David Harewood, an acclaimed British actor renowned for his roles in Homeland and Supergirl, unfolds his gripping journey through mental health challenges. He shares how his experiences with psychosis, and the pressures of societal expectations, shaped his identity and creativity. Harewood discusses the lack of representation in media and its effect on self-acceptance, alongside the therapeutic role acting played in his healing. His candid insights reveal how vulnerability can foster resilience and inspire others in the industry.
01:32:27
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Brick Through the Window
At five years old, a brick came through David Harewood's window during cartoon time.
This instilled fear and became a symbol of being targeted due to his race.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Racist Chants at Football Game
As a child, David Harewood sat in the Leeds United fan section during a game.
He was met with racist chants and slurs, leaving him shaken despite his mother's advice to hold his head up.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Father's Deterioration
In his early teens, David Harewood's father's mental health deteriorated.
He found his father's typewriter with the word "illness" typed, foreshadowing his father's sectioning.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Maybe I Don't Belong Here', David Harewood shares a deeply personal account of growing up Black and British, detailing his experiences with racism and a psychotic breakdown. The book delves into the impact of societal biases on mental health and identity, offering a powerful exploration of recovery and resilience.
How to Be Black
How to Be Black
null
Jay-Z
In "Decoded," Jay-Z offers a glimpse into his life and career, reflecting on his journey from the streets of Brooklyn to global superstardom. The book delves into his creative process, his business acumen, and his personal struggles. Jay-Z shares his thoughts on race, class, and the American Dream. He also discusses his philanthropic endeavors and his commitment to social justice. "Decoded" is a compelling and insightful look at one of the most influential figures in hip-hop.
David Harewood is an award-winning actor, star of Supergirl and Homeland, and best-selling author behind Maybe I Don’t Belong Here, one of the best-reviewed and best-selling books of 2021. One of the best actors of his generation, with honours from Queen Elizabeth to prove it, David’s road to the top had to overcome his psychosis, which at one point drove him to the point of insanity and left him sectioned into a psychiatric hospital.
With his life as he knew it on the brink, David rebuilt his life and career to reach the very top of the entertainment business. Scars like this take time to mend, and sometimes leave unexpected traces. David is controversially honest that losing his mind, in a way, helped him find his creativity. This isn’t the message that everyone wants to hear, but David’s frankness about how his darkest times set him apart from everyone else is a story you don’t want to miss.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett 