TL;DR
- Joshua Bassett shares a near-death experience from 2021.
- He discusses struggles with ketamine addiction post-recovery.
- Bassett’s emotional reading took place in NYC.
- The memoir reflects on life changes after health scare.
- He came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in 2021.
Grab your tissues, folks, because Joshua Bassett just dropped some major emotional bombs at his recent memoir reading in New York City. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star took a moment to recount a harrowing near-death experience that had him questioning everything, and let’s just say, it was a tear-jerker.
At a packed Barnes & Noble event, the 25-year-old actor recited a chilling excerpt from his memoir Rookie: My Public, Private, and Secret Life, which hit the shelves on May 5, 2026. With a voice trembling with emotion, he recalled the moment he told his mom, “Mom, I think I’m dying.” Talk about a gut punch!
In a gripping flashback, Bassett described how quickly his health spiraled out of control in 2021, when he faced septic shock and heart failure. Just a week before, he was living his best life, but then BAM! He lost 20 pounds and found himself in a hospital bed, surrounded by doctors who delivered the grim news: he had only 12 hours to live. “When you come within an inch of death, nothing you thought matters, matters anymore,” he reflected. Deep, right?
As he recounted his journey, the audience could feel the weight of his words. Bassett, who was at the peak of his career, said, “By the world’s metrics, I was at the top of my game. Starring in a hit Disney show,” yet he was fighting for his life. It’s a stark reminder that fame doesn’t shield you from life’s harsh realities.
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But wait, there’s more. Bassett also opened up about his struggles with a ketamine addiction that spiraled out of control following his near-death experience. He wrote candidly about how he turned to drugs to numb the pain, saying, “My reckless addictions rapidly spiraled, relentlessly growing worse and worse and worse.” He described a harrowing routine of consuming six baggies of ketamine every night, illustrating the depths of his struggle.
And let’s not forget, this isn’t just a story of despair. Bassett came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in 2021, and his journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. He once cheekily referred to Harry Styles as “hot” in an interview, marking his own coming out moment. It’s a testament to how far he’s come, and how he’s using his platform to share his truth.
As he wrapped up the reading, Bassett diffused the emotional tension with a soft, “woop,” leaving the audience both moved and inspired. His memoir isn’t just a collection of stories; it’s a powerful narrative of survival, identity, and the highs and lows of fame.
So, if you’re looking for a read that tugs at the heartstrings while also celebrating the LGBTQ+ experience, Rookie: My Public, Private, and Secret Life is a must-have on your shelf. Grab a copy and prepare to dive deep into the life of Joshua Bassett—one that’s as colorful as it is complex.