Stephen Fry: Addiction, Al Pacino, Robin Williams & Philip Seymour Hoffman - BBC News

Subscribe to BBC News / bbcnews
Stephen Fry talks to BBC Breakfast about missing afternoon tea with Hollywood actor Al Pacino, his struggle with drink and drugs. He also remembered the late Robin Williams & Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Subscribe to BBC News HERE bit.ly/1rbfUog
Check out our website: www.bbc.com/news
Facebook: / bbcworldnews
Twitter: / bbcworld
Instagram: / bbcnews

[@johnday6392]

I owe my life to this man. I recently watched a video by him where he was telling men of a certain age to go and get their PSA tested to check for prostate cancer, I thought that I may as well as I hadn't had it checked for many years, sure enough, It was high and I was sent for MRI scans and biopsies and I had the news that I had prostate cancer, fairly aggressive form, but the good news was that it was still contained within the prostate gland. The surgeon told me that had I waited another year it would have got out into my bones and that would be a whole new ball game. Anyway I had it removed and hopefully, fingers crossed, I'm in the clear. If I had not watched Stephen Fry's video I would never have gone to my doctor about this as I had no symptoms whatsoever. So thankyou Mr. Fry from the bottom of my heart What a wonderful man you are.

[@degsbabe]

That's so lovely. You had to get a rich gay mans advise.

[@AB-ju4hx]

Thank you for sharing that story, best of Luck!

[@misleadingwolf4098]

@Joshua Morgan ,disgusting piece of shit!

[@robkunkel8833]

I’m happy for you! A nice story. Stephen got me to get a full check up today, too.

[@robkunkel8833]

Joshua Morgan ... Why do you say that? That’s such a weird, random thing to type. What is your reason for saying that?

[@drewgardner479]

Wow, that didn't feel like a TV interview, it was more like having an earnest discussion with a close friend. He was very generous to share such personal matters and insights.

[@markrichter2053]

drew gardner yes. He is so open. And they really are more like friends than just presenters. Its an unusual dynamic on breakfast tv. But Stephen has a disarmingly honest way that gives us all permission to be vulnerable

[@bradavon]

He's also well loved in the UK so could probably get away with it.

[@mattmorris2867]

@@2fast2block you really are a little confused.

[@2fast2block]

@@mattmorris2867 how you gave this detailed evidence of yours you think proved the science I gave is wrong... "you really are a little confused." Wow, give your small brain a rest.

[@luhole]

When he said Robin's quote "I can't make myself happy" I came that close to bursting into tears. What a tragedy.

[@emillyyelen5169]

unfortunately majority of comedians have such a state of mind...

[@davidigleniec2483]

Thanks for letting him talk.

[@The22on]

I'm used to American interviewer who abhor silence. If a guest pauses for a millisecond, the interviewer jumps in with a comment or question. I was shocked that the British interviewers always waited for a second or two after Fry spoke, to see if he had anything more to say. He often did have more to say. If he was being interviewed by Americans, much of his wisdom would not have been heard.

[@draquone]

David Igleniec prick

[@bamadeadhead]

Yes!! Thanks Americans are so impatient and so relevant here. Thanks for including us in EVERYTHING

[@fharper18]

You rarely see interviewers captivated but this is a rare exception.

[@BurnzyRaps]

“It’s crazy I can’t make myself happy” Depression is a terrible thing.

[@randalllaue4042]

Now real reason discovered...

[@dubdec99]

Robin Williams didn't take his life because of depression.

[@maxodgaard1335]

Spend time in the nature, its a universal help.....

[@mbs8126]

after that phrase, a moment of silence would have been advised, just to let that sink in for a while. But the host, unfortunately, intervened very quickly..

[@garywilson3042]

@@dubdec99 yeah, it was the brain disease that caused it, he was literally not in his right mind. He didnt know what he was doing towards the end.

[@danielhill8222]

I do feel entirely sorry for Stephen Fry, he is such a wise and enlightened man and yet like me he is crippled by depression. I myself can relate, even in this interview I can see how truly tired he is. Anybody who has depression knows what I am talking abut

[@ShadowinaCave]

Daniel Hill I hear ya, Daniel. Daily battle here as well, one that of late I'm losing far more often than I win. It's very frightening.

[@danielhill8222]

ShadowinaCave To be honest with yeah I have recently been seriously contemplating suicide but it is funny. I know I am just in bad shape right now and I do have things to look forward to it is just sometimes you are in so much pain. But man I implore you just to hang in their a little bit longer

[@Billo1281]

Daniel Hill Completely understand.

[@danielhill8222]

***** Drugs only make depression worst

[@danielhill8222]

Daniel Hill sorry worse

[@markmccabe-carton7800]

Interesting story. I love how the interviewers just shut up and let him speak. Why can't American interviewers do that?

[@Aurasmae]

Too many ad breaks. >-

[@Qgavctecsc]

Mark McCabe-Carton because american interviewers are ignorant

[@RobertSlover]

unlike the bbc we american capitalists have to break for commercial manipulation.

[@benedictearlson9044]

Because they are on coke or have had too many coffees.

[@lllllll6500]

let's be real for a second and not compare BBC with MTV or whatever commercial station comes to mind... There are public broadcasting stations in US that follow this very format. In part is because they don't have the stress of the sponsors and also because the journalists are of that particular type. Watch a segment on your local NPR and you'll find this very setup... good day everyone.

[@jeffballantyne8184]

Open. Honest. Raw. Real. Thank you.

[@bushidobadboy]

Stephen Fry: national treasure. His honesty, integrity and courage are mighty indeed!

[@nikhilsukumar23]

With all respect to Stephen Fry and to your admiration for this celeb who is also my inspiration. I very much would like to know exactly what Stephen Fry has accomplished in life. I want to know this because I am interested to be inspired more and more. I know that he is an actor and writer on depression. But what exactly has he done?

[@cBearTV-]

Yep, he really is a British treasure, who I think should be knighted for his charity work in particular. A really really great man, entertaining, engaging, caring. Stephen does a lot of charity work public don't know about, a huge amount, he's patron to charities also, but he does most that away from public eye, I'd say that's accomplishing a great deal throughout his life, and that's without his huge career on screen, theatre, and in literature, certainly far more than a lot of us will accomplish... So let's not be flippant, that's a huge accomplishment. I hope he gets the recognition he should. If you agree it should be #SirStephenFry give this a 👍

[@musicguy20]

Just look at the two presenters, how engaged they are with Stephen Fry. They look like small children so interested in the story. Shows how incredible Fry is even when talking about his demons. You can tell how honest and serious he is with every sentence. Raw emotion and everyone can relate no matter how good your life is, God or no God. We all struggle and fall in different periods of our lives. It's what makes us human. We just need to hold on tight and give a hand to those who are just about to let go. We'll only make it if we all make it.

[@Da-Niros-Smirk]

Those two beeb reporters can't hold a candle to that kind of intellect. So no wonder they are dumbfounded. It beats the usual vacuous drivel the BBC puts out

[@d1v1k40]

But you have to respect the reporters. They kept quite when he spoke and allowed him to speak as he needed for as long as he needed. They asked reasonable and good questions and made it a conversation not a Q&A. Something unnoticeable until it’s not there like with American reporters.

[@ryanbyrne259]

Amen bro

[@spreadthelove77]

musicguy20 Absolutely spot-on, mate.

[@tuulafai4046]

Yes

[@TranscendentLion]

I know it's highly unlikely that Mr. Fry is going to read this, but I would just like to say that he's an inspiration and a genuinely great person who is a pleasure to share this Earth with.

[@08453300222]

Is he on the same level as the students that started Oxfam and have saved millions from starving. Phew, maybe his charitable deeds have been unpublicized because of his great humility. Long live Mr Fry and his good will to all. Blessings to Transcendent Lion and all felines.

[@truth4928]

Gag me, he's a disgrace. Gross, the devil in disguise.

[@TranscendentLion]

I don't really see how a man who is talented, funny and with the best of intentions is a disgrace, but you're obviously coming at it from a different angle.

[@joansmith3296]

***** a disgrace? the man is brilliant he can take on any topic and school the rest of us. i admire people i can learn from

[@Theroadlesstaken]

***** What on earth are you babbling on about ? Stephen Fry is a living legend. I've got nothing but admiration for the man.

[@empydoodle]

7 years later I still watch this and am utterly speechless at how truly, truly amazing this man is. Nobody has ever quite inspired such a genuine devotion in me as Stephen, he makes the world a better place and is absolutely a reason to be proud to be British just to share the same island as our home.

[@barbaraarnzen5181]

I'm not a Brit but love Brits, especially Mr Fry. 💖

[@nyrbsamoht]

wow look at those 2 hanging on his every word - just like i was ! what a legend

[@ayushawasthi1690]

my god,if only all interviewers are like these two, there would be understanding and happiness in the world.

[@salvadormarley]

Look how engrossed the interviewers are with his stories. He's class

[@skinnerman100]

salvadormarley if only americans could adapt the same technique let the guest speak instead of listening to themselves

[@bradavon]

They also seemed a little uncomfortable in places too. This airs 6-8am 😅

[@salvadormarley]

@@bradavon Explain.

[@bradavon]

@@salvadormarley he's talking frankly about drug use at 6am 😅. They moved him along politely at one point.

[@salvadormarley]

@@bradavon Well yeah, now you come to mention it

[@glazedgamer7661]

I cried when he talked about Robin. I miss that man

[@jonhoward4884]

+GlazedGamer Robin was the best, he had no peer.

[@VINvIN344]

+GlazedGamer cried seriously? are you 4 ?

[@glazedgamer7661]

Nah mate, just in touch with a little thing called being a human. What are you, a robot?

[@MadBrainBox]

+GlazedGamer Yeah.That was powerful.When he talked about Philip Seymour Hoffman it was terrifying.A lesson to be learned I guess.

[@paulstone8175]

Boo hoo

[@liamc7097]

I could listen to Stephen Fry talk all day. He has the best stories and is so articulate. I pray he doesn't go the same way as the other greats. He really is a national treasure.

[@barbaraarnzen5181]

Absolutely true!

[@Noutchka]

I am really fond of Stephen Fry.

[@cantbarragethefarage9519]

Everyone loves him

[@ak-9295]

Gidon Rosalki i don't

[@cantbarragethefarage9519]

A Cox why not?

[@elente]

+A Cox No one cares...

[@cBearTV-]

Yep, he really is a British treasure, who I think should be knighted for his charity work in particular. A really really great man, entertaining, engaging, caring. Stephen does a lot of charity work public don't know about. If you agree it should be #SirStephenFry give this a 👍

[@roelvinckens5553]

His honesty cuts deep. Thanks to the interviewers for staying as invisible as possible. Thank you Mr. Fry, for everything.

[@barbaraarnzen5181]

Yes! 👍

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

I'm blown away that a morning show can ask great questions and allow time to be answered. Well done. Mr Fry is an icon for being open, honest and painfully intelligent so it's always encouraging to hear him speak uninterupted.

[@fionabarrie9697]

I adore Stephen Fry. I show my children almost anything I can find that he has said, written or performed. A truly good man, acknowledges his frailties with true regret. He should also be proud of who he is and all he has given to several generations! Beautiful Man!

[@Bruce-1956]

Could we not have a TV channel dedicated to Stephen and only Stephen.

[@debrimaybar2447]

I'd agree as long as we make it a streaming service.

[@cBearTV-]

How about a channel with... Stephen Fry, Sir David Attenborough, Prof Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchen (Previously taped debates RIP The Hitch), with the guests of they're choosing also. That would be one great channel, in fact I'd say we could almost eliminate the need for schools, and just have children watch this channel, wow we'd have one intelligent country! 👍😊

[@buffster948]

What a raw, real account of the difficulties people with addiction face in our society. Hats off to you, Stephen Fry and the BBC, as always. National treasures.

[@3kimkim3]

The wonderful Stephen Fry is now engaged... Hope they have a long and great relationship... Happy for you Mr. Fry...

[@maszlagma]

I hope Stephen is being looked after well! I want him to stay with us as long as possible!

[@maszlagma]

Jimi Jones I hope that is true and you really are!

[@Sedgwickism]

maszlagma don't be stupid

[@b9y]

Jimi Jones Sure you are...

[@chuckberry5355]

I thought the same about sir jimmi savile. Devastated!!

[@ramiel01]

Oh Jim, good to see you on here - I'm Mr Fry's pathologist. I need to send you Stephen's results from a few months back; I'll just type them out ok?

[@hawkingdawking4572]

Great and a honest person which I really admire- Stephen Fry.

[@cBearTV-]

Yep, he really is a British treasure, who I think should be knighted for his charity work in particular. A really really great man, entertaining, engaging, caring. Stephen does a lot of charity work public don't know about. If you agree it should be #SirStephenFry give this a 👍

[@uwu-pe2nt]

The interviewers did not only let him speak, you can actually see them lean closer and closer, soaking up his every word. A marvellous man.

[@davidsteninger2278]

It's refreshing that they let him talk! That's so rare in these kinds of interviews. The woman host asked some great questions, and then listened to the answers! Can't get enough of Stephen, such a wonderful, loving, articulate man.

[@antonwalker1866]

I really appreciate his authentic character and relaxing style. Stay healthy Stephen Fry!

[@stuartkseels]

What an amazing, intelligent & forthright man! So brave to speak SO openly about the issues that erode modern life & celebrity!

[@sazfretz1945]

Robin Williams didn't commit suicide because he had depression. He did it because he was struggling from Parkinson's and then got a diagnosis of Lewy Body Alzheimer's. I don't blame the poor man one bit for wanting to leave on his own terms while he still had the wherewithal to do so. He could never have borne deteriorating into a shell of his former self, nor have done putting his family through it.

[@pumper8032]

Saz Fretz I completely agree with you, he couldn’t have gone down from what he was , gone on his terms

[@Joe-xo4yg]

It broke my heart to hear he had taken his own life and not till i heard about his illness, did i understand. I miss him 🙁

[@rubyjames3105]

@@Joe-xo4yg me too

[@andrewg3768]

He probably didn't even know what he was doing because of the LBD!

[@greypilgrim228]

it probably didn't help that he had a dozen ex wives pestering him for money all the time, threatening him with legal action. I notice they were quick to distance themselves from any blame the moment the story hit, and jumped on the band wagon for anywhere they could point the blame.

[@seraphimra]

A very fine interview indeed.

[@shauns957]

Stephen Fry speaks so truthfully and down to earth, as someone who drinks alot and is fond of cocaine myself what he say's is the truth, theirs no lies their at all and he speaks without protecting ones imagine and vanity

[@rickiesee8666]

theadam22 I share a similar story. Fuck cocaine.

[@eluna34]

and shouting and music... and music and shouting... Stephen just described why I don't like parties

[@andromidius]

The wall of noise. And heat. And everyone else becoming less and less comprendable... I can manage small parties. Or if there is a decent outdoor area I can retreat to.

[@mrSam3ooo]

Me too. I much prefer a concert cause you can actually witness the act of talented people creating music and atmosphere

[@harrietthomas4032]

Bless his heart. I hope that Stephen keeps it together mentally. Lots of healing love to him xxx

[@jinjatube]

Person being real (irrespective of his fame, a bit tired from medication, unshaven, and stilll focussed on passing on important information) + interviewers know it and just let him speak = a rare live TV magical moment

[@Canuckmom128]

This interview is at least 3 years old ( 2014). If you've seen anything of Stephen in the past 24 months, you will know that he is now back in "fighting form", having returned to his regimen of long walks, and more importantly is now married and seems to be very happy and contented. The world could use a lot more Stephen Fry. He personifies so much of what is good about human beings.

[@barbaraarnzen5181]

Yes indeed! ❤️

[@meto2854]

The way the hosts listen to him is a rarity. Wonderful hosts and a person worth listening to!

[@el6178]

Stephen had such an powerful effect to so many lives with his extraordinary mind and effortless warmth.

[@psychotictactoe]

Massive love for Steven, national treasure, he's as real as it gets and i hope he stays with us for many years more.

[@barbaraarnzen5181]

Yes! 👍

[@Orion3741]

A brutally honest interview from the man himself, Stephen Fry. The interviewers were exceptionally considerate to let Fry talk. To give him the freedom of the studio. That silence in the background while he was recounting his life and that of others, was remarkable. So much so, that you could hear a pin drop. Thank you.

[@grahamjenkin2882]

A true gent who's walked the walk & can therefore talk the talk. And with such insight, compassion & intelligence. A diamond.

[@boccs9925]

"It's not that he was funny. He *was* Funny. Whatever funniness is, he was it." might be the highest praise you could give, especially from so accomplished a comedian and entertainer as Stephen Fry.

[@jordancrago5129]

I agree with him about the party thing...especially clubs. The music is so loud you can't even have a conversation, everybody suddenly becomes even more shallow than they normally are, the drinks are extortionate, and it's always the same "let's take a selfie so that tomorrow when we're too hung over and sleep deprived that we've wasted half of our weekend, we can wistfully go through them, like and share and comment on them on FB and ten do it all again next weekend"...God, it gets boring...

[@c0der1020]

+Jordan Crago So just don't do it.. I got bored with going to bars and clubs at around age 24. Haven't been to one in 6 years.. Why complain about something you can just stop doing?

[@paulstone8175]

The music is also shit

[@spaceghost8995]

Not me. I quit drinking 26 years ago!

[@petertaylor6384]

It sounds truly awful when you just say it. You would never drink 10 pints of orange juice...

[@lynneslates2136]

I’m so grateful when Stephen Fry (and other popular individuals with dedicated audiences) speak up about mental illness and addiction. These are such difficult topics and it takes a brave vulnerability to speak about this things and I, as someone with a mental illness, really appreciate knowing and hearing that I’m not the only one who feels the desperation and exhaustion. Thank you, Sir.

[@lefteris1976]

incredible. the interviewers are mesmerized like little children. the wonderfully captivating stephen fry....

[@beautybybev]

Such an honest portrayal from Mr. Fry! Wishing him all the best!

[@1interesting2]

More of him talking openly like this please BBC

[@judithdavidson2356]

Thank you for your openness about your illness. My older son died at the age of 29 as a result of his bipolar disorder. It was impossible for innumerable doctors to force him to continue with his medication . Anyone who fails to understand the condition should watch the excellent film with Richard Gere which many psychiatrists use in training. I wish you and anyone suffering from any mental disorder a better year to come .

[@alanratcliffe1294]

Nothing but love to Stephen, whatever your struggle in life this is a man to listen to xx

[@Whigu]

I'm big fan of Stephen Fry. He is one of those rare people who can be funny and smart at the same time and of course serious when needed.

[@TheBassHeavy]

I honestly don't think we will ever get such an honest and open interview from anyone.

[@Christrulesall2]

I love this man! A library on legs,

[@Ts-vt5wd]

A more deep . Intelligent. Caring .and special man you couldn't meet ..I wish him and everyone who struggles with these issues nothing but the best for the future. Stay strong ...

[@debwise8357]

Love Stephen Fry, he's such a beautiful and caring man, his honesty is a gift to us all who are struggling with being human and having any kind of numerous frailties that may come with it.

[@NowFunStarts]

Im like this in the morning too.....Love Fry and congratulations on the marriage, and keep writing :)

[@manicenigmatic5329]

For those saying Stephen is addicted/sleepy/tired/unprofessional etc. He announced he has a new diagnosis of Bipolar 1. Unlike his former flavour of Bipolar light. Bipolar 1 needs medication such as Lithium and sometimes anti psychotics. Until they reach a therapeutic level this effect in Stephen is classic of those on treatment. It is also classic symptoms of hyper-mania and in particular mixed states. He without sin cast the first stone.

[@markrichter2053]

Manic Enigmatic Well said! 😊

[@Nautilus1972]

Oh fuck, he's an entitled spoiled prick with millions of pounds and gets everything for free. Stop feeling so bloody sorry for him.

[@Ridghost]

How's that pint of bitter & salt with your chips? Ya envious, unsympathetic prick.

[@paulstone8175]

@@Ridghost I think he prefers sausage with his chips to fish, he's a backdoor customer

[@nicoles7800]

I agreed with your assessment, until your last sentence. Mental illness is not a sin Many enlightened people suffer.

[@davevansega1771]

Great actor,comedian and very intelligent.Wears his heart on his sleeve.Fair play .

[@Cal-md1et]

When Stephen Fry talks he captivates 100% of your attention. Every word he says is so genuine and thought out

[@chrish12345]

not bad for 9am, normally they're droning on about the weather or house prices

[@makinoahcelloduo9008]

I agree with him about parties. I have given up drinking and going to a party sober is a horrifying idea.

[@user-jt1jv8vl9r]

I remember going to a club as the named driver and the last hour of cheesy music was torture when surrounded by drunk people. Then the annoying drive home! Lol

[@AdolfoRufatt]

One of the smartest, interesting, compassionate and most talented persons on this planet.

[@vilhelmhammershoi3871]

Stephen Fry, what a pleasure it is to hear you speak. Every single time you speak or are interviewed, you contribute to someone's personal betterment. You are a blessing, sir.

[@michelle88960]

When Stephen said that when Robin was told he had made all those people happy and Robin said "Yes, but I can't make myself happy." My heart broke. So sad. As for the conversation about drugs, I've been down that road myself, mainly to block bad memories out. If there's a pill or a powder that can make you forget or make you happy, when all you want to do is curl up in bed and make the world go away, then you will take it. It's better than being depressed. Luckily I saw sense mainly due to the come downs from those drugs, I would feel worse than ever. I don''t remember the 80's at all. People laugh when I tell them I've lost a whole decade, in a way I avoided some shit music that was around then, but it's blanked out due to drink and drugs.

[@goddamnthedamned]

Gutted to hear him say, 'It stays with you forever.' mostly because it's true and something I never wanted to believe. I guess if that part of yourself cannot change then your interaction with the world will not produce a different result until you come up with a solid strategy. How does one stop being so sensitive and vulnerable though? These guys, they are such wonderful creators because of this one quality - so what makes them great also makes them suffer, in a sense. Heartbreaking.

[@danvez5656]

ive found the most severely depressed to be also the most empathetic, it does seem to come hand in hand.

[@LanaAnneMD]

wow. Thank you. You don't know how many lives you may have saved with this interview🙏💖

[@catatonicbug7522]

This frank honesty about addiction and mental illness is what we desperately need more of in the media.

[@noob_senpai]

I wish him all the bests, he is an amazing person and comedian, who cheered me up with his appearances during some very difficult days. I don't think there is anyone else like him.

[@barbaraarnzen5181]

One of a kind! 👍❤️

[@CullTheLivingFlower]

It's a shame he's put on weight again. He's my favorite person in the whole world I do hope he takes care of himself and lives the longest life possible.

[@patbrennan6572]

i agree, too much weight isn't healthy at any age, but it;s hard to loose it though.

[@PlumbobMillionaire]

CullTheLivingFlower Addiction to pork pies is healthier than cocaine any day of the week.

[@TheDensley7]

+CullTheLivingFlower Isn't your favourite person in the whole world someone you know?

[@CullTheLivingFlower]

TheDensley7 Sadly, no.

[@themudpit621]

+CullTheLivingFlower Wow, that IS sad. (sincerely) Now I feel sad for you! I hope that changes for you. Peace.

[@jorg1206]

I just love Stephen Fry,what a wonderful, wise person, and his accent!

[@aliciasaracino1233]

He is right on point, very accurate description of addiction and why it’s such a problem with so many.

[@SunnyBear]

Very well conducted interview, good pauses and good questions. Absolutely nothing like any American talk show. :)

[@christiner6000]

Stephen Fry is one of the most fascinating and erudite people on this planet. Does that mean he's perfect? NO, but he does display a certain humility and self-awareness that I find impressive. As to the possibility of sleep apnea, I would have to agree. He usually sounds "stuffed up" when he talks and it could account for his apparent sluggishness. But also, I've seen his program on mental illness and know he is on drugs for his bipolar problem that could account for some of it also. I'm sorry to hear that his bipolar diagnosis is worse then he had previously thought.

[@BRICKMASONB201]

but you can tell he's being very, very honest and self-effacing.

[@moiralaidlaw6366]

I so agree. I think he's inspirational. Like David Attenborough, when his time finally comes, I know I will mourn because he is so special.

[@MartinHatchuel]

Brilliant man, and kudos to the interviewers for allowing that to shine without trying to grab the limelight for themselves. I loved how they sat literally on the edge of their seats, just as I did while listening to Stephen Fry

[@paulflipse3353]

It's lovely to have someone you respect and admire, as I do with Stephen Fry, speak so highly and eloquently of another one of my favorite people, Robin Williams.

[@Taylorwinning92]

Good on you Stephen

[@estherday2239]

He sounds and seems so exhausted in this though i'm hardly surprised as he had just recently heard about Robin Williams suicide. Sending out much love to him and Robin and anyone else suffering from clinical depression.

[@drobinbarker]

Brilliant! It is so refreshing to see an apparently highly intelligent and candid gentleman sharing such important information and reality; which if listened to carefully could save many lives!

[@busdriver428]

The more I hear Stephen Fry speak the more he warms my heart!

[@phillipbailey70]

Very well interviewed - they just let him speak. At first, you're tempted to think that it's an instruction in their ears that prompts and sustains their silence... but then at the @5:06 to @5:08 mark there is a prefect example of them mirroring his arm raise that I think shows that they are just simply fascinated with what he has to say. I understand - I could listen to him all day too.... :)

[@letsif]

It's sad how wisdom, intelligence and humility can be subverted by addiction.

[@beccastell6439]

Even sadder that those with mental illness get exploited by those who know damn well the risk of addiction in bipolar.

[@bonkerzx200]

Knowledge is pain, ignorance is bliss...

[@keithcrooks7217]

I believe those qualities are developed by addiction, not subverted.

[@yolandarosado3293]

Addiction doesn't discriminate...movie star or bum on the street..we all end up the same way..

[@metsot]

It's just that it doesn't happen that way ..those traits aren't subverted by anything. The susceptibility to addiction is often there from an early onset ..sexual trauma etc.

[@mosaabdullah7256]

He knows how to make u listen to him deeply. He entered your mind, and soul easily I do not know how he does it. A big fan from Saudi 👍🏻

[@carolking6355]

He is not only a really nice person but he is very brave. I hope he manages to take care of himself. ❤️

[@lorrainetauson131]

Most interesting points of view from Stephen Fry.

[@theRealPlaidRabbit]

I think it's worth pointing out that a number of the medications often prescribed for conditions such as Mr. Fry's do have the unfortunate side effect of causing significant weight gain (whether by changing how the brain signals hunger or by changing the way the body metabolizes food is beyond my expertise). Not as a judgement against or for anyone, but simply as a reminder that the body and the mind are both rather complicated things. Wishing Mr. Fry well, grateful for the many times he has made me laugh, and hoping I haven't seen the last of those.

[@user-og6hl6lv7p]

+theRealPlaidRabbit Daniel Johnston ways a fucking tonne now too, and they also look much much older than they should be

[@reinforcedpenisstem]

+theRealPlaidRabbit AND weight loss in some people. The side-effect list for the Prozac family of drugs is massive.

[@theRealPlaidRabbit]

True. Psych medication is still, at the end of the day, based on fiddling with an immensely complex system in a relatively simplistic way. Sometimes it seems like trying to debug a computer program by adjusting the voltage of the wall socket.

[@squashedshibber2684]

+theRealPlaidRabbit so? I think anyone would rather be fat any day then have crippling psychotic episodes, endless mania and depression that leaves someone wanting to die each day.

[@theRealPlaidRabbit]

Seal Girl Perhaps so. Weighing the side-effects against the disease is not a calculation I'd want to make for any other person.

[@arthurrowe1246]

Great man! A very sympathetic and heartfelt account of addiction.

[@Arruda305]

This is the great power and difference that influential people's can do! A FANTASTIC ACTOR AND PERSON!!!!!!

[@6u..]

i know depression well just like many of us; it's so true when he quotes williams to say making thousands of people happy doesn't guarantee you feel ok with your own self; i tried making people happy too, with more effort than most can probably imagine, with no true difference to my own self worth; what DID make a difference was when i realized, despite of years of brainwashing by a narcissistic parent i still know what's right and wrong - i know this for sure because i fell madly in love with people such as Stephen Fry, one of my absolute top heroes, people like him make me turn away from sadness and anger and be proud of myself for making every single day decisions dedicated to people like him, because of what he does and who he is, a simple 'thank you' would never do him justice

[@cameron1975williams]

"A slow suicide." - I'm afraid that's exactly correct.

[@user-pk7xo8bb2v]

I admire Stephen so much for being so open. I could listen to his stories all the time and learn so much from him. I know where he's coming from. Thank you Stephen for sharing, you will never know how much it helps me.

[@barbaraarnzen5181]

Same!

[@ian1patterson]

A very candid approach from a very articulate wonderful human being on the perils of addiction.

[@Fancymanofthedeep]

A beautiful human being.

[@patbrennan6572]

fry is a great narator, i wish he would do more nature programs, david atenburough is also amazing,.

[@carolynworthington8996]

Pat Brennan I love his narration of Pokoyo, a tv program for preschoolers.

[@StephenGoddard-MiisterSpiice]

Love the honesty of Stephen. Depression though is a real issue in these modern times.

[@jameswhite7997]

A thoughtful and compassion soul.

[@littleripper312]

He's right on that it lives with the addicted person forever. Many of us who have not had addiction issues don't fully understand why our loved one(s) cannot just choose to not do it or why they have a relapse years later. When something depressing happens in their life they can have one of those relapses which they might not come back from. It's been a scary thing to witness how powerless they are and how powerless our family members are. I have to admit it took me years to be sympathetic because I didn't really understand how powerful addiction is for some people. It has the power to make that family member lie to your face, steal and go completely out of control.

[@rachael-777]

littleripper312 So true!

[@beccastell6439]

I think the hardest part was being lied to by family who are not even protecting the addicted person - just their own image. Nephew would maybe be alive today if we had been allowed to help....

[@Zlinky111]

Well said.

[@TheLegenDacster]

What a brave interview of genuineness and accuracy about this issue, instead of the usual ignorant crap. Thank-you Stephen.

[@kjeldlarsen7457]

i could listen to him all day , may your way in life have a bright light on it forward

[@doriangrayakabeatrixxbibi676]

I had not seen Stephen Fry in his personal history. I had just seen bits. I appreciate the brutal honesty regardless of how people view his opinions. Thank you for the clip.