Richard Gadd: Writing Helped Overcome Dark Struggles

Richard Gadd has admitted that there was a time in his life 'when the darkness got too much' as he reflected on his struggle with drink and drugs. 

The comedian and producer, 36, has told how 'writing became his therapy' he turned his trauma into show's such as hit Baby Reindeer and his upcoming series Half Man. 

While his latest six-episode drama isn't autobiographical, Richard has said how there are themes he relates to, such as 'confusion, trauma, and abuse.'

After suffering with various ordeals throughout his twenties, the Scottish actor is now sober, but explained on how 'paradoxically' his dark thoughts built his success. 

Recalling that time in his life, he said: 'I struggled but in a lot of ways you become more wise and just grow up. 

'Yet I still have down days. I am not the finished article, but there was a time in my life where the darkness was just too much.'

Adding in an interview with The Times, Richard that therapy and distraction did not help him but credited his work for allowing him to work through it.   

'I wish I could have escaped. I wish I could’ve distracted myself, but I could not, and so the writing allowed me to go through the pain and out the other side,' he said. 

His next project Half Man 'follows estranged ‘brothers’ Niall (Jamie Bell) and Ruben (Richard) after Ruben shows up unexpectedly at Niall’s wedding,' according to the BBC.

A violent outburst at the wedding forces them – and viewers – back through the formative moments of their lives, probing masculinity, identity and the damage families do. 

It will take part over 40 years from the 1980s to the present day and cover 'the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way.'

Richard was catapulted to worldwide fame after writing Netflix drama Baby Reindeer, which has had more than 250 million views on the streaming service.

The show depicts the story of a female stalker who harassed Gadd, from Wormit, Fife, over a number of years. 

It sees his character Donny being hounded by Martha (Jessica Gunning) after he serves her a free cup of tea in the pub where he works. The seven-part series is inspired by his 2019  Fringe show of the same name. 

Baby Reindeer won six Emmys, two Golden Globes and received the most nominations at last year’s Bafta TV awards - though won only one for Jessica as best supporting actress.

Previously Richard spoke with DailyMail.com about a surprise star he's interested in working with. 

Although he seemingly has a bevy of British and American stars looking to work with him, Gadd sounded excited about the possibility of teaming up with a major wrestler-turned-film star: .

'I love The Rock. I'm waiting for his call currently,' Gadd joked when asked if he'd consider working with the Jumanji star.

'No, he hasn't been in touch,' Gadd clarified, but he wouldn't mind a call, as he is a 'big wrestling fan.'

Even though that fact seems to surprise people, he admitted that one of his dreams would be a 'road trip with me, The Rock, John Cena, and let's just say Bret Hart.' 

'I don't know what we'll talk about, but we'll do it,' he continued. 'They'll be talking and I'll just be there... '