Jonathan Rhys-Meyers Set For Comeback With 'Dracula' Following Personal Struggles

By Justine Ashley Costanza | July 26 2012 12:22 PM

On Tuesday, NBC announced that Jonathan Rhys-Meyers will star as the title character in the network's upcoming series "Dracula." The fresh take on Bram Stocker's classic vampire tale will no doubt appeal to fans of "True Blood" and "The Vampire Diaries."

Reuters

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers will star in the new series "Dracula."

Sponsorship Link

The network has order ten episodes of the series, which is scheduled to start filming this fall. Set in London, it follows Dracula's quest for revenge on those who wronged him years ago. Despite his brutal nature, he falls in love with a woman who reminds him of his dead wife.

First published in 1897, the gothic horror novel "Dracula" has been considered the seminal vampire story. Combining elements of horror and romance, it provides an intimate view of Victorian society. Count Dracula has long been an iconic character in film, television, and theater. The tortured vampire seems to be an appropriate role for Meyers-who breathed new life into King Henry VIII on the Showtime series "The Tudors." Offering a sexy spin of the charismatic yet vain ruler, Meyers brought a remarkable complexity to the role.

Unfortunately, Meyers, 34, is recognized for his troubled personal life as much as he is for his talent.

In 2005, the actor entered rehab for alcohol abuse but sought treatment again in 2007. In 2008, Meyers was arrested at Dublin Airport for public intoxication. Days later, his mother Geraldine Meyers-O'Keeffe, died of a stroke. Her illness was cited as a possible explanation for his behavior. After he was arrested for punching an employee at a French airport, in 2010, he entered rehab for the fourth time. He stayed at the facility for barely two weeks before checking himself out. The next year, he was kicked off a United Airlines flight for drunkenness and banned from flying with the airline in the future.

His struggle worsened a month later when he was rushed to the hospital after what was initially believed to be a suicide attempt in his London home. Meyers had checked out of a South African rehab a month prior to allegedly attempting to end his life. Some reports claim that Meyers hit bottom but did not actually intend to kill himself.

Since he has been incident free lately, "Dracula" could mark the star's personal and professional comeback.