“Toy Story 5”’s Tony Hale On His Love for Forky —and How Asthma Made Him a Better Actor (Exclusive)

**Tony Hale Opens Up About Overcoming Childhood Challenges and Embracing New Beginnings**

Tony Hale, the renowned actor best known for his roles in “Arrested Development” and “Veep,” has candidly shared how his early struggles with asthma and anxiety have shaped both his personal life and his illustrious career. Now, as he prepares for the release of “Toy Story 5” on June 19, Hale reflects on his journey and reveals the strategies he employs to maintain balance in his life.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Hale revealed a rather unique feeling of comfort when finding himself in a hospital environment. This affinity dates back to his childhood, where repeated trips to the emergency room due to severe asthma attacks led him to view these places as “safe spaces.” “I knew the minute I stepped inside, they were going to give me a shot and I could breathe,” said the 55-year-old actor. Looking back, he estimated he visited the ER upwards of thirty times, recalling the distress of gasping for breath while trying to remain composed.

Hale’s experiences with asthma went hand in hand with the onset of anxiety. He vividly described the overwhelming sensation of fear that accompanied his condition—thoughts like “What if I have an attack? Is there a hospital nearby?” would constantly race through his mind, creating a cyclical struggle between his anxiety and asthma. Nevertheless, he has learned that these challenges can also be a source of strength. “There are so many ways to cope with it. Life isn’t limited,” he stated, optimistically.

The actor acknowledged that these childhood adversities have played a pivotal role in his ability to portray characters marked by neurotic tendencies. His breakout role as Buster Bluth in “Arrested Development” catapulted him into the spotlight, with his performance resonating with audiences who found familiarity in his anxious and endearing character. He continued this trend in “Veep,” where his portrayal of Gary Walsh earned him two Emmy Awards. Hale’s knack for expressing anxiety comes naturally, and he approaches his roles with empathy. “It’s cool how life experiences turn into gifts that help you connect with others,” he remarked.

Born into a military family, Hale spent significant time in Germany during his youth, which only exacerbated his struggles with asthma. The limitations of the condition made him feel socially isolated, particularly during sleepovers with friends or outings requiring physical activity. When the family moved to Tallahassee, Florida, Hale’s asthma remained a convenient excuse for avoiding sports. However, it wasn’t long before he found his passion for acting after taking drama classes in high school.

Following a graduation with a journalism degree from Samford University, Hale pursued a career in acting, finding early success with commercial roles in New York City. Here, he also met Martel Thompson, an Emmy-winning makeup artist who became his wife and a steadfast supporter throughout his career. The couple married in 2003, just as Hale’s career was taking off, leading to a series of iconic roles.

Their marriage, said Hale, is rooted in humour and mutual support. “Laughter is a big part of our lives,” he noted, attributing a portion of their 23 years of marriage to the joy they find in each other’s company. The couple also places great importance on therapy, believing that it has been instrumental in maintaining a healthy relationship. They began attending therapy sessions before their wedding and have continued ever since, using it as a toolkit for navigating tough conversations.

As their daughter, Loy, recently started college, Hale and Thompson made a significant life decision to depart from Los Angeles for Birmingham, Alabama. Hale noted that after 22 years in the highly charged environment of Hollywood, he craved a lifestyle marked by simplicity. He expressed his appreciation for Birmingham’s vibrant cultural scene while enjoying the slower pace of life.

Despite the change, Hale’s Hollywood aspirations remain intact, with major projects still lined up, including his recent appearances at premieres for “Toy Story 5” and “Office Romance.” With filming for a new Nancy Meyers project also on the horizon, he is embracing the balance of a flourishing career and personal happiness.

In closing, Hale emphasised that life can improve despite its challenges. Reflecting on his journey filled with worry and anxiety as a child, he reassured readers that “there are so many ways to cope, and you will feel better. Life does get better.” His message serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own hurdles.