to find out about Michael O'Hare and his issues with mental health, which goes along with addiction (both of which I've suffered through and am still on treatment for mental health issues). Then Andreas Katsulas and his addiction to nicotine and cigarettes; another scourge that should be wiped from the planet. The list of brilliant actors that have passed from the show are too numerous and to painful to recall because from time to time, I like to go to "the third age of mankind" and live in that microcosm of Babylon 5. Claudia, you as lovely as you did when you played the "daughter of Andrei and Sophie Ivanov". I wish you continued success in spreading the word about the battle with addiction, which invariably plays into mental health issues as it is a mental health issue, and keeping the loving memories of those lost to us from addiction, and the stigma society places on it, and mental health issues. You were my favorite Ivanov.

[@CaptainAwesomeVlog]

I really enjoyed both your character and Jeff's in B5. His character brought the perspective of the regular guy caught in the middle, which was cool. And yes, it's a terrible shame. So many B5 cast seem to have passed way too young.

[@asoomer7616]

Thank you for your service captain ferran

[@Mr_T_Badger]

Jeff Conaway was always awesome on B5 and I’m sorry he was unable to defeat his demons. However I’m really glad you were able to overcome yours. I love your voiceover work too.

[@AliceTolson]

Wow..never knew she had a problem until now. Good that she has realized it and is seeking help for it..many ppl don't. Thank God.

[@FutureReverberations]

RIP Jeff. One of my favourite characters on B5.

[@gpgpgpgp1000]

Love your work, Claudia, Babylon 5 is in my top 3 sci-fi franchises. My Starfury model is in your markings.

[@mysteron3693]

❤U in B5 ,just finished the series... again. A show is just a show but it did help bring me out of some dark times, so sometimes a show isn't just a show.

[@jenmartin78]

As always you’re so genuine, he’s lucky to have you as a friend, you are a great friend to me on my naltrexone journey 💕🙏

[@Lyvantium]

I'm currently on the journey of watching Babylon 5. I love Jeff, he's fantastic, and so are you.

[@daedalusdreamjournal5925]

thanks for the honesty and kindness in your words *bows*

[@laozdruni6856]

Ivonova was probably the toughest character on the show and now she is gonna rip my heart out for saying that

[@lmpoar]

I saw her talk about the Sinclair method and Naltrexone which I tried but didn't work for my alcohol problems. But luckily, my key worker suggested a different medication called Baclofen. It's actually intended to be used as an anti-spastic medication but has been shown to be highly effective in fighting alcohol dependence and PAWS (Protracted Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms). I've been on 3 x 20mg daily for over 6 months now and the best I can describe it is, it gives you a bit of an advantage in your thought process. You know when you're having a low day and you consider lapsing and that little voice is saying, "Just go down the shop and get a bottle. You can handle it". Well, it's like another little voice kicks in and gives you pause for thought. "Hold on. you've been down that road and you know exactly where it leads. Do you really want to go through all that again?" If you're alcohol dependent, Google "Baclofen". My opinion.

[@williamozier918]

Thank you for this. I found it very touching and real.

[@CaesarACT2]

God Bless you sharing the message of help and hope. Thank you.

[@TheScaryTruthCatalyst]

So sad, but so many people develop addiction and become overwhelmed.

[@dragdragon23]

I'm a friend on your facebook and now again on a death of another great actor from that show! we all have our addictions and problems, that we face and hope those with the real serious ones over come them. I lost a sister last year and fear it may of been from an addication, she suffered from sickness and stress and may of gone that way to relieve of her pain! to those who suffer, find a better way and live!

[@evenleven]

i think there is something poetic about it being called the Sinclair method, since the first captain on babylon 5 was Jeffrey Sinclair.

[@Isilzhatheta1]

At least Claudia is still alive. Most of the primary and secondary cast has passed beyond the veil.

[@LeonAllanDavis]

One of the most attractive women on the planet.

[@pagedown4195]

That´s for sure

[@LeonAllanDavis]

***** Botox is for gays. Chicks dig a guy with weathered features. At least the kind of dames I'm after do.

[@LeonAllanDavis]

***** That's what I said.

[@LeonAllanDavis]

***** When it comes to cosmetic work, I don't make the distinction. I didn't say anything about young girls. There are plenty of neglected older broads who look really fine. They get over 40 and think it's all over. My mission in life is to show 'em it ain't.

[@craycejedi]

If I remember right she has had plastic surgery but only because she was attacked and injured pretty badly by a dog sometime after Babylon 5 ended.

[@patrickhughes8164]

Grace, beauty and intelligence! Your character on Babylon 5 made that show epic! Boomshakalaka to all those aliens out there! And thank you for bringing the awareness of the drug and alcohol problems in our society!

[@Spawn-td8bf]

Some of the problem is these people put their trust in a professional who suddenly becomes an enabler . We saw it with Michael Jackson , who's doctor got what he deserved , and now Prince , who had the same relationship with his doctor . I don't know if the same situation existed with Mr. Conaway . In Jim Belushi's case , he had people around him who got him anything he wanted . He also had friends who wanted to help but didn't know what to do , and by the time they figured it out , it was too late . I was on morphine for a while back in the 80's and I asked the doctor to make it as brief as possible because I was really starting to like it . Most people don't recognize that until it's too late . My sympathies for the loss of your friend . Thank you for having the courage to post this and God Bless .

[@WolfRanger2008]

Bitter sweet to hear such things. Babylon 5 seemed to have an unusually highly number of alcoholic cast many of whom died prematurely as well.... :(

[@jsgold2000]

Loved that pic of the crew.....Should have sent a copy to President Clark, LOL

[@nooobsaibot]

So cute how Mira Furlan won't give the camera the finger lol.

[@moralityisnotsubjective5]

That's the two finger salute. It's how they flip you off in Europe.

[@Aivottaja]

Don't forget Jim Fennerman AKA Marcus. His gesture isn't even obscene :)

[@peterpringle4164]

In a world of depression or rape or constant physical pain ( even know we r in a middle of a pandemic) find the strength with in to seek help and believe in life and never give in to the darkness that surrounds a fake happiness in life live in death we all grieve for the loss!

[@poulthomas469]

It's sad that so many of the cast members have passed away. I don't think any cast has suffered such loss as this one has.

[@ireneparkin3360]

I was channel surfing and saw him on that program, seeing him that was such a shock.

[@acesul8811]

It's weird the way actors talk about each other. If you found out a guy you worked with 10 years ago died you'd be like "That's sad, and then go about your day". If you didn't stay in touch then you didn't care about each other that much anyway

[@jonsouth1545]

Its very similar in groups like the military their are people I served with years ago who haven't seen in ages but they still mean more to me than most of my own family

[@Korea4Me]

Bela Lugosi also became addicted to painkillers for the same reason.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Peace, & love Claudia...terrific artist 🎭🎨

[@railfantrainman1000]

Just watched a couple of videos about Jeff Conaway's death...what a sad, sad story. And - I'd like to emphasize I HAVE NOT read a lot about this, nor did I know Jeff Conaway or anyone close to Jeff personally, so I'm by no means an expert - I can't help but think that could've possibly been prevented had Conaway gotten proper help, if people had stepped in more. Olivia Newton-John's death...well, that was really sad, also - Newton-John sounded like a person who wanted to help others, a lot - but it sure doesn't sound like Newton-John's demise could've been prevented. Different story with Conaway. Loved Grease. I hope both of them are resting peacefully, without pain.

[@eldrinod]

Wow, you are a shining light Claudia 🌟❤️

[@aquitaineq]

Why do beautiful women like her get face lifts!

[@johnbanks4761]

+aquitaineq Hollywood preconceptions

[@andrzej2501]

+aquitaineq I agree - this does not look well. If there's severe sagging under the jaw - i think it might be fixed, but a complete facelift (and I also suspect botox) usually gives a very... weird result. Better to have some wrinkles then a smooth but mask-like face. But hey, that's her face... And this is my opinion ;)

[@dezstepz2427]

aquitaineq she suffered some kind of attack which caused her some bad facial disfigurement

[@makonaima1]

@@andrzej2501 It IS Ivanova, no doubt about it.

[@ahuehuete4703]

Probably because she hit the wall.

[@BenjaminWirtz]

She mentions the Sinclair method, as in Jeffrey Sinclair? It seems like half the main cast of B5 is now dead.

[@bannor99]

By now, it's much more than 1/2, with Miran Furlan as the most recent. I don't know any show or movie in any genre where so many of the main cast have died at so relatively young ages.

[@catalliance]

Started watching Babylon 5 again last week. Ivanava, Garibaldi, G'Kar, Londo and Sheridan were the standouts for me, along with the great script. Sad to hear about some of the cast.

[@MrSmith-oq3ur]

She was bad ass on Babylon 5

[@shizzle1903]

I really appreciated her ted talk

[@StaK_1980]

0:35 everybody is leisurely flipping the finger, but not Londo, he is full in the face - frontal double finger! :

[@Wailwulf]

That is because the Centauri have multiple appendages.

[@giselestrauch5146]

nice tribute by his cast mate

[@mullcrumthesage6303]

"The last time I seen my father, he was blind and diseased from drinking. And every time he put the bottle to his mouth, he don't suck out of it, it sucks out of him until he shrunk so wrinkled and yellow even the dogs didn't know him."

[@akeel1701]

it's named after Dr. John David Sinclair, who first developed it in the 1990s

[@Monkofmagnesia]

0:45 - I do not think you meant it but it came across that you believe you have to have an addiction in order to recognize the warning signs of addiction.

[@JarrodCook93]

lol at Peter Jurrasic at 0:40

[@yanakatsukieabenitez6930]

Shes the best!!

[@johnsmith-gt3po]

So sad. The show've loss so many characters we lived.

[@MikeGrauerJr]

I know even his old friend John Travolta even tried to help.

[@go-goakins1489]

Mike Grauer Jr his “old friend “ travolta sexually assaulted him. Probably the reason why he became an addict...

[@agenthunk5070]

glad you are on the right track.Your shinning bright ;)

[@nappyscribe1987]

I’m speaking about you and The Sinclair Method in a news journal I write for.

[@quinnsinclair7028]

Was the Sinclair method named after the character from B5 or is it just a coincidence? It’s not the most uncommon name so the latter is certainly possible.

[@markgowans]

Coincidence. There is lots of information online about this method of overcoming addiction to alcohol.

[@jobond3317]

Sad Such a talent tears for lost

[@shootybaking]

This is so fucking sad, and tragic. :(

[@Ana799]

La mejor serie de ciencia ficción ever.. una.pena q sus queridos actores ya no estén entre nosotros

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

I loved both your rolls you played. Ivanova, strong, resolute, with comedy interlaced. Conaway as Zack, determined to do his job as best as he could, intelligent but realizing he wasn't as "Worldly" as many of the people around him, actually pretty quick to change the subject when it got a bit too tense. He definitely didn't like being poked by Reptile people looking for religious enlightenment.

[@mioryderoncgnp1589]

So sad about Jeff, he was a great proformer.

[@alienlife7754]

Conaway was a sad person. I don’t mean that as an insult. I mean he was literally a sad person. I’ve known people with addictions and they are all sad. They know their lives are spinning out of control and they feel like there’s nothing they can do to stop it. And it’s next to impossible to help them if they don’t want your help. All you can do is hope that they eventually come to see that they don’t have to live that way. But sadly, many never make it that far.

[@slayton21]

The Sinclair method, how appropriate~

[@whitemanstand72]

0:35 LOL . You see this is why I love Babylon 5 people can take a joke can we have that photo in the blu-ray release of Babylon 5 on the front case on every Bly-ray please?

[@cassconaway3421]

Thanks Claudia :)

[@KmT81]

She looks like Romy Schneider. A German Actress who was famous in France and passed away in 1982

[@carlhicksjr8401]

OK, I'm an alcoholic in recovery and a former stand-up comic. I have some experience with addiction and the performing arts [if not fame, necessarily]. And I'll be honest with you, I have some issues with this vid. I appreciate Claudia's discussion of her relationship with Jeff Conaway [one of a slew of celebrity crash and burns in the 80's and 90's]. But I find the last half of the video, where she's schilling this Sinclair method to be misleading and disingenuous. If you want to pitch a product, come out and say so. Don't use the false lead in. It undermines whatever good you think you're doing. Now, let me be clear here... I have no opinion about this 'Sinclair method', whatever that is. I know nothing about it and have never read the book[s]. That being said, I'm all for anything that helps an addict confront their addiction and helps them stay sober. I'm not much of a 12-step guy [AA, NA, etc.] but I recognize that a whole lot of people have gotten a lot of value out of the program. Addiction is an individual journey so whatever works for you is the right answer.

[@normanvelazquez1996]

I love her great actress and beautiful person also very funny 🤣

[@cbobcbob100]

thanks for sharing.....bob

[@starsiegeplayer]

Nuts.... I didn't know Jeff Conaway died :( From everything I read he was a really nice man.

[@Rubbmeuk]

This clip would be much better without the distracting muzak in the background.

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Miss B5

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

Her voice changed so much.