‘Normal People’ star Paul Mescal discusses portraying Connell’s depression: “It’s not fictional to me, it’s real”

By Will Richards

 

Paul Mescal is Connell in 'Normal People'. Credit: BBC

 

Normal People star Paul Mescal says that a trio of suicides at his school made him “really nervous” to portray character Connell’s depression in the new BBC show.

 

In the show, Connell’s friend takes his own life and his body is found in the river, sending Mescal’s character into a spiral of depression.

 

In a new interview with The Independent, Mescal spoke of the real-life links to the storyline, and how three suicides at his school made him connect to Sally Rooney’s story.

 

“My innocence was ripped away very quickly,” Mescal said. “You think you’re a big boy at 14 but you’re not. You’re still a child.

 

Full Story: https://www.nme.com/news/tv/normal-people-star-paul-mescal-discusses-portraying-connells-depression-its-not-fictional-to-me-its-real-2658614

Great actor and a great series which my Thai wife and I ripped through like a forest fire. Thoroughly recommend.

Just heard that it's the most downloaded item ever on BBC's iPlayer.