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Stephen Fry 'may well' kill himself

  • Source: Bang Showbiz
  • Date: 1 June 2011
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Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry ''may well'' kill himself because of his on-going battle with bipolar disorder.

Stephen Fry says he "may well" kill himself.

The 'QI' presenter has always been open about his on-going battle with bipolar disorder, and believes people don't realise how serious the disease is, even if someone suffers from a milder form of it.

He said: "It's a morbid condition and any doctor will tell you it is one of the most serious morbid conditions that is present in Britain.

"The fact that I am lucky enough not to have it so seriously doesn't mean that I won't one day kill myself, I may well."

The 53-year-old actor - who opened up about his illness during an interview with Professor Laurie Taylor for 'In Confidence' on Sky Arts - believes he can use his fame to help others who suffer from the condition and wishes more celebrities would do the same, such as journalist Janet Street Porter.

He explained: "One thing that fame gives you that's good, is that you are essentially immune from stigma.

"Stupid people like Janet Street-Porter - who is a friend of mine, but she can be stupid about these things, or at least deliberately provocative - say, 'Oh, why do celebrities bang on about it?' Well, there's a good reason. There are millions out there whose lives are utterly blighted."

More: Celebrity gossip, TV gossip (Celebrity gossip), bipolar, QI, Stephen Fry

Comments

1. Rassell, Beijing, China – 3 June 2011, 7:17amReport

Thank you Stephen for your candour.

I don't have bi-polar myself, although I have suffered from severe depression in the past. Depression is bad enough. Knowing that you will swing in and out, always returning - must be a living hell. I have always liked and admired Stephen Fry, and even more so now.

Please, Stephen, please don't rob the world of a brilliant entertainer and a wonderful person. I hope to see you perform and speak out for many more years.

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