May 5th 2024.
Sheridan Smith, a well-known British actress, recently opened up about how her life took a downward spiral after her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2016. She was then playing the role of Fanny Brice on stage when her family received the heartbreaking news. This caused her to relive the trauma of losing her 18-year-old brother to the same disease when she was only eight years old. Sheridan described this experience as "doubly grieving" as she had to deal with both her father's illness and the memories of her brother's passing.
The 42-year-old actress not only missed performances of Funny Girl, but also took a two-month break from acting due to the overwhelming stress and exhaustion she was facing. During this time, she turned to heavy drinking and became addicted to anti-anxiety medication. In an interview with The Times, she admitted feeling ashamed of her behavior, especially since it was during a time when her father was suffering. She even attended the TV Baftas in 2016, during which she hit rock bottom in her hotel room.
At the ceremony, the host Graham Norton made a joke about having a drink, which triggered Sheridan to stop taking her medication that night. This led to multiple seizures and a trip to the hospital. It wasn't until she moved back to the countryside to recover that she realized the addictive nature of the medication and the potential side effects of suddenly stopping it. Unfortunately, her father passed away that winter with Sheridan by his side.
Thankfully, Sheridan is now in a much better place and has even returned to the stage in the play Opening Night. In the midst of playing a character who is going through a breakdown, she is managing her own emotions and leaving everything on the stage. She proudly stated that she feels the best she's ever felt and her performances are dedicated to her young son, Billy. In 2021, she split from Billy's father, Jamie Horn, but they co-parent their son amicably.
Sheridan is currently starring in Opening Night, a production based on the legendary film by John Cassavetes. The play follows a theatre company's preparations to stage a new play on Broadway, but drama ensues backstage when the leading lady is faced with tragedy. Due to the emotionally taxing nature of the story, the production has a therapist on hand for the entire cast. Sheridan has also expressed that all her performances are for her son, who has changed her world and is her main priority.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Sheridan remains positive and is grateful for the support of her loved ones. She even mentioned feeling guilty at times for not being able to spend more time with her son, but she is determined to show him that she and his father get along and that he is loved by many. In fact, she sees her son as the driving force behind everything she does and credits him for changing her life.
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