David Tennant: Internal voices, LGBTQ+ activism, and 80s nostalgia
Oct 7, 2024
auto_awesome
In a captivating chat, David Tennant, the critically acclaimed actor best known as the 10th Doctor Who, opens up about his personal anxieties and the importance of embracing vulnerability. He discusses the balance between performance pressure and creative joy, reflecting on his theatrical experiences. Tennant also shares his thoughts on LGBTQ+ activism and the role of celebrities in social causes. With a nostalgic nod to the 1980s, he recounts amusing anecdotes and highlights his new show, The Rivals, set to release on Disney+.
David Tennant discusses how the vulnerability of fame can lead to insecurities, prompting the need for support from others in similar situations.
The nostalgia for Doctor Who reflects the deep personal connections actors have with their early inspirations, shaping their careers and life choices.
Navigating activism in the public eye for marginalized communities can be challenging, requiring a balance between personal beliefs and potential backlash.
Deep dives
The Vulnerability of Fame
Gaining fame can evoke feelings of vulnerability rather than empowerment, as experienced by a successful actor. Although many believe that being the center of attention provides confidence, it often leads to insecurity and a sense of exposure. The sudden transition from anonymity to visibility can feel overwhelming, making one feel as if they are devoid of privacy. Such feelings can necessitate seeking support and understanding from others who have traversed similar paths.
Impact of Doctor Who
The longstanding affection for Doctor Who could have played a significant role in an actor’s rise to fame, particularly given their early fascination with the show. The intertwining of their personal life with the franchise showcases the deep connections it fosters—such as marrying the daughter of a previous Doctor. The nostalgic influence of the show has inspired many within the creative industry, leading to passionate careers fueled by early dreams. This unique bond creates a distinct narrative on how dreams can manifest into reality.
The Rivals: A Fun Return to the 80s
The new show, The Rivals, exuberantly captures the charm of the 1980s with a humorous storyline and vibrant visuals. A successful actor felt an immediate connection to this project due to his personal ties and his wife's long-standing familiarity with the source material. The series’ wit, alongside its engaging plot, showcases exceptional characters and offers an exciting blend of nostalgia and entertainment. The actor's enthusiasm highlights the differing worlds of theater and television while celebrating the fun of portraying diverse characters.
Navigating Personal and Creative Life
Balancing a demanding job in the entertainment industry with a busy family life involves constant juggling of responsibilities. The challenges of parenting five children, spanning various ages, create a dynamic yet chaotic family environment. Although rewarding, this duality of life brings considerable stress and pressure, as familial obligations often clash with professional commitments. The continuous interaction with family and work fosters a new understanding of life’s complexities and highlights the importance of finding joy within the chaos.
The Complexity of Being an Ally
Supporting marginalized communities can be complicated for public figures, particularly in highly charged political climates. While advocating for equality may seem like common sense, it can attract unnecessary scrutiny, creating fear of negative backlash. Navigating this landscape requires balancing personal beliefs with the responsibilities of public commitment. Acknowledging public platform power is essential to making a difference, and lending one’s voice can provide much-needed support to those who may feel ostracized.
Do you get stage fright? You might not be an actor but perhaps you feel the fear when it comes to work presentations or small talk at parties... well, even critically acclaimed actor David Tennant has anxieties around performing under pressure. He reckons little bit of fear can be good to keep you from getting complacent though...
In this chat, Fearne and David talk through how to work through those moments when you feel your brain is going to give up on you.
The naivety of youth can give you a sense of self-confidence, but with age comes the security of having more concrete experiences of things going well to drawn on. This is a really useful coping mechanism to have in your back pocket for when anxiety starts to creep in.
Plus, LGBTQ+ ally David gives his take on whether celebrities like him should use their voice for social activism, and verifies some of the stories Fearne read online about him...
The Rivals is on Disney+ from October 18th.
If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: