Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Will Poulter Discusses OCD Alongside New Film Role
British actor Will Poulter is openly addressing his personal challenges, even as he steps into the limelight with his latest role in A24’s upcoming horror film, Death of a Unicorn. The star, known for his roles in Black Mirror and The Bear, recently shared insights into his experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), offering a candid look at mental health alongside his burgeoning career in film and television.
Early Career and Private Battles
Beginning his acting journey at the age of 13 in London, Poulter’s career quickly progressed. However, behind the scenes of his growing success, he was privately contending with OCD, a condition he has only recently begun to discuss publicly.
Opening Up About OCD Diagnosis
During an appearance on Fearne Cotton’s “Happy Place” podcast, Poulter revealed his diagnosis of OCD during his teenage years. Now 32, he recounted experiencing intrusive thoughts from childhood, a defining characteristic of the anxiety disorder.
Childhood Manifestations of OCD
Poulter explained that in his youth, his mental health struggles manifested with a sense of childlike imagination. He recalled: “It [OCD] just had a different and typically imaginative quality for a child. I remember having this internal voice, telling me if I didn’t step on specific paving stones on the way to my parents’ house, something terrible would befall them.”
The Importance of Early Therapy
Poulter expressed gratitude for receiving early access to therapy. “I was very fortunate. I received therapy in my early teens. I was probably around 14 when I first began experiencing obsessive compulsive thoughts, along with ruminations and intrusive thoughts,” he shared, as reported by the Mirror.
Feelings of Isolation Before Diagnosis
Before understanding his condition, the Black Mirror actor admitted to fearing his thought patterns and feeling isolated in his struggle with OCD.
He elaborated: “Until I was diagnosed and began therapy, I genuinely believed I was completely alone with this condition—or rather, at that time, simply this way of thinking, with what felt like a malfunctioning brain. I was deeply afraid.”
“And I believe that’s the most frightening aspect of any mental health issue; you can never underestimate the profound loneliness someone can feel in that state,” he added.
Balancing Personal Struggles and Career Success
While Poulter has been admirably transparent about his personal experiences, he is also known for sharing exciting details about his career achievements.
Joining “The Bear”
In 2023, he garnered attention for joining the cast of FX’s critically acclaimed series, The Bear, appearing in two episodes of the second season and set to return for the third season.
Passion for “The Bear”
Keen to be a part of the Emmy-winning show, the Marvel actor confessed to ‘begging’ creator Christopher Storer for a role. Interestingly, he recently disclosed that his initial ambition was to develop his own television project with a similar premise to The Bear.
From Pitching Shows to Joining “The Bear”
Speaking with Vanity Fair, Poulter revealed his earlier aspirations: “I was in discussions with a major production company and presented them with my show idea about chefs striving for success in a large city, and I was met with silence, which was a bit disappointing.”
After seeing a promotional billboard for The Bear in Los Angeles, Poulter reached out to Storer, which led to a successful collaboration.
Reflecting on their connection, he stated: “We connected extremely well.”
“And I implored him for a part in The Bear, and he was gracious enough to grant me the role of Luca, which has profoundly changed my life. It’s become a truly special part of my journey,” Poulter concluded.
Return to Black Mirror
The actor is scheduled to appear in the seventh season of Netflix’s popular series, Black Mirror, premiering on April 10. Poulter initially joined the franchise in 2018, starring in the interactive standalone film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
He will reprise his role as Colin Ritman in the fourth episode of the new season, titled ‘Plaything,’ which centers around a murder suspect involved in an advanced video game.
Death of a Unicorn Release
Death of a Unicorn is scheduled for release in cinemas starting Friday, April 4.