Jared Leto says the untimely death of Amy Winehouse “hits close to home”.
The actor, who gained critical acclaim for portraying a heroin addict in Requiem for a Dream, lived on the streets of New York to prepare for the intense role and described the “disease of addiction” as a “very familiar part of my life”.
Now frontman of the band 30 Seconds To Mars, the 39-year-old also said he knows how tough life on the road can be.
“I remembered running into her father a couple of years ago in the lobby of Universal Music. I was reminded of the frustration, pain and dysfunction that is such a big part of the life of the addict, and unfortunately everyone else involved. I didn't know Amy personally, but her recent passing hits close to home as the disease of addiction is a very familiar part of my life. It's a brutal and savage condition that wreaks havoc not only on the addict but those around them as well,” he wrote in an editorial for Rolling Stone. “Having played over 250 shows since our last album came out, we understand all too well the challenges of life on the road. We have been touring for about two years now and it can be tough.”
Jared joins a growing number of stars that have paid tribute to the legendary jazz singer, who passed away last Saturday.
The post mortem carried out on Amy’s body was deemed inconclusive with toxicology test results expected in a few weeks which will determine the cause of death.
Jared feels saddened that the world has lost such a gifted musician.
“I understand they have not confirmed the cause of death but it seems obvious that she suffered deeply for many years. I feel for her and those closest to her, for the pain of these years and for this tragic ending. It's a heartbreaking loss, not just of an incredibly talented artist, but of a beautiful and blessed young woman in the beginning of her life,” Jared added.
