Taiwanese television host Darryl Kuo has opened up about a difficult period in his life, revealing that he struggled to find work after being caught smoking weed in 2013.

In an interview on a variety show, the 47-year-old, who recently returned to the entertainment industry after more than a decade away, said the scandal dealt a major blow to his career.

He recalled struggling to keep up with his mortgage payments, eventually reaching a point where he had no work at all.

“At my lowest point, I really had no money and nothing at all,” he said.

Despite submitting countless job applications, Kuo was repeatedly rejected, with prospective employers telling him they could not afford to hire him.

Even a convenience store near his home turned him away after an employee recognised him.

With few options left, Kuo eventually sought help from his older brother, who connected him with someone who helped him secure a job at a coffee shop.

He started out as a dishwasher, earning just NT$105 (RM13) an hour, before gradually learning how to make coffee.

One evening, while washing dishes, Kuo realised that the Golden Bell Awards ceremony was taking place across the street.

Best known for hosting the event’s annual red carpet segment, he was confronted with the stark contrast between his former life and his current circumstances.

“The year before, I was hosting the red carpet across the street. This year, I was washing dishes in a coffee shop opposite it,” he recalled.

Overwhelmed by the realisation, Kuo broke down in tears, asking himself: “How did I end up doing this to myself when things were going so well?”

The experience became a turning point for Kuo, motivating him to rebuild his life.

He eventually got back on his feet after co-investing in a guesthouse in Yilan, Taiwan, as per Singapore news portal 8days.