In a recent interview on the podcast “The Hidden 20%,” actor Kit Harington spoke about the impact that his role on “Game of Thrones” had on his mental health. Harington, who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, revealed that he previously managed his symptoms through alcohol and drinking, which led to alcoholism. He stated that his role on “Game of Thrones” worsened his symptoms and led to psychological scarring.
“People would treat me like the character, who was a hero and good,” Harington shared. “But in my life, personally I didn’t feel like that at all.”
Harington went on to explain that playing the character of Jon Snow also had an impact on his drinking. “I was going through addiction and everything that entails and hiding things and all sorts. And that was the polar opposite of the character I was playing, who couldn’t tell a lie.”
The actor revealed that he experienced a “breakdown” after filming ended on “Game of Thrones.” His “rock bottom moment” came when he performed in Sam Shepard’s play “True West” in London’s West End in 2018-19. “The character and me did get very mixed up at that point,” he said. “I didn’t know who I was, really. Continually drinking while playing an alcoholic. It was at its worst.”
Despite entering rehab unsuccessfully once before and leaving quickly, Harington eventually tried again after being diagnosed with ADHD. “I managed to forge a new life from there,” he said. While there have been rumors that Harington may reprise his role as Jon Snow in an HBO spin-off, the actor has yet to confirm or deny them
Read the full article on NME here: Read More