Robbie Williams has candidly discussed his mental health struggles, reflecting on how they shaped his career and personal life in a new interview ahead of the release of his highly anticipated biopic Better Man. The film chronicles the highs and lows of Williams’ life, from his early years to his rise as a solo artist after his time with Take That.
In a conversation with Smooth’s Jenni Falconer, the 50-year-old singer revealed how poor mental health affected his ability to fully appreciate some of his biggest career milestones. Williams, known for his chart-topping hits like Angels, admitted that even iconic moments such as his record-breaking Knebworth concerts in 2003, which saw over 100,000 fans every night, were overshadowed by his internal struggles.
“I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been mentally ill for a very long time, I couldn’t derive any joy from anything,” Williams shared. “My whole life terrified me, and that was just another episode of my life terrifying me because I didn’t feel big enough to do it.”
Despite these challenges, Williams expressed pride in his perseverance and his ability to deliver powerful performances despite being “broken inside.” Reflecting on his Knebworth shows, he said, “I turned up and I gave a performance, and people that were there haven’t forgotten that performance and what it meant to them.” He compared his resilience to the sentiment in Taylor Swift’s song I Can Do It With a Broken Heart, emphasizing that the experience of performing, not the concert itself, is what he holds most dear.
Williams also opened up about his biopic Better Man, which has intrigued audiences with its unconventional portrayal of the singer. In the film, he is depicted as a monkey, a choice that initially confused even his wife, Ayda Field. However, Williams now supports the eccentric creative direction, calling it “completely works” despite its initial controversy. The film, described by critics as “Billy Elliot meets Planet of the Apes,” is part of Williams’ newfound passion for filmmaking, with the singer admitting that he has grown fond of the industry and is even involved in awards-related events. Better Man has already garnered 16 nominations from the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts and has made it to the Oscar shortlist for 2025.
Looking ahead, Williams is set to embark on a UK and European tour in 2025, but he is prioritizing family time during his travels. His four children—Teddy, 12, Charlie, 10, Coco, 6, and Beau, 4—will join him on the road as he prepares for the next chapter in his career. “I want them to [come along],” he said, noting that their presence is essential for him to spend time with them while touring.
Despite his fame, Williams’ children remain largely uninterested in his rockstar status. He joked that his son Charlie has often been seen distracted with an iPad during his performances. However, there was a moment of revelation during Robbie’s BST Hyde Park set last summer, where Charlie watched in awe as his father performed, remarking, “Wow, okay, this is something.”
As Better Man prepares for its December 26 release, Robbie Williams’ journey through the ups and downs of fame, family, and mental health continues to resonate with fans and the public alike.
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