Actor Alex O’Loughlin is taking a leave of absence from television show ‘Hawaii Five-0’ to undergo drug treatment.
A rep for the star said, “Alex is taking a short break from ‘Hawaii Five-0’ to receive supervised treatment for prescription pain medication.”
CBS released a statement to weigh in on the actor’s decision to take a break from the TV show saying, “We respect and support Alex’s decision. Everyone wishes him well, and we look forward to his return.”
O’Loughlin has checked into a rehab facility in Hawaii, where the show is filmed.
The actor’s fans noticed that his appearance had mysteriously changed. Last month, numerous people posted comments on CBS’ website inquiring about the star’s recent weight loss. One thread read “Alex . . . Why is he getting so thin?,” one fan replied: “He looked healthier last season.” Another fan agreed, saying: “Maybe he’s working out just too much.”
On the TV series Alex O’Loughlin plays Steve McGarrett, the lead character on the show. The network believes it can work around the absence of the main character for his short stint away from the series.