Rock enthusiasts are no strangers to the name Scott Stapp, the powerful voice behind the band Creed. While he’s famous for his musical prowess, Stapp is about to make an even bigger splash in the entertainment world as he takes on the iconic role of Frank Sinatra in a new biopic called “Reagan.” As anticipation builds for this film, let’s delve deeper into the fascinating and tumultuous life of Scott Stapp.
1. Entering His Fifth Decade
Born on August 8, 1973, Scott Stapp was raised by his mother and later adopted his stepfather’s last name. His stepfather, a local dentist, played a significant role in his upbringing in Orlando, Florida.
2. Florida Roots
Growing up in Central Florida, Stapp enjoyed beautiful weather, world-class theme parks, and a vibrant local culture. It was at Lake Highland Prep School in Orlando where he met future Creed bandmate Mark Tremonti.
3. College Days
Despite being a Florida Gators fan, Stapp attended rival school Florida State University alongside Tremonti. It was during their college years that the duo decided to form Creed and embark on their musical journey.
4. A Man of Faith
Contrary to the stereotype of rock stars lacking religious beliefs, Stapp is a devout believer in God. He has often discussed how his faith influences his songwriting, stating that he feels ‘the Holy Spirit’ in his creative process.
5. A Rocky First Marriage
In 1997, Stapp married Hillaree Burns, with whom he shares a son named Jagger. The couple’s marriage lasted less than two years, and Stapp was awarded full custody of Jagger following their divorce in 1998.
6. Finding Love Again
Stapp eventually found love with Miss New York USA 2004, Jaclyn Nesheiwat. The couple married in 2006 and have three children together. Although Jaclyn filed for divorce in 2014, they managed to reconcile and continue to build their family.
7. A Brush with Suicide in 2003
At one point, Stapp felt so overwhelmed by the pressures of fame that he loaded a gun and held it to his head. He believed that his bandmates wanted him to die in a Kurt Cobain-esque tragedy to boost their fame. Ultimately, it was the sight of his son’s photos that stopped him from pulling the trigger.
8. A Honeymoon Behind Bars
Stapp’s second marriage got off to a rocky start when he was arrested for suspected intoxication the day after the wedding. This incident marked a dark period in his life.
9. A Scandalous Sex Tape
Adding to his troubles, Stapp had to file a lawsuit to prevent the release of a sex tape featuring himself, Kid Rock, and four women. This potential scandal threatened to further tarnish his image.
10. T.I. Saves the Day
Stapp’s struggles with mental health led to another suicide attempt in 2006 when he jumped off a balcony and fell 40 feet. He suffered a fractured skull, broken bones, and other injuries. Rapper T.I. found him after nearly two hours on the ground and saved his life. In 2015, Stapp revealed that he suffers from bipolar disorder. This diagnosis provided some relief, as it helped explain his past arrests, domestic violence charges, drug addiction, and suicide attempts. With a newfound understanding of his condition, Stapp has been able to work through his issues and seek the help he needs.
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