Carice van Houten, the internationally recognized Dutch actress known for her roles in “Game of Thrones” and numerous other films, has spoken candidly about her struggles with anxiety and the measures she once took to manage it during live television appearances. Van Houten revealed she relied on beta-blockers to cope with the intense pressure of being on air, a practice she found deeply unsettling. This disclosure offers a rare glimpse into the often-hidden anxieties faced by performers and the lengths some go to in order to fulfill professional obligations.
The actress recounted her experiences during a recent interview, detailing how the stress of live TV dates back to her early career. Even as a guest on the popular Dutch talk present Barend & Van Dorp, she found herself overwhelmed by nervousness, leading to unusual coping mechanisms. “I used to eat an entire bowl of nuts – probably three years classic, they were so stale – just to distract myself from the anxiety,” she shared. This early experience foreshadowed the more drastic measures she would later seize.
The Weight of Live Television
Van Houten’s reliance on beta-blockers specifically related to her appearances on the Dutch talk show De Wereld Draait Door. Beta-blockers are typically prescribed to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart and trembling, but they don’t address the underlying psychological causes. “I only got through an episode of De Wereld Draait Door if I took a beta-blocker beforehand. I still find that kind of performance terrifying,” she stated. The revelation highlights the significant pressure placed on public figures to maintain composure, even when battling internal turmoil. According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, beta-blockers can have side effects, including dizziness, nausea, and fatigue, and are not a long-term solution for anxiety. More information on beta-blockers can be found on the NHS website.
Interestingly, Van Houten finds acting itself less stressful. “When I’m playing a role, I can somehow hide behind a character,” she explained. This suggests that the performative aspect of acting, with its defined boundaries and scripted dialogue, provides a sense of security that the spontaneity of live television lacks. The ability to embody someone else allows her to distance herself from the immediate pressure, and scrutiny.
A New Challenge: Presenting ‘A Beautiful Mess’
Despite her discomfort with live appearances, Van Houten has recently taken on a new challenge: hosting her own program, A Beautiful Mess, which premiered on NPO in April 2024. The show, a fashion competition, presents a different kind of pressure. While she found the presenting itself manageable, the elimination aspect of the show proved emotionally taxing. “The presenting went well, but A Beautiful Mess is also a race to eliminate contestants, and the first time someone was sent home, I actually cried,” she admitted. This demonstrates a capacity for empathy and a genuine emotional investment in the participants, adding another layer of complexity to her role as host.
The show’s format, described as a competition where participants transform discarded clothing into new designs, adds a unique element to the Dutch television landscape. It’s a departure from traditional fashion shows and aims to promote sustainability and creativity. The emotional weight of sending contestants home, however, underscores the human cost inherent in competitive reality television.
A Shared Project and Growing Connection
The interview also touched upon a recent collaboration with Kees van der Spek, who played a role in a new online series alongside Van Houten. She described her co-star as someone she’s grown closer to through the project, playfully stating, “I’m crazy about my co-star.” Details about the series remain limited, but the positive dynamic between the two actors suggests a promising creative partnership.
Van Houten’s openness about her anxiety and coping mechanisms is a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health, particularly within the entertainment industry. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities challenges the often-perpetuated image of effortless perfection and encourages others to seek help when needed. The pressures of fame and public scrutiny can be immense, and her story serves as a reminder that even successful individuals grapple with internal struggles.
Looking ahead, Van Houten will continue to host A Beautiful Mess, navigating the emotional challenges of the competition while promoting sustainable fashion. The series is expected to continue airing on NPO, offering viewers a blend of creativity, competition, and heartfelt moments. Further updates on the show’s progress and Van Houten’s future projects can be found on the NPO website. Visit NPO for more information.
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