“I Cancel Reality for a While”: Cillian Murphy Reveals How His Iconic Role Affects His Mental Health

Cillian Murphy, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Tommy Shelby in the hit series Peaky Blinders, has become an open advocate for discussing the mental health challenges that come with his immersive acting style. In multiple interviews over the years, Murphy has shed light on the intense emotional toll his roles, particularly that of the tormented Shelby, have taken on his mental well-being. As Murphy continues to inspire audiences with his brilliant performances, he’s also urging a more honest conversation about mental health, particularly within the acting industry.

Immersing in Darkness: The Cost of Method Acting

Murphy’s approach to embodying his characters has always been one of deep immersion. In a 2019 interview with Esquire, he discussed how playing Tommy Shelby—an emotionally complex character shaped by the trauma of war—requires him to detach from reality. He explained that the role demanded an emotional investment so intense that it often left him feeling disconnected from his personal life. The process, which he refers to as “cancelling reality for a little while,” is essential for fully capturing the psyche of Shelby, a man deeply scarred by his past.

“The more you pull away from your real life, the closer you come to the character you’re trying to portray,” Murphy stated. This disconnection is not just an acting technique but a necessity in his method. However, it comes with a significant personal cost.

The Impact on Personal Life

The mental toll of such intense immersion extends beyond Murphy’s acting career and directly affects his home life. His wife, Yvonne McGuinness, and their two sons, Malachy and Aran, often experience his emotional withdrawal during filming periods. In his candid interview, Murphy revealed that the family often feels the absence of the man they know, as he becomes lost in his preparation for the role. He admits to not socializing or spending time with his family, instead focusing solely on learning lines and resting.

This self-imposed isolation is a clear illustration of the emotional strain of his acting method. As much as he transforms on screen, the toll it takes off-screen highlights the complex nature of method acting and its consequences on mental health.

Wrestling with Trauma: The Mirror of Tommy Shelby’s Struggles

Murphy’s discussion of his mental health struggles is not just a personal reflection but also a lens through which we can view the characters he portrays. In Peaky Blinders season five, the show delves into the trauma experienced by Tommy Shelby, exploring the psychological scars left by his experiences in World War I. This storyline, which explores themes of post-traumatic stress, mirrors Murphy’s own experiences with the psychological impact of playing a character so deeply entrenched in emotional conflict.

An article from Bolnews in 2023 echoed these points, emphasizing how Murphy’s portrayal of Shelby involved more than just a performance—it became a psychological journey that demanded significant mental restraint. Murphy himself coined the phrase “momentarily detach from reality” to describe how he navigates the emotional challenges of embodying such a complicated character. This process, while essential for his craft, further underscores the emotional cost that comes with portraying characters marked by trauma.

The Evolving Conversation on Men’s Mental Health

Beyond his acting career, Murphy has also been an advocate for broader conversations about mental health, particularly regarding Irish men and their emotional expression. In a 2024 interview with RTÉ, Murphy reflected on how societal changes are encouraging Irish men to be more open about their emotions. He noted that while this shift is positive, it is not without its challenges. For Murphy, this observation extends beyond his own personal struggles and into a larger conversation about the pressures faced by men, especially in professional environments like acting, where vulnerability is often masked by the demands of performance.

Conclusion: Breaking the Silence

Cillian Murphy’s openness about his mental health struggles offers a rare and honest perspective on the emotional toll of an acting career. His candid reflections on the personal and professional challenges of playing Tommy Shelby serve as a reminder that behind every powerful performance, there may be a personal cost. Murphy’s vulnerability not only challenges the traditional norms of masculinity but also underscores the importance of recognizing the mental health struggles faced by those in creative fields.

By sharing his experiences, Murphy is breaking down barriers and fostering a conversation that is long overdue—one that invites empathy, understanding, and, most importantly, change.