Stranger Things star Jamie Campbell Bower reveals that portraying Vecna led to mental illness

Vecna took a toll on Jamie Campbell Bower

Jamie Campbell Bower is known for many projects, including The Twilight Saga, Bloodmoon, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He also had the dual roles of Vecna and Henry Creel in Stranger Things.

As I watched season 5 of the Netflix series, I was curious about the actor and wondered if taking on such an evil character for an extended period might have a long-term effect. Campbell, in an interview with The Express, has confirmed this was his experience.

Henry was devious, and Vecna was the personification of pure evil. Bower said he talked to his therapist and they agreed that he should take a break from portraying villians.

Campbell admits he is in recovery

Look at the difference between the images of Bower and his Stranger Things character. You canh see the actor embracing the disturbed Henry and it cost him.

The actor who is also a musician was born in London on Novemnber 22, 1988. His mother,Anne Elizabeth Roseberry is a music manager, and his father David Bower, works for the Gibson Guitar Corporation. He has been open about his struggles with mental health and alcoholism. According to Wikipedia, Jamie Bower discussed his situation in 2019.

"I'm in recovery, so one of the first things that they teach you when you're in recovery is to be super honest about what it is that you're feeling, like guilt, shame, fear, sadness, whatever it is, the most important thing is, and it's the hardest thing to do, is just express exactly what it is that you're feeling."

Bower may ditch playing villains

Bower said portraying villains had "Fu***ed him up." And he is considering not taking on such roles in the future. Some might say that taking on such an intense dual role was nto the wisest choice for someone dealing with mental health and substance use, but Jamie Campbell Bower seems to be taking the appropriate steps to deal with his situation.

Bower also said The great thing is that healing begins just when you realize that nothing can be controlled, and you start to let go. When you understand that by expressing yourself with fragility, instead of worsening, the opinion of others towards you increases, and the knowledge of others also improves. I had lost connection with my voice, with beauty, with spirituality.

Bower's spirituality is questioned

Bower says his religious beliefs are private, and he does not feel comfortable sharing them with the world. Some have labeled him a Christian, but he wears a Buddhist tattoo and a necklace of the Hindu god Shiva. There have also been complaints from the LBGTQ community that some of his roles are not diverse.

Stranger Things has become a global sensation and the biggest franchise to date. All of the cast members were talented, their futures appear bright, and they should have promising careers if they remain in acting.

What comes next for Jamie Campbell Bower?

It's unfortunate that the popular characters from Hawkins, Indiana, took such a toll on the portrayer, but at times this comes with the territory. Many actors have admitted that certain characters drained them.

The next role for Bower will be later this year in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ Season 3. He will portray which probably will not affect him the same way as Henry Creel/Vecna. His fans and followers wish him well.

A word of caution for those who entertain for a living. Both Prince and Michael Jackson desired to please fans and pushed their bodies beyond limits with their schedules and dance moves. They paid the ultimate price-their lives. Best of luck to Jamie Campbell Bower in maintaining his career, sobriety and mental health