Jessie Buckley Says Acting Helped Her Beat Depression

Irish actress Jessie Buckley has said that acting became a lifeline during her teenage years, as she was battling an eating disorder and depression. Buckley is widely considered as a strong contender for this year’s Academy Award for Best Actress. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, the actress described acting as something that is deeply essential to her identity. She explained that the craft helped her to navigate difficult moments earlier in life. And also shape the person that she has become today.

Buckley, who grew up in County Kerry and now lives in Norfolk, has recently earned several major awards for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, in Hamnet. The film is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel of the same name. As a result, her performance has placed her firmly in the race for an Oscar. However, while discussing her success, Buckley reflected more on the personal struggles that preceded it.

“I didn’t know how to be alive the way I wanted to be, and it was difficult”, she said. “But I do not for a second regret it, and I think I’ve been able to transform it and recognize our vulnerabilities as humans in the world”.

Acting became a Turning Point in the life of Jessie Buckley

Buckley told presenter Lauren Laverne that her passion for theatre and music ultimately motivated her to confront her mental health challenges. At one stage, the stakes felt very real, she explained. “There were moments where I was like, ‘if I don’t get better here, this music, this being part of theatre – I’m not going to be able to do this anymore, and I probably won’t survive’”, she said. Nevertheless, that realization became a turning point in her life.

“And that was the thing that turned it in my head”, she added. “I was like, ‘I don’t want to sacrifice that, this is bigger than that’, and won”. Indeed, Buckley said that when she stepped on stage for the first time, she confirmed that she had discovered her path. “It was like drinking water”, she said, while adding that performing quickly felt necessary to her life. Meanwhile, her work in Hamnet has already brought major recognition that includes both a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.

Reflection on Jessie Buckley’s Early Fame and Family

Buckley first gained national attention in 2008 on the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything, which searched for an actress to play Nancy in a West End production of Oliver!. However, she also recalled that the sudden public scrutiny proved difficult, particularly when commentators criticized her appearance.

“I was putting a brave face on”, she said while explaining that she simply wanted to sing, act, and build a career. “And all of a sudden you had to be a certain kind of person. And I just wasn’t, I never will be”. Finally, the actress spoke emotionally about her family, choosing a recording of her mother, Marina, singing O Holy Night in church as one of her selections for the program. “My parents are no longer together”, Buckley said. “And she’s writing her own story right now at 60 years of age, and I’m so proud of her”.

Web Resources on Jessie Buckley’s Story of Healing Through Acting

1. TheIndependent.com: Jessie Buckley says she doesn’t regret appearance on BBC talent contest.
2. HELLOMagazine.com: Jessie Buckley details terrifying health scare she nearly didn’t ‘survive’ – and reveals eating disorder battle.
3. IrishTimes.com: love of music, theatre helped me cope with eating disorder and depression.
4. TheGuardian.com: Why Hamnet should win the best picture Oscar.