Bill Hader’s history of panic attacks quite literally played a role in his acclaimed showBarry.
The actor and comedian, 44, tellsPEOPLE in 10that having dealt with sporadic, acute fits of anxiety in his own life helped shape his Emmy-nominated performance in the HBO dark comedy that he co-created, stars in and directed.
“There’s definitely been moments in the show where the character has gotten panicked and got a panic attack, and I definitely felt that before,” Hader shares.
Barry.Aaron Epstein/HBO
“When I was onSaturday Night LiveI would get panic attacks pretty frequently,” continued Hader. “You know Barry has a panic attack and you go, ‘I know exactly what that feels like.'”
Hader appeared on NBC’s long-running late-night sketch show from 2005 to 2014 and brought memorable characters to life, including"Weekend Update" correspondent Stefon.
On this week’sPEOPLE in 10, Hader and his costars call this season “scary,” “heartbreaking,” “astonishing” and a “gut punch.”
Stephen Root, who plays the villainous Monroe Fuches, teases: “What you see is not what you get.”
RELATED Video: Henry Winkler On the Running Scenes inBarry: ‘My Knees Are Screaming at Me’
During an interview withVultureafter the end of the third season of the show, Hader discussed his decision to bring his character back one last time.
“Well dying, the story’s over, and I thought there was more story. There’s only so long a guy can get away with this,” he said.
“I know I feel watching shows sometimes, ‘They’re trying to keep the thing going and now it’s getting ridiculous to keep the thing going,'” he explained. “And so, I think [Barry] would get caught. He’s notJason BourneorWalter White. He’s not a genius. He’s a very dumb guy.”
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Barryairs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and can be streamed on HBO Max.
source: people.com
