Actor Reflects on Intense Filming Experience and its Impact on His Mental Health
Tom Holland Opens Up About the Emotional Toll of Portraying Danny Sullivan in “The Crowded Room”
Los Angeles, California – In a recent video interview with Extra, renowned actor Tom Holland revealed that he will be taking a much-needed break from the spotlight following the demanding production of his latest project, the Apple TV+ crime thriller “The Crowded Room.” Portraying the troubled character Danny Sullivan, who becomes entangled in a shooting incident at Rockefeller Center in the summer of 1979, Holland’s performance delves into the complex world of dissociative identity disorder, inspired by the real-life story of Billy Milligan.
Reflecting on the intense nature of the show’s production, Holland shared, “It was a tough time, for sure. We were exploring certain emotions that I have definitely never experienced before. And then on top of that, being a producer, dealing with the day-to-day problems that come with any film set, just added that extra level of pressure.” While Holland embraced the learning curve of being a producer, juggling multiple roles while delving into a severe mental health state ultimately pushed him beyond his breaking point.
“I’m no stranger to hard work,” Holland expressed. “I’ve lived by the idea that hard work is good work. Then again, the show did break me. There did come a time when I needed a break and disappeared and went to Mexico for a week and had time on a beach and laid low. I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was. I am excited to see how it turns out. I feel like our hard work wasn’t in vain.”
In a previous interview with Entertainment Weekly, Holland candidly shared that his involvement in “The Crowded Room” caused a “bit of a meltdown” in his personal life. The actor found himself deeply immersed in the character, leading to a profound impact on his own well-being. Reflecting on the experience, Holland recounted, “I was seeing myself in [the character], but in my personal life. I remember having a bit of a meltdown at home and thinking, like, ‘I’m going to shave my head. I need to shave my head because I need to get rid of this character.’ And, obviously, we were mid-shooting, so I decided not to… It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.”
Holland further revealed that his journey through “The Crowded Room” prompted significant personal growth, as he has been sober for one year and four months. The actor acknowledged the profound impact the Apple TV+ series had on his perspective of mental health. “Learning about mental health and the power of it, and speaking to psychiatrists about Danny and Billy’s struggles, has been something that has been so informative to my own life,” Holland shared. Through this process, he has gained the ability to identify triggers, such as social media, that cause stress in his life.
Starring alongside a talented ensemble cast including Amanda Seyfried, Sasha Lane, Will Chase, Lior Raz, Laila Robins, Christopher Abbott, and Henry Eikenberry, Tom Holland’s performance in “The Crowded Room” is anticipated to be nothing short of exceptional. The series, which premieres on June 9 on Apple TV+, promises a gripping exploration of the complexities of mental health and the human psyche.
As Tom Holland takes a well-deserved hiatus to recharge and prioritize his mental well-being, fans eagerly await his return to the screen. The dedicated actor’s commitment to his craft and willingness to delve into challenging roles demonstrates his unwavering dedication to delivering impactful performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Witness the compelling journey of Tom Holland as Danny Sullivan in “The Crowded Room,” a series that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and shed light on the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues.