David Krumholtz says he is doing just fine, and he is not going anywhere.
Two days after his since-deleted Threads posts announcing an acting break went viral, the Supergirl actor returned Wednesday with a lengthy Instagram statement clearing up what he actually meant.
“Firstly, I am very well. And I feel very loved. Secondly, I never used the word ‘retiring’ or ‘quitting.’ Instead, I said that I decided to put my career on hold,” wrote Krumholtz.
“I don’t expect anyone to understand, but the outpouring of support for my decision has been deeply heartwarming. I am wildly grateful, as more than one of my biggest dreams have come true as a result of being an actor.”
Still, he admits the dream finally caught up with him: “A time has come where the weight of those dreams and ambitions has become surprisingly oppressive. That’s a me problem, not a Hollywood as a whole problem.”
‘I Love My Mountain Of Disappointments’
Krumholtz laid out the math of a working actor’s life plainly.
“There are no rules that guarantee success, but I know this: an amazing career in this business consists of a small handful of triumphs, but not without a mountain of disappointments,” he wrote.
“I love my mountain of disappointments, I do, but I’m human and my mountain is starting to sting more than it used to. Need time to figure that out, let it heal. My mental health is vital to my family.”
He says he now finds himself “at a crossroads between the inherent self involvement being a professional actor requires, and a burning desire to give more of myself to others in need, in whatever way I can. And so, for the time being, I’m pursuing that goal.”
He also made clear fans have not seen the last of him.
“There’s still more work to come. Stuff to be seen. And as always, I really hope you enjoy what I’ve put out there. Just… gimme a sec.”
Jamie Lee Curtis: ‘This Is A Dangerous Business’
The post pulled in more than 12,000 likes, including one from Captain Marvel star Brie Larson, and the comments section turned into a Hollywood support group.
Jamie Lee Curtis pointed to a friend’s essay titled “This Is a Dangerous Business” and went off on the state of the industry.
“It’s also a business in flux and shapeshifting in front of our eyes. Technology combined with the continued fallout from the pandemic and the artistic corporatization industrial complex of the art form we all love, has resulted in many many many many many many artists losing opportunities and hope,” wrote Curtis. “Protect your mental health and find your bliss and know that you are respected as an artist and as a human.”
Iron Fist and Ozark actor Tom Pelphrey kept it lighter: “Sanity? Balance? Perspective? The desire to help others? Are you okay?” he joked, adding, “You’re a GREAT actor recharge that battery while I search hi and low for something to do together.”
Jillian Bell wrote, “You have to protect your mental health first and foremost. You are one of my favorite actors and I can’t wait for the day you say put me back in coach. But until then, you live your life and take a much deserved exhale. Love you buddy.”
Rachel Zegler commented, “you’re the best and you keep it very real and we love you,” while Judd Apatow dropped a pair of hearts and Frances Fisher offered some veteran perspective: “I quit every night and recommit in the morning. There’s so much more to do in the world than acting.”
His Serenity co-star Jewel Staite left applause, Jaimie Alexander wrote “In full support,” and Spy Kids star Daryl Sabara told him, “You have been, still are, and will continue to be THE MAN.”
Jason Marsden predicted, “You’ll return (if you so choose) even more powerful than ever before,” with more love pouring in from Constance Zimmer, Kellie Martin, Jennifer Esposito, and Ravi Patel, who cracked, “I’ve quit a couple times and you’re reminding me I need to do it again soon.”
Krumholtz, 48, kicked all of this off Monday with Threads posts declaring himself “frustrated, fed up, fried,” posts he has since taken down.
The Zor-El actor is fresh off Supergirl and Oppenheimer, with finished work still on the way. As he put it, gimme a sec.
