Lennie James Discusses the Mental Toll of “The Walking Dead” and the Benefits of CBD Oil

Lennie James, known for his portrayal of Morgan Jones in the acclaimed apocalypse drama The Walking Dead, recently opened up about the intense psychological impact his role had on him over a decade. The actor, 59, revealed that the demanding environment of the show led him to experience night terrors, prompting him to turn to CBD oil for relief.

The Impact of a Post-Apocalyptic World

During an interview with The Guardian, James explained how immersing himself in such a harrowing storyline not only shaped his character but also began to affect his personal life. He noted that, as he became more entrenched in the grim realities of a zombie-infested world, he started having increasingly vivid dreams—many of which resulted in waking up in distress.

“One of the byproducts of being in the zombie world for as long as I was was I started having very vivid and lucid dreams,” he elaborated. James would often wake up shouting, causing disturbances that made it challenging for his wife to get a restful night’s sleep next to him.

Finding Relief with CBD Oil

In search of a remedy to manage these disturbances, James mentioned that CBD oil—derived from the cannabis plant—was recommended to him. He acknowledged that using it has proven effective for relaxation, stating, “It works. So I’d take that into a dystopia.” His experience highlights how actors can carry the emotional weight of their roles into their everyday lives.

The Evolution of Morgan Jones

James’s character began appearing in The Walking Dead selectively during its first five seasons but soon became a series regular in 2013. Two years later, he transitioned to lead the spin-off series Fear the Walking Dead.

Doubts About the Crossover

Despite the opportunity, James expressed initial hesitations about taking on the lead in the spin-off. In a conversation with The Independent, he shared, “When I was deciding whether or not to say yes to the crossover, I was like: ‘There’s really no point doing this outside of the gimmick.’” This candid reflection shows the complexities actors face when considering their professional journey amidst potential public perception.

The Show’s Declining Popularity

Despite its initial success, The Walking Dead saw a decline in viewership, particularly after its seventh season, which aired in 2016. The steep drop-off was evident by the time the show reached its 10th season, where the opener attracted just 4.5 million viewers—a far cry from the 17.3 million who tuned in for the fifth season’s premiere in 2014.

Nonetheless, the franchise expanded with multiple spin-offs, including The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Tales from the Walking Dead, and continuing leads in Fear the Walking Dead.

James’s Expanding Career

Beyond the zombie apocalypse, Lennie James has made significant contributions to television by portraying complex characters in other series. He is also recognized for his role as the corrupt officer Tony Gates in BBC’s Line of Duty and for his performance as Nelly Rowe in Sky’s Save Me. His latest role, as Barrington in the BBC adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s novel Mr Loverman, has garnered him a solo nomination at this year’s Bafta TV Awards, marking a notable achievement in his acting career.

Conclusion

Lennie James’s reflections on his time in The Walking Dead expose critical elements of the acting profession, particularly how long-term roles in emotionally taxing narratives can spill over into daily life. His journey through both triumphs and challenges serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support for those deeply entrenched in their characters’ often harrowing experiences.