Jonah Hill announced that he will not be promoting his soon-to-be-released documentary film — or any upcoming projects for the foreseeable future — to avoid the anxiety attacks he often suffers during press tours.
The 38-year-old actor penned an open letter to share and explain his decision to cease promoting any new movies indefinitely in order to focus on his mental health.
Hill — whose new documentary “Sputz” focuses on his mental health struggles — said that for nearly two decades, he has been inflicted with anxiety attacks that are worsened by media appearances and public-facing events.
“Through this journey of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public facing events,” Hill wrote in the open letter first published by Deadline.
The documentary directed by Hill focuses on his struggles with mental health and features his own therapist.
Jonah Hill says his documentary “Sputz” will focus on mental health struggles, as he hopes it can help others struggling.FilmMagic“The whole purpose of making this film is to give therapy and the tools I’ve learned in therapy to a wide audience for private use through an entertaining film,” he added in the open letter.
Hill said “Stutz” is set to make its world premiere at a prestigious film festival in the autumn.
“However, you won’t see me out there promoting this film, or any of my upcoming films, while I take this important step to protect myself,” he wrote. “If I made myself sicker by going out there and promoting it, I wouldn’t be acting true to myself or to the film.”
“I hope the work will speak for itself,” he added.
The “21 Jump Street” actor added that is lucky to be able to take time away from work to focus on his mental health.
“I usually cringe at letters or statements like this but I understand that I am of the privileged few who can afford to take time off,” Hill wrote. “I won’t lose my job while working on my anxiety.
He said the open letter is not just a way break the news of his no-press decision, but also encouragement for more people to speak about mental health.
“With this letter and with “Stutz,” I’m hoping to make it more normal for people to talk and act on this stuff,” Hill wrote. “So they can take steps towards feeling better and so that the people in their lives might understand their issues more clearly.”
He said he hopes “Stuz” will help New Yorkers and others struggling with mental health.
