Success: David Harewood enjoys a busy career with work across the globe
Can you run upstairs?
I play a superhero in TV’s Supergirl, so I do two or three high-intensity workouts a week with a personal trainer. I’ve taken up snowboarding, too. At 52 I’m probably fitter than ever.
Ever dieted?
Doing so much TV for the past six years I’m more conscious of my weight. I’m about 14st 9lb and 6ft tall. I’m trying to consume less sugar, less salt and drink more water. If I don’t do that I can see very quickly that I’ve been on the pies.
Get your five a day?
I’m getting better. I’d like to introduce some veganism into my regime.
Any vices?
Belgian waffles with maple syrup. Häagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry’s chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Also Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Worst illness or injury?
three months ago I came off my electric skateboard and very nearly ruptured my Achilles tendon. I had to use a walking stick for a couple of days. The main ailment I feel now is age.
Pop any pills?
I take statins.
Had anything removed?
I had a painful rotten tooth removed by a dentist in South Africa when filming there 18 months ago.
Plastic surgery?
I got mercilessly bullied for my large ears as a kid and almost got them done, then decided against it. In recent years people have said I got jobs as I look distinctive because of my ears.
Cope well with pain?
No. I hate it. If I have any pain I have to get it sorted immediately.
Depression: David admits that being a struggling actor was ‘the most depressed that I’ve been’
Tried alternative remedies?
I once tried a homeopathic hay fever remedy but I was back on the Benadryl within an hour.
Ever been depressed?
As a young actor, when I wasn’t working I was the most depressed that I’ve been. When the phone isn’t ringing it can be soul destroying. Luckily, my wife, Kirsty, and my two children, Maize and Raven, helped pull me through. In a separate incident 30 years ago I had a psychotic episode and was sectioned at the Whittington Hospital in North London after behaving erratically. I still don’t truly understand why it happened, but it amazes me how many high-functioning people who have made full recoveries have suffered from mental illness.
Hangover cure?
I’m a hair-of-the-dog type, so I’ll have some Jameson’s.
What keeps you awake?
NOT having enough money for the mortgage used to keep me awake, but my role in Homeland saved my bacon.
Any phobias?
Spiders and rats. I would be useless in I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here!
Like to live for ever?
No. I believe you burn bright and then you go off.
To order a green ribbon to support The Mental Health Foundation, go to mentalhealth.org.uk/green-ribbon-pin-badges