David Morrissey, best known for his roles in The Walking Dead and State of Play, has spoken candidly about being a recovering alcoholic and the self-destructive behaviour that followed his father's death. The 61-year-old actor appeared on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs with Lauren Laverne, where he described being in a 'terrible state' after losing his father at age 15.
Morrissey's father died from a haemorrhage aged 54 after battling a long-term blood disorder. Reflecting on the trauma, Morrissey said he experienced depression and anxiety, and left school at 16 to join a Wolverhampton-based theatre company. 'I knew that, academically, I was never going to be able to go to university,' he said. 'Hyper-independence is a trauma response. I do tend to cut off sometimes.'
The Liverpool-born star revealed he has been sober for 21 years, but described his earlier struggles with alcohol. 'Drinking first was about anxiety. I've had this terrible social anxiety and that helped me get through it,' he said. He added that his behaviour remained self-destructive even after stopping drinking, and that his career 'rescued' him and makes him 'feel safe'.
Morrissey credited his passion for acting to watching the 1970s drama Colditz, which sparked an emotional connection. He found an outlet at the Everyman Youth Theatre, where he discovered a space to explore feelings. 'When I'm in work, I feel safe. Not necessarily in control, but I feel it's where I should be,' he said.
The full episode of Desert Island Discs is available on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 4 from Sunday at 10am.
