“I literally drove myself crazy because my life was so out of balance,” the ‘Monk’ star said

NEED TO KNOW

• Tony Shalhoub revealed he experienced a nervous breakdown early in his acting career due to stress and self-doubt
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star said his fear of failure negatively impacted both his physical and emotional health
• Shalhoub credited his wife Brooke Adams with helping him find balance and build confidence during that difficult time

Tony Shalhoub is opening up about overcoming a “nervous breakdown” in the past.

During an appearance on the August 12 episode of the Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson podcast, the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actor reflected on some of the mental health challenges he faced early in his career. The 72-year-old recalled his life being “out of balance” when pursuing his acting career and how it eventually took a toll on his well-being.

“I literally drove myself crazy because my life was so out of balance,” he said. “I was so consumed or kind of obsessed with clawing my way up whatever that ladder is. I sort of succumbed to the stress of it all and I was in a very unhealthy place.”

“I think it was fear,” he explained. “Fearful of failing. Comparing myself to someone else’s career that was going so well. Even when I was doing alright or keeping my head above water, feeling like it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t going to be sustainable.”

Shalhoub admitted that the pressure didn’t come from anyone else, and the self-doubt and fear of failure were all self-induced.

“So what happened was it started to manifest itself physically,” he shared. “I got very sick… I kind of had a mini breakdown, a nervous breakdown. Physically, I was in poor health and psychologically, emotionally I was not in a good place.”

“I think I was putting more focus and emphasis on the work at the expense of my relationships, my friendships, my physical health,” he added.

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The Monk star then pointed out that meeting his wife Brooke Adams and getting married ultimately helped him get through those tough moments.

“She sort of brought balance to my life but also instilled in me confidence and kept hammering away at this idea that yes, all things are possible,” Shalhoub shared. “It took me a long time to embrace that or feel deserving of that level of confidence.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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