Tom Holland to Take Year-Long Hiatus from Acting After “Crowded Room”

Tom Holland Takes a Year Off from Acting Due to ‘The Crowded Room’ Production

Tom Holland, the star of the new Apple TV+ crime thriller “The Crowded Room,” announced that he is taking a year off from acting after going through a difficult time during the show’s production. The series is based on the true crimes of Billy Milligan, who was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, and Holland plays the lead character, Danny Sullivan.

The Pressure of Being a Producer and a Lead Actor

In an interview with Extra, Holland revealed that the production of “The Crowded Room” was a tough time for him. Apart from exploring certain emotions he had never experienced before while acting, he was also dealing with the pressure and day-to-day problems that come with being a producer. The pressure of playing a character in a severe mental health state while juggling two roles proved to be too much for him, and he needed a break.

New Perspectives on Mental Health

Holland admitted that working on “The Crowded Room” led him to a personal meltdown in his life, and he had to fight the urge to shave his head to escape from his character. The show taught him a lot about mental health, which has helped him adopt a better perspective towards his own mental health struggles. Holland also pointed out that he learned a lot from speaking to psychiatrists about Danny and Billy’s experiences.

The Importance of Taking Breaks

According to Holland, he loves hard work and never shies away from it. However, he realized the importance of taking breaks after the show’s production pushed him past his breaking point. Taking a break not only gave him time to rejuvenate but also gave him perspective on his life and role as an actor.

Final Thoughts

It takes courage to admit one’s weaknesses and take a break from work, especially when the nature of one’s work demands dedication and focus. Holland’s decision to take a year off could inspire others in the entertainment industry to prioritize their mental health and well-being. It also sends an important message that mental health struggles are common, and seeking help is the best way to tackle them.

Advice

Actors and actresses often face burnout due to the intense pressures of their job. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break to recharge and rejuvenate. Seek help from mental health professionals and prioritize your well-being over work. Remember, taking a break does not mean weakness but strength in admitting when you need help.