Actor David Harbour, known for his role as Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, has captivated audiences with his performances and charm. Despite years of working alongside stars like Denzel Washington and Kate Winslet, Harbour once doubted if he’d ever achieve real success.
He was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his 20s and spent time in a mental health institution following a psychotic break. Despite these challenges, he has channeled his experiences into his acting, particularly in his acclaimed role in Stranger Things.
David Harbour opened up about his mental illness before he landed his famous role in Stranger Things
Actor David Harbour has openly spoken about his struggles with depression, particularly during his 20s and 30s, before his success in Stranger Things. He has described feeling aimless and unsure about his acting career, which contributed to his depression.
David Harbour spent years playing supporting roles alongside some acting legends. He shared the screen with Denzel Washington in The Equalizer and with Kate Winslet in Revolutionary Road, playing smaller roles.
In The Equalizer, he played Masters, a corrupt cop, while in Revolutionary Road, he portrayed Shep Campbell, a suburban neighbor entangled in the drama. However, he never felt he got the recognition he deserved.
During an interview with GQ magazine, talking about the same, he said:
I had got to a place in my life where I knew it wasn’t going to happen for me.. Like, I knew I was never going to be interviewed by GQ. I was one of those guys.
Harbour also shared that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his mid-20s, and that he spent time in a mental institution following a psychotic break. During the same time, he also struggled with alcoholism and considered ending his life. He likely would have done it if not for the fact that he had a kitten at the time (via the Guardian).
However, when Harbour got to star in Stranger Things, he committed to giving it his all, focusing entirely on the role itself, without worrying about whether it would lead to something bigger and better down the line:
I guess you get to a place where you realise, Oh, this isn’t going to happen. And you experience that sadness, and then you just kind of giggle. Like, What am I sad about?! Like, What did I miss? What is the big… Who cares?! And then, through that, there is a feeling of grace or peace.
Hence, despite all the challenges, he credits Stranger Things with helping him find purpose and a sense of belonging that he had been missing. Additionally, Harbour’s honesty about his mental health journey has resonated with fans, showing that even in the depths of despair, there is hope and a path forward.
Stranger Things’ Jim Hopper became a fate-turning role for David Harbour
Even when he landed the lead role of Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, Harbour remained skeptical. During filming, he recalled thinking the series was doomed to fail—“a complete disaster”—and hadn’t expected it to reach a second season.
Eventually, Stranger Things became a global hit, finally allowing Harbour to step into a starring spotlight he once thought he’d never reach. David Harbour’s portrayal of Jim Hopper in Stranger Things has earned widespread public appreciation and critical acclaim.
Audiences have praised his rugged charm and the heartfelt vulnerability he brings to the role of the gruff yet deeply caring police chief. Additionally, Harbour’s performance has resonated with viewers, making the Black Widow star a fan-favorite character.
Furthermore, portraying Hopper transformed Harbour’s life both professionally and personally. The show’s massive success catapulted him into stardom, earning him accolades and a devoted fan base.
Beyond fame, Harbour has said that playing Hopper helped him find purpose and a sense of belonging he had been searching for. This role has not only solidified Harbour’s place as a leading man in Hollywood but also won him multiple award nominations.
It also became a turning point, offering him both stability and the opportunity to grow as an artist and as a person.
Stranger Things is now streaming on Netflix in the US.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
