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"Exhausted" Grey's Star Checked into Britney's Ward
Justin Chambers by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com
Justin Chambers — aka Dr. Alex Karev on Grey's Anatomy — checked himself into UCLA Medical's psych ward on Monday, TMZ reports. Although Chambers checked himself out on Wednesday, his rep said that he was "exhausted and suffers from a sleeping disorder. He went in voluntarily to get some help." The actor, who is a dad to five, was in the same ward where Britney Spears is now staying.
Just one day before Chambers went to the hospital, he did red-carpet interviews with TV Guide at Sunday's SAG Awards. In response to a question from Michael Ausiello about Alex's interest in Izzie, Chambers talked about his character's mindset. "I think Alex has a deep longing for her," he said. "He's not man enough to admit it, and he has a lot of issues to work out. Hopefully he'll get secure enough."
Speaking with Lisa Rinna at another point, Chambers was positive about his show's nomination. He told her, "We hope we win, but if we don't, we're still happy to be here."
Chambers seems to have kept his fatigue under wraps, even from cast mate Katherine Heigl. The actress was out shopping when paparazzi approached her on the subject. "What?" she said, stunned, to TMZ cameras. "I just spoke to him last week, he was fine." — Anna Dimond
Related:
• Britney Hospitalized for Emergency Mental Evaluation
• Watch video: Ausiello interviews Chambers at last Sunday's SAG Awards
• Photos of Justin Chambers
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Jan 31, 2008 5:46 PM
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I hope he got the help he needs. He seems like a nice guy. With 5 kids in the home, no wonder the guy would be tired all the time!!! Plus he does most times on GA have some bags under his eyes and look tired, so maybe this has something to do with it.
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Jan 31, 2008 7:09 PM
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Why is this news? The man has 5 kids and is out of work more or less due to the strike. I'd be suffering from some sleep problems too if that was the case. He recognized a problem and asked for help. He should be applauded instead of being treated like tabloid fodder.
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Jan 31, 2008 8:55 PM
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"He should be applauded instead of being treated like tabloid fodder."
Hello, you must be new here.
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Jan 31, 2008 9:43 PM
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Hello, you must be new here.
*dies* I love this place.
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Jan 31, 2008 10:57 PM
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FIVE kids? He prolly hasn't slept in years! And to be named Victorias Secret Sexiest Dad -
Seriously, I can't help but wonder if maybe all the press about Heath Ledger has caused him, like myself and others I know, to rethink our attitudes toward insomnia and doctor-prescribed meds? I'm not saying it's wrong to take something, but it's apparent now that something can go wrong.
And Justin, if you do find some system or method that works, please share....
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Feb 1, 2008 9:55 AM
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I agree with ctheslayer's perspective. Perhaps Justin read Ledger's remarks about not being able to sleep, and what the (supposed) combination of prescription drugs did to him, and wanted to avoid the same outcome. He got a reality check.
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Feb 1, 2008 11:12 AM
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For the sake of his wife and 5 children, I'm glad he realized he had a problem and took action.
Poor Katherine. What a way to find out. I saw her reaction on ET. She was clueless.
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Feb 1, 2008 11:22 AM
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When I'm "exhausted", I don't check into a hospital. Why are so many celebrities "exhausted" all the time? Why it is always in "quotes"?
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Feb 1, 2008 11:37 AM
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It's in "quotes" as you say, because it is a direct quote from his rep. That is what you do when you are quoting someone. Exhaustion actually is a medical condition. A lot of us say that we are exhausted, but medically we are not- we're just tired. Anyway, good for him for getting help since he obviously realized something wss not right with him.
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Feb 1, 2008 11:47 AM
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But if he was ill with pneumonia, would that be in quotes, too? I know exhaustion is a medical condition but I think, at least as far as some celebrities are concerned, it gets used an awful lot as a euphemism for something else.
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Feb 1, 2008 12:03 PM
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Well, I agree with you there Ginger_bred (about hearing it used so much).
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Feb 1, 2008 12:13 PM
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It was my undestanding he was seeking help for his insomnia. If you don't suffer from a sleep disorder, you probably wouldn't understand how it can get so bad that you seek help.
Also, I think celebs check into hospitals b/c it is easier to get in and out and manage the press. Do you really think someone famous can just walk up into your neighborhood doctor's office? Orthodontists, dentists, therapists, plastic surgeons see less patient traffic.
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Feb 1, 2008 12:15 PM
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea possibly.
To the poster that said, "If you don't suffer from a sleep disorder, you probably wouldn't understand how it can get so bad that you seek help".
i agree- they dont get it.
i'd bet money that Brittney suffers from a sleep disorder as well as another psychological disorder such as ADHD or Bi Polar.
People that actual sleep at night do not know what exhaustion really feels like.
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Feb 1, 2008 12:27 PM
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To clarify "exhaustion."
For starters, you hear about it with celebs b/c they can't take a dump without it being reported. It happens with "regular people," too.
Secondly, when you are on tour or doing films the schedule is very hectic and not like a regular 8-5 or 6 job. Granted, they seem to have alot of leisure time and travel to their villas in Spain, but when you are filming, and I know from personal experience, it's not unusual to put in 16-18 hour days for weeks at a time without a break. You just get tired, get too busy to eat or lose your appetite. Forgetting to drink enough water is also a problem. Then you find yourself sick and dehydrated. It seems to me that an inordinate amount of celebrities suffer from the flu and pneumonia and bronchitis as well - Heath Ledger was reportedly suffering getting over pneumonia when he died.
However, with Justin Chambers, it really does seem like he has a sleeping disorder and was exhausted and rather than risk od'ing on sleep meds he sought help. Doesn't seem to be anything sordid in this story.
I also think there will be more people seeking real help for insomnia now rather than chance otc meds.
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Feb 1, 2008 12:41 PM
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