Bill Hader, the renowned actor known for his work on the long-running NBC sketch comedy series, Saturday Night Live (SNL), has recently revealed the surprising reason behind his absence from the iconic SNL50: The Anniversary Special. Despite being a prominent cast member on SNL from 2005 to 2013, Hader chose not to attend the milestone event in February. The 47-year-old actor shared during an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers that his decision to skip the special was due to his struggles with anxiety.
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During the interview with host Seth Meyers, Hader opened up about his past struggles with anxiety, especially during his time working on SNL. He recounted how he opted out of a sketch related to anxiety that fellow cast member Andy Samberg had devised. Despite acknowledging the talent of his co-stars, Hader admitted feeling apprehensive about participating in the sketch himself due to his own anxiety issues.
Following the SNL50 special, reports emerged that Hader declined the invitation to the event due to a scheduling conflict, as confirmed by his representative. However, Hader’s candid discussion about his battle with anxiety sheds light on the personal challenges he faced while working in the high-pressure environment of a live television show like SNL.
In a previous interview with PEOPLE in April 2023, Hader reflected on how his experiences with panic attacks actually helped him in his role as Barry Berkman in the Emmy-nominated series, *Barry*. Drawing from his own struggles, Hader found a way to channel his anxiety into his character’s portrayal of panic attacks, creating a deeper connection with the role.
Throughout his career, Hader has been open about his mental health journey, discussing how he navigated his anxiety while working on SNL and how it influenced his acting in subsequent projects. By sharing his story, Hader not only raises awareness about mental health struggles but also inspires others to seek help and find ways to overcome their own challenges.
Hader’s decision to prioritize his mental well-being by skipping the SNL50 celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, even in the face of professional obligations. His honesty about his struggles encourages a conversation around mental health in the entertainment industry and beyond, highlighting the significance of destigmatizing mental health issues.
As a beloved figure in the entertainment world, Bill Hader’s transparency about his anxiety adds a layer of depth to his public persona, showcasing the complexities that lie beneath the surface of a comedic genius. By sharing his vulnerability, Hader not only humanizes himself but also creates a platform for discussion and understanding around mental health in a competitive industry like show business.