Nicholas Pinnock has revealed how protecting his mental health has become a major consideration when deciding which acting roles to take. The BBC star has spoken openly about the effect intense characters can have on his wellbeing, admitting he has learned to be more selective about the work he takes on after experiencing serious mental health struggles.
Breakdown and treatment
Speaking to Radio Times, he revealed that he suffered another breakdown in 2023 and came close to having another the following year. He ultimately sought professional help at a residential trauma facility in Nashville, where he was initially due to spend four weeks but stayed for six.
Reflecting on the experience, the actor said it had a profound impact on his life. “I had another breakdown in 2023,” he said. “And I was almost going to have another one in 2024. I ended up in a facility in Nashville for originally four weeks, but stayed for six weeks. It not only changed my life, it saved my life.”
Preparing for demanding roles
Nicholas said the treatment also played a vital role in preparing him for his latest role as Kingsley in Fightland. The actor explained that the character was so emotionally demanding that, without the work he had done on himself, he did not believe he would have been able to portray him properly.
He said extensive therapy with his therapist, alongside support from his psychiatrist, had given him the emotional and psychological capacity needed for the part. “I wouldn’t have been able to play Kingsley,” he said. “I don’t think I had the emotional, mental and psychological capacity to hold who he was in my body.”
Mental health advocacy and recent work
His comments highlight why Nicholas now takes a more cautious approach to his career. Rather than simply considering whether a role is exciting or challenging, the actor has to think about how deeply a character could affect him and whether he is in the right place to take that on.
Nicholas has also used his public profile to encourage greater awareness around mental health. The actor has worked as an ambassador for mental health charity Mind, a role he has previously described as one of his proudest achievements. Speaking about his work with the charity, he said he sees fame as a responsibility and wants to use his platform to support people who may not otherwise have a voice.
It comes as the star recently paid a touching tribute to BBC Two Weeks in August co-star Antonia Thomas. Nicholas took on the role as Solomon, one half of what initially appears to be the perfect power couple alongside Jess, portrayed by Antonia. He opened up about the deep level of trust he shared with Antonia while filming the gripping drama, praising the actress for helping create an authentic and emotionally layered on-screen relationship.
“There was a lot of trust between Antonia and me,” he shared. “We had a lot of the same ideas, and being able to feel comfortable with your screen partner, especially somebody who's playing a partner, is really important. I found that immediately with Antonia.”
Fightland is on Thursday, August 27 from 9pm on Sky Atlantic. When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
