'Different': Behind Tom Holland's big move to stop acting for a year
Tom Holland has revealed more about the “tough” role that led him to take a year off from acting.
The BAFTA Award winner announced on Thursday that he would take a hiatus to look after his mental health after having a “bit of a mental breakdown” while producing and starring in Apple TV’s The Crowded Room.
The dark show follows Holland as “the campus rapist” Billy Milligan, who was the first person to be found not guilty due to insanity based on his dissociative identity disorder.
Camera IconMr Holland revealed on Thursday that the role left him in a dark place. Photo: Apple Credit: SuppliedMr Holland said the difficult subject matter of the show meant it affected him more than his previous projects.
“It was really tough, you know, dealing with some of the material that we are dealing with in the show, it definitely lingers and it definitely plays on your mind for a while afterwards,” he told The Project.
“I’ve always been really good at letting go of the work and enjoy my time off and being at home, but this one was different.”
Not only was Holland dealing with the hard material but he also had the added burden of being a producer, something he said he took really seriously.
Camera IconHe said he would use the time off to celebrate his 27th birthday and play golf. Photo: The Project Credit: 10“We really, really understood the responsibility. We had to make this show feel very authentic and to pay our respects to the people that are really going through these things in real life,” he said.
“It wasn’t a fun set. It wasn’t a laughy, jokey kind of time. We were taking it very seriously.”
The Marvel star also revealed what he would be doing during his time off, including celebrating his 27th birthday.
“I’m feeling good, I’m building s*** at home. I bought all the tools and I’m using my carpentry skills again, which I’m loving,” he said.
“Playing golf. You know, I’m happy. Life is good and the show is great and I can’t wait for it to come out.”
