Tom Holland, best known for his role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has openly shared how living with dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects his acting work. In a recent interview, the 29-year-old actor explained the difficulties these conditions sometimes create and the methods he uses to manage them while preparing for roles.
Using Creativity to Overcome Challenges in Character Development
Holland described how receiving a blank canvas in acting can feel intimidating due to his ADHD and dyslexia.
“I have ADHD and I’m dyslexic, and I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas that it can be slightly intimidating,”
he told IGN. He added,
“Sometimes you are met with those challenges when developing a character.”
To navigate this, Holland emphasizes engaging his creative side by reconnecting with his inner child through play to better prepare for his performances.
He further elaborated,
“Any way that you can, as a young person or as an adult, interact with something that forces you to be creative and forces you to think outside the box and make changes, I think that the more we do that sort of stuff, the better.”
Early Diagnosis and Support from Family
Holland was diagnosed with dyslexia at age seven, which primarily affected his spelling. He reflected on this issue in a July 2023 conversation on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, stating,
“My dyslexia, it’s really just my spelling.”
He credits his parents for their continual encouragement throughout his education and challenges.
He shared,
“My spelling was really the biggest hurdle. I worked really hard at school. I didn’t do particularly well, but my parents said, ‘As long as you try your best.’”
This foundation of support has played a significant role in helping him manage his difficulties effectively.
Personal Life and Insight from Zendaya
Beyond his struggles with learning differences, Holland’s personal life also draws attention. His fiancée Zendaya recently offered a glimpse into their relaxed and normal dating routine, reflecting a grounded approach to their relationship amid busy careers.
Significance of Holland’s Openness
Tom Holland’s candidness about his experiences with dyslexia and ADHD helps raise awareness about these conditions, especially in demanding fields like acting. His approach encourages creativity as a coping tool and highlights the importance of support from family. By sharing his story, Holland provides inspiration to others facing similar challenges and demonstrates how perseverance and imagination can lead to success.
