Dax Shepard Explains How Childhood 'Chaos' Shaped His Comedy Skills

In an exclusive preview of the upcoming episode of "Finding Your Roots," actor Dax Shepard shares how his tumultuous upbringing cultivated his sense of humor. The Feb. 18 episode features Shepard discussing his life with host Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Shepard, 50, describes his household chaos, influenced by multiple stepfathers after his parents' divorce when he was just three, PEOPLE reported. He states, "There was some chaos in the house, I had a lot of stepdads."

Amid this instability, Shepard found his role as a comedic peacemaker. He explains, "My role was attempting, at least, to regulate the energy in the room." He aimed to defuse tension with humor before conflicts erupted, admitting, "I know that I've been doing that for a long time."

When asked if he acted as a "peacemaker" offering others gifts, he agrees. However, he acknowledges his humor also served a selfish purpose: "I was trying to ultimately give me a gift so that all hell didn't break loose."

Despite his challenging family dynamics, Shepard harbors no resentment. On Feb. 14, he posted a heartfelt shot with his mother, brother, and sister while visiting San Francisco. He documented this moment with, "Most INCREDIBLE two days with 'The Original Four'... in San Francisco."

Shepard highlighted the preciousness of that shared time, remarking, "I am not blind to the gift of having all four of us healthy enough to tackle a city… I will continue to cherish every single moment."

Alongside comedy as a coping mechanism, Shepard turned to less healthy practices, which ultimately led him to sobriety in 2004. He has candidly discussed his relationship with sobriety, especially following a relapse in 2020.

His openness during this vulnerable time was encouraged by Bradley Cooper. During Jesse Tyler Ferguson's podcast last year, Shepard recalled Cooper's challenge about addressing his relapse publicly. He emphasized the impact of sharing vulnerability rather than presenting a squeaky-clean image, stating, "What's helpful to somebody is someone who just ate s--- and gets back up."

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