EXCLUSIVE: Tom told the Daily Star Sunday: “Back in the day I was scaffolding on building sites. So then when you’re on a big movie, there’s a feeling of imposter syndrome.”
Tom Davis secretly battled imposter syndrome when he became a movie star.
The comic hit the big time when he landed roles in blockbusters Paddington 2 and Wonka.
That meant working alongside A-list superstars Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman and Timothée Chalamet. It was the stuff of dreams, but behind the scenes he’d often feel like he didn’t belong.
Tom told the Daily Star Sunday: “Back in the day I was scaffolding on building sites.
“I moved from that into TV and stand-up comedy. It was a slow climb.
“So then when you’re on a big movie, there’s a feeling of imposter syndrome.
“It was uncomfortable. And when you don’t know what you’re dealing with, it’s hard.”
Tom has also struggled when it comes to his stand-up career. The London-born star suffered from anxiety when it came to doing gigs. In the past it’s been so bad, he’s had to take an extended break.
Tom said: “I took six years out of stand-up because of my anxiety.
“My head wasn’t in the right place to do it. I wasn’t enjoying it. I wasn’t in a good place.”
Tom has been able to take control over his problems by taking his mental health issues seriously.
Facing them head on has changed his life.
He said: “With imposter syndrome, anxiety, ADHD or any of the things that I have suffered from, the most important thing to do is know what you’re dealing with.
“Once you address that, you can put things into place to make it easier.”
Tom has also benefited from giving up booze.
He said: “Years ago if a gig went badly, I’d have a couple of drinks. I’d have a few pints here and a few pints there.
“It got to the point where I wanted to turn over a new leaf and be a better version of myself.
“I didn’t enjoy being drunk, I didn’t enjoy the hangovers and I was about to become a father. So I gave it up.”
Tom is now on top of the world and busier than ever.
He said: “I did a stand-up tour last year that sold out and I’m doing another one next year.
“I’ve got some other things coming up, too. “I feel very lucky to be in this job.”
Tom is helping raise cash for a mental health charity. MATE — Men And Their Emotions — helps lads who are struggling. It’s an online community where they can get advice and help.
The charity also funds counselling sessions and rehab stays. Tom said: “As men, it’s important to have a conversation about mental health. It’s something we should all be doing.
“This charity is forcing that conversation to happen and getting more people to open up about how they’re feeling.”
For details visit menandtheiremotions.org.uk
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
