Jonah Hill said he won’t promote his films to protect his mental health after “almost 20 years” of “public-facing events” Jonah Hill has decided to stop promoting his movies in public for the sake of his mental health.
The 38-year-old award-winning actor has been candid about the “public mocking” he faced for years from “press and interviewers” due to his physical appearance.
In fact, Jonah confessed just last year that he didn’t feel comfortable taking his shirt off in a pool until he was in his “mid-30s” because of the constant jokes made about him.
Along with many shared paparazzi photographs of himself, he commented, “I don’t think I ever took my shirt off in a pool until I was in my mid-30s, even in front of family and friends.” “Probably would have happened sooner if years of public ridicule of my body by reporters and interviewers hadn’t worsened my childhood concerns.”
Continuing, he said, “I’m 37 and now love and accept myself.” Do not interpret this as a “good for me” message. And don’t misunderstand; this isn’t a “feel sorry for me” entry. It’s designed for youngsters who want to keep their shirts on while swimming. Take it easy and enjoy yourself. You are fantastic, incredible, and flawless. With all my heart.
Since Jonah has suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for nearly two decades, he has decided against participating in “public-facing events” to promote his new documentary, Stutz.
Jonah stars in and directs the film Stutz, about his therapeutic relationship with Phil Stutz. It’s been in the works for a while, and everything was shot under wraps.
In an interview with GQ from last year, Jonah gave some hints about the film, saying, “Netflix let me produce a video about therapy and Phil’s teachings, and then it became about Phil’s life, and then it became about how ridiculous it is that I am producing a movie about my therapist.”
In an interview with Deadline published this week, the Wolf of Wall Street actor elaborated on the film’s mission to spread awareness of the positive effects of therapy.
His second project, Stutz, is a documentary about him and his therapist that explores mental health in general, he told the outlet in an open letter. To make treatment and the techniques I’ve learned in therapy accessible to a wide audience for private use, I decided to make a video about it.
He stated, “Through this path of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the knowledge that I have spent almost 20 years battling anxiety attacks, which are aggravated by media appearances and public-facing events.
Jonah continued by saying that he is “very grateful” that the picture would be premiering at “a famous film festival,” but he will not be present for the promotional cycle to avoid risking his mental health.
With the hope that it would help people who are struggling, he wrote, “I am extremely glad that the film will make its world premiere at a prestigious film festival this fall.”
But, he said, “while I take this crucial measure to protect myself, you won’t see me out there promoting this film, or any of my upcoming films.” I wouldn’t be being honest with myself or the film if I made my illness worse by promoting it.
At the end of the conversation, Jonah expressed gratitude to his coworkers for their “understanding and support,” noting that he is “fortunate” to be able to “afford to take time off” from work.
Normally, I would be offended by a letter or statement like this, but I realise that I am one of the fortunate few who can afford to take vacation. Working on my anxiety won’t cause me to lose my job, he stated.
He continued, “I hope to make it more usual for people to talk and act on these issues with this letter and with Stutz.” So that they can take action to feel better and so that those close to them can gain a better understanding of their struggles.
He concluded, “I hope the work will speak for itself and I’m grateful to my colleagues, my business partners, and all of you reading this for your understanding and support.”
Some fans and even celebrities have spoken out in support of Jonah in the hours since his speech went viral.
Actor Josh Gad weighed in on the situation, praising Jonah for his “candour and transparency” in light of the revelation. He tweeted his appreciation for Jonah Hill’s “honesty and openness” in confronting “this difficult topic,” saying, “As someone who has lived with anxiety for much of my life, I admire and thank Jonah Hill for his candour and open
Even comedian and writer Christian O’Connell has said that he admires Jonah’s “courageous honesty” and loves him for it.
He wrote, “I have nothing but profound respect and love for Jonah’s bold honesty.” He said, “I have experienced anxiety attacks and anxiety and almost abandoned my ideal career.”
