Actor Edward Furlong celebrates 49th birthday and reflects on his career and recovery

Edward Furlong, who rose to global fame at age 13 as John Connor in James Cameron's 1991 blockbuster *Terminator 2: Judgment Day*, marked his 49th birthday. The role made him an overnight star and earned him awards such as the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.

In the decades that followed, Furlong struggled with cocaine and heroin addiction, multiple legal issues and health problems that derailed his career. After reaching rock bottom, he entered treatment, achieved sobriety and has been rebuilding his acting work, appearing in recent films and TV projects. In a 2024 podcast interview he discussed his recovery and the personal transformation that has allowed him to return to the screen.