Chris Rock Opens Up About Therapy, Self-Doubt and Return to Directing

American comedian, actor and filmmaker Chris Rock has opened up about his post-COVID-19 journey through therapy, saying the experience has helped him confront personal insecurities, develop greater empathy and rethink the direction of his life.

The 61-year-old entertainer discussed his mental health journey and return to filmmaking during a recent interview with The New York Times, explaining that the COVID-19 lockdown forced him to take a deeper look at his priorities and personal wellbeing.

Rock said he has spent the past several years in therapy, with much of the work focused on overcoming insecurity and developing a stronger sense of self-worth.

He also acknowledged that self-doubt can arise when he compares himself with highly productive peers or evaluates his own performance as a father. Rock has two daughters, Lola and Zahra, with his former wife, Malaak Compton-Rock.

The comedian also spoke about living with nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), which he said affects his ability to interpret nonverbal cues. He explained that some tendencies that can benefit him professionally as a comedian, including catastrophising and black-and-white thinking, can create difficulties in personal relationships.

According to Rock, therapy has helped him become more emotionally aware and empathetic. He said the process has changed the way he understands other people and approaches relationships.

His period of self-reflection has also influenced his career. Rock said his 12-year gap from directing feature films followed a combination of personal and professional challenges, including his divorce, financial responsibilities, the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties getting some projects off the ground.

Rock directed his last feature film, Top Five, in 2014. During his time away from the director’s chair, he said he came to the conclusion that he wanted to focus more on smaller, character-driven films and spend more time writing.

That change in perspective has resulted in Misty Green, an upcoming drama produced by A24. Rock wrote and directed the film and also stars alongside British-Nigerian actress Rosalind Eleazar.

Misty Green is scheduled to premiere on October 9, marking Rock’s return to feature filmmaking after more than a decade away.