Mike Myers, the comedic genius behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic characters,
recently opened up about a deeply personal and vulnerable moment he experienced while working on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL),
a show that helped launch his career into the stratosphere of fame and success.
Myers, who had been a key player in the show’s cast during the 1990s, reflected on a time when he had a profound anxiety attack—
one that struck him unexpectedly as he came to a startling realization about his career and personal life.
This moment, as Myers now explains, was a turning point in his journey, both professionally and emotionally.
At the height of his time on *SNL*, Myers was riding the wave of success, having already made his mark with memorable sketches and characters such as Wayne Campbell from *Wayne’s World*. His undeniable talent and quick wit had already won him a dedicated fan base, and he was becoming one of the most sought-after comedians in the entertainment industry. However, amid this whirlwind of success and attention, Myers began to feel an increasing sense of pressure. The weight of being a beloved public figure and living up to the expectations of his fans and colleagues began to take a toll on his mental health.
In an interview, Myers described the experience that led to his anxiety attack during his *SNL* years. “I was on set, doing a sketch, and everything seemed to be going fine. But then, suddenly, I had this moment where I realized that I was overwhelmed,” he admitted. “It hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized that I had been pushing myself so hard to be funny, to be the best, and I was so caught up in the idea of pleasing everyone, that I had neglected myself. It was like a switch flipped, and everything just came crashing down.”
The realization that Myers had been prioritizing the expectations of others over his own well-being was a sobering one. As a comedian, he had spent years perfecting his craft, constantly striving to push boundaries and deliver the next big laugh. However, in the process, he had become so consumed by his work and the demands of being in the public eye that he had lost sight of what truly mattered to him personally. The result was an intense wave of anxiety, one that took him by surprise and left him feeling disoriented and emotionally drained.
The anxiety attack, according to Myers, was not something he had ever experienced before. “It was like I couldn’t breathe, like my chest was tightening, and my thoughts were racing,” he recalled. “I didn’t know what was happening to me, and I didn’t know how to make it stop. It was terrifying.” Myers went on to describe how, in that moment, he felt completely disconnected from the work he loved so much and the people around him. “I was surrounded by people, but I felt alone in my head. I was struggling to keep it together, but inside, I was falling apart.”
For someone who had built a career on making people laugh, the experience of feeling so vulnerable and out of control was difficult to reconcile. Myers had spent much of his life perfecting the art of comedy and embracing the persona of the funny, quick-witted performer, but in this moment, he realized that comedy couldn’t mask the deeper emotional struggles he was facing. The pressure to constantly deliver, to be the perfect comedic force, had begun to erode his sense of self.
The aftermath of the anxiety attack was a turning point for Myers. It forced him to reevaluate his relationship with fame, success, and his own mental health. “I had to take a step back and really ask myself what I wanted out of life, out of my career, and out of myself,” he explained. “I knew I couldn’t continue to live my life just trying to make people laugh if I wasn’t also taking care of myself.” In the months that followed, Myers sought professional help, working with a therapist to better understand his anxiety and to learn how to cope with the stress and pressures that come with fame. He also made a conscious decision to take time for himself, focusing on his mental and emotional well-being rather than constantly chasing success or approval from others.
Through this process of self-reflection and healing, Myers gained a new perspective on his life and career. He realized that his value did not lie solely in his ability to make people laugh or in the public’s perception of him. Instead, he began to understand the importance of being true to himself and setting boundaries in order to protect his mental health. This shift in mindset was crucial in allowing Myers to continue pursuing his career in comedy while also maintaining a healthier balance between his work and personal life.
While Myers’ anxiety attack was a deeply challenging experience, it ultimately became a catalyst for growth and self-awareness. It allowed him to understand that even the most successful and outwardly confident individuals can struggle with their mental health, and it is important to address those struggles rather than ignore them. Myers now speaks openly about his experiences with anxiety, hoping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage others to seek help when needed.
The anxiety attack on the *SNL* set also gave Myers a newfound appreciation for the importance of self-care. In the years following that experience, he began to take more time off between projects and focus on things that brought him joy outside of work. Whether it was spending time with loved ones, exploring new creative outlets, or simply enjoying the quiet moments of life, Myers realized that true fulfillment didn’t come from external validation or the pursuit of constant success. It came from within, from finding peace and balance in all aspects of his life.
In sharing this deeply personal story, Myers has opened up about the realities of fame and the pressures that come with it. His vulnerability has resonated with fans and fellow comedians alike, who have praised him for using his platform to raise awareness about mental health. By being honest about his struggles, Mike Myers has demonstrated that it is possible to overcome the challenges that come with fame and success, and that taking care of oneself is just as important as making others laugh.
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