Stephen Fry Attributes Marriage Stability to Managing Bipolar Disorder

Stephen Fry, the acclaimed actor and author, has shared that the stability of his marriage has significantly contributed to his management of bipolar disorder. In a recent interview with The Times, the 68-year-old revealed that he feels “calmer” and “happier” since marrying comedian Elliott Spencer in January 2015. The couple first met at a house party in 2012, and their relationship has drawn attention due to their 30-year age difference, with Spencer born in 1987.

Finding Balance Through Partnership

Fry described bipolar disorder as a chronic condition that he has learned to manage over the years. He noted that while the condition is always present, he has developed coping mechanisms to keep it under control. “I have my inhalers, as it were, to keep it at bay,” he told the publication.

The former host of the quiz show QI emphasized the importance of mutual support in his marriage, stating that his and Spencer’s shared cheerfulness has played a crucial role in maintaining their relationship. “When you’re in the presence of a cheerful person, it makes everything better. They’re like their own sunshine,” he explained, highlighting how they uplift each other during challenging times.

Despite their age gap, Fry has been private about their relationship, and the pair has not been seen together publicly since 2019. Fry’s reflections on his past reveal a struggle with self-esteem during his single years in 1980s London. He focused on his career rather than personal relationships, holding a “pathologically low view” of his desirability.

A Journey Through Mental Health

Fry’s journey with bipolar disorder began in earnest when he was diagnosed in 1995 at the age of 37. This diagnosis followed a distressing episode during a run of Simon Gray‘s play Cell Mates, where he fled to Bruges, Belgium, contemplating suicide. Since then, Fry has become a prominent advocate for mental health awareness.

His documentary, Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, released in 2006, explored his experiences with the condition and contributed to public understanding of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, he was appointed president of the mental health charity Mind in 2011, where he has continued to promote conversations around mental health challenges.

Throughout his career, Fry has faced challenges related to his sexuality and public perception. He humorously recounted in a piece for Tatler that he never had sex during his single years, a reputation that lingered for over a decade. “For the next 10, 12 years, people would put the word ‘celibate’ in front of my name,” he stated, illustrating the often harsh scrutiny faced by public figures.

Fry’s insights into his marriage and mental health underline the complexities of living with bipolar disorder while navigating personal relationships. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of support systems and the potential for happiness and stability in the face of ongoing challenges.